If you’d like a high-quality learning experience on a powerboat with an all-women crew, consider the upcoming courses offered by Sea Sense. From May 12 to 16 you can cruise Puget Sound, and from August 10 to 16 you can explore the San Juans. Instruction covers boat handling and maneuvering, docking, anchoring and mooring, basic engine maintenance, navigation and man-overboard drills. Beginners and intermediate students are promised fun and adventure in a supportive learning environment for around $3,000. Check out www.seasenseboating.com or call 800-332-1404 or 727-865-1404.

For those who are curious about woodworking, The Center for Wooden Boats is offering an introduction to basic joinery, laminating, fastening and finishing techniques. Women are invited to join Jennifer Kuhn for one of two courses: evening classes for two weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays starting May 12, or Tuesdays and Thursdays starting October 7. The cost is $240.

On a lighter note: if you’re ever in need of some nautically related retail therapy, take a look at www.nautigirl.biz, a newly created line of gifts and apparel. Christine Palmerton, owner of Par Yacht Charters in Bellingham, has turned an attitude into a logo, and is offering women who like to take the helm a stylish way to show off their boating expertise