ASA 106

Take a challenging three day/two-night voyage on one of our coastal cruising vessels!

Duration

3 Days/2 Nights rotating day and night watches for an advanced sailing route to be determined by crew and weather variables. Meet at the boat at 9:00 a.m. on day one. We will return to the dock about 4:30 p.m. on the last day.

About

Students will learn to skipper and navigate a sailing vessel of approximately 30 to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions, day or night. Develop advanced knowledge of sail theory, steering forces, sail control, weather prediction (using clouds and instruments), heavy weather precautions, safety and seamanship, boat systems maintenance. Apply coastal navigation techniques learned in the ASA Coastal Navigation 105 course. This is an advanced course expecting the highest standard of achievement.

Advanced techniques and Topics include:

• Sailing Skills – Describe true/apparent wind, center of effort, center of lateral resistance, lee and weather helm, sail shape and adjusting for light and heavy winds, twist, advanced sail trim, spinnaker work (Optional).
• Seamanship and Safety-heavy weather precautions and techniques, sail changes, reefing, heaving-to, lying a-hull, rafting at anchor, jacklines and harness, sea anchor, safety checks, stowage, gear, etc., dinghy management, one/two anchoring methods, trip lines, Mediterranean mooring, docking, towing, distress signals, night time overboard recovery.
• Coastal Navigation and Piloting-basic chart plotting, dead reckoning, course corrections for set and drift, leeway, navigation in day and night including two/three-point fixes, running fix, use of GPS/chart plotters and radar, use of VHF radio for distress, stand day and night watches.
• Weather- Utilizing barometer to predict and interpret weather, clouds, thermal and prevailing winds, sources of marine weather info, fog navigation techniques.
• Protocols, local and international requirements
• Cruising Boat Management and Engineering- health & safety, provisioning for a journey, galley operations, cruising boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, routine maintenance procedures, what-ifs, inspections, safety systems, emergency operations.

Pre-Requisites

• ASA Bareboat Charter 104 and Coastal Navigation 105 certifications and the ability to demonstrate all knowledge and skills elements of those standards.

Textbook: Advanced Cruising Techniques

What to Bring

Required Equipment: Refer to the packing list included with your course materials for all required and recommended equipment for this course.

**Due to the overnight and long-term exposure to the elements during this course, students will not be allowed to participate without proper gear.

Some items on the list include:
• Bottled water/ personal thermos /snacks
• Towels, Sleeping Bag, Pillow
• Sunglasses, preferably polarized. Sunscreen
• Hat or Cap, wool hat
• Non-marking shoes, such as tennis shoes or deck shoes without black bottoms that might leave scuff marks on the boats. Wool socks
• Bring layers to wear; it is cooler out on the water!
• Rain gear and boots– two sets in case it rains continuously
• Harness, tether, personal strobe-light, optional handheld GPS and/or VHF radio
• ASA textbook and logbook. Writing pad, pen
• Navigation tools, binoculars, flashlight or headlamp

What to Expect

• This course will take place starting in the classroom promptly at 9am and is conducted as an advanced coastal cruise of at least 48 hours, typically, one night is out to sea overnight, the second at anchor.

• Come prepared. The written exam will be conducted within the duration of the course. Upon passing written and practical skills at 80 percent or higher you will earn the ASA Advanced Coastal Cruising 106 certification.

• We are mailing your ASA 106 Course Text, Packing List and Study Guide out to you. Please review the course text and study guide in advance of your course and make sure to bring all materials to the class with you.