The U.S. Coast Guard-Auxiliary is set to begin a class on Sailing Skills and Seamanship on Aug. 14 in Long Beach at the police station, 5375 E. 2nd St. (corner of 2nd St. and Claremont).

The eight-week course will cover sailboat types, how a boat sails, basic sailboat maneuvering, rigging and boat handling, safety equipment, trailering, safety equipment, aids to navigation, auxiliary engines, weather, and the boat's radio, among other things.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on boat insurance for successful completion of classes such as this one.

It's designed for people 12-years old and up, and, although the instruction is free, the textbook costs $45.

The class will run from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. every Friday.

For further information, contact USCG-Aux. instructor Robert Vatz, at bobnflip@aol.com, (562) 493-3479.