ASA 103 Coastal Cruising is the next step in your sailing journey. Building on the skills learned in ASA 101, this hands-on course introduces you to the operation of a larger cruising sailboat and prepares you for greater responsibility as both skipper and crew.

Throughout this intensive two-day course, you’ll gain practical experience handling an auxiliary-powered sailboat under both sail and power. You’ll learn how to prepare the boat and crew for departure, maneuver and dock safely, understand essential onboard systems, interpret weather information, anchor securely, and respond to common emergencies.

Upon successfully completing the course requirements, you’ll earn your ASA 103 certification and have the knowledge and skills needed to skipper a 25- to 35-foot sloop-rigged, auxiliary-powered keelboat during daylight hours in moderate winds and sea conditions.

By the end of the course, you’ll have greater confidence handling a cruising sailboat and a solid foundation for planning and enjoying daytime coastal cruises. ASA 103 also prepares you to continue your sailing education with ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising.

This is a two day course that runs each day from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

What You’ll Learn

ASA 103 expands your sailing knowledge and introduces the practical skills needed for safe, enjoyable daytime coastal cruising, including:

• Cruising sailboat terminology and equipment
• Preparing the vessel and crew for departure
• Basic sailboat systems and auxiliary engine operation
• Pre-departure checks and safety procedures
• Maneuvering under sail and power
• Docking and departing from a dock
• Intermediate sail trim and sail handling
• Reefing and responding to changing conditions
• Anchoring procedures and selecting an appropriate anchorage
• Basic navigation and chart reading
• Aids to navigation and navigation rules
• Weather observation and interpretation
• Crew-overboard prevention and recovery
• Emergency procedures and problem-solving
• Line handling, knots, and marlinspike seamanship
• Skipper and crew communication and responsibilities

Prerequisites

ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1 certification is required. Students should also be able to demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills covered in the ASA 101 standard.

American Sailing recommends completing at least 24 hours of on-the-water sailing experience before beginning ASA 103. Additional time practicing the skills learned in ASA 101 will help you arrive prepared to make the most of this more advanced course.

What’s Included

Course tuition includes:

• Two days of sailing instruction
• ASA 103 Coastal Cruising instruction
• ASA 103 Coastal Cruising Made Easy textbook and course materials, mailed to you ahead of class so you can prepare before arriving.
• ASA 103 written examination and practical skills assessment
• ASA 103 certification upon successful completion
• All of your sailing time aboard our training sailboat, including use of the boat and all required sailing equipment.
• A no-cost make-up session if severe or unsafe weather prevents the class from completing the required on-the-water skills

Sailing is naturally weather dependent. Whenever possible, we adjust the day’s activities around changing conditions. If severe weather makes sailing unsafe, we’ll work with the class to schedule any necessary make-up time at no additional cost.

Course Tuition

$897 per person

Build your coastal cruising skills and take the next step toward greater confidence and independence on the water. Reserve your place aboard!