ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising

Take the next step towards sailing proficiency!

Course Description

ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising is a comprehensive sailing course that equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to confidently navigate and handle a sailboat in near-coastal waters. This intermediate-level public course builds upon the fundamentals taught in ASA 101, focusing on seamanship, boat handling, safety procedures, and navigation techniques suitable for cruising along coastlines and in moderate wind and sea conditions. Students will gain hands-on experience in sail trim, anchoring, reefing, and crew coordination, while also mastering the art of coastal navigation using charts and instruments. By the end of ASA 103, participants will be well-prepared to embark on coastal cruising adventures with competence and safety awareness, making it an ideal step towards becoming a proficient sailor.

By the completion of the course, students will have:
- Demonstrated ability to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (outboard or inboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet length by day in moderate winds and sea conditions.
- Knowledge of cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather forecast interpretation, safety and seamanship.