Beginning/Intermediate Sailing (ASA 101/103)
Earn ASA 101 and ASA 103 certifications
Leaves from Marina del Rey
Approximately 35 – 40 hours of course time
Learn to sail in a safe and supportive environment under the expert tutelage of our experienced instructors. You will acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to sail a modern, mid-sized cruising yacht.
The course includes the ASA 101/103 certification upon successful completion of both written and on the water tests.
Details:
- There are 3 to 6 students per class, so there is plenty of individualized attention.
- Acquire confidence through our 100% hands-on training program. You will be at the helm, and handling sails, lines, and winches on your very first lesson.
- Learn to skipper and sail a 25-38-foot yacht with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed, ASA certified instructor.
- Earn 2 ASA Certifications: Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising
- Learn on the boats you will be qualified to charter when you successfully complete the course! Enjoy our privately-owned, cruise and race-equipped meticulously maintained boats from the start.
- Each day is a new adventure, providing new scenery, wildlife and sightseeing as you sail out of Marina del Rey into the Pacific Ocean to Santa Monica, Malibu and Redondo Beach. We return to the harbor every night.
- Our exclusive confidence sailing course consists of five modules, each one full day on the water from approximately 9AM-4PM (*may change due to weather or class size), for a total of 35-40 hours.
- Choose between two course formats: Saturday and Sunday courses for 2 1/2 weeks or 5 consecutive weekdays.
Important!
Prior to 5-day Begining/Intermediate Sailing ASA 101/103: Please purchase and read the books Sailing Made Easy and Coasting Cruising Made Easy both by The American Sailing Association (ASA). Also, please review the general information and rules for classes.
Course Syllabus
DAY 1: The hull, rigging and sails and their mechanical systems. Maneuvering the boat with the diesel engine. All about knots, the mainsail system and sailing through all points of sail. Introduction to tacking and jibing.
DAY 2: More knots, US Coast Guard required equipment, how to use the VHF radio. The furling headsail system, sailing a compass course, more tacking and jibing, the right of way rules, all about your diesel engine and electrical systems (both 110v & 12v). The thru-hull valves and seacocks, propane stove and the head and bilge systems.
DAY 3: An introduction into heavy weather sailing, reefing the main and roller furling jib, changing headsails. Basic navigation, charts, navigational aids, basic tools, plotting your position, dead reckoning, determining course and distance, weather and sources of information. Local hazards, man overboard procedures, using the autopilot, advanced sail trim.
DAY 4: all about anchoring, where and how to anchor, what is a lee shore, chafe, using the windlass, anchoring bow & stern. Motor-sailing, operating/towing your dinghy and outboard, electronic navigation, using the radar and GPS. What is velocity made good, or course made good, understanding the depth sounder, wind indicator, and using the autopilot.
DAY 5: Take the A.S.A. written tests in the morning.Prove your sailing skills in the afternoon with a graduation sail.