3 Day Live-Aboard ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising Certification

Course Objective

Spend three days and two nights (optional 3rd night) aboard a Hunter 36 sailboat. Obtain the skills to safely sail to other harbors like Dana Point and Alamitos Bay. Upon completion of this course, you should be able to skipper your boat safely outside the harbor, along the coast, day or night, in moderate winds up to 15 knots.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive in Newport Beach, CA. Complimentary pick up from John Wayne International Airport or meet at our offices. Drive down to your live aboard yacht to stow your belongings. Participate in boat orientation. Buy provisions for your stay. Begin the ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising Course with private captain. Wrap up the day at approximately 5PM. Evening on your own. Walk to one of the many fine restaurants in Newport Beach or BBQ/cook on board.

Day 2:

Enjoy leisurely breakfast aboard boat. Go for a walk or run, or relax. Captain will meet aboard your boat at the time convenient for you. Continue ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising training for a four block of time. Depending on wind conditions, sail down toward Laguna Beach and Dana Point or up to Huntington Beach and Long Beach. Evening on your own.

Day 3:

In the morning, take ASA 103 written test aboard your vessel. Captain will grade and review any missed questions with you. A grade of 80% is passing. Complete on the water portion of ASA 103 test--go for a sail and demonstrate your skills to the captain. Enjoy your new sailing skills while sailing past the beautiful waterfront homes, mega yachts, and sea lion colonies. Afternoon on your own. Take the boat to a water front restaurant for lunch, go kayaking, or ride beach cruisers around Newport Harbor and the islands. Pack up belongings. Depart boat at 5pm. (Optional 3rd night live-aboard available.)

Course Overview

Night sailing
Heavy weather sailing and docking, weather permitting
Crew overboard outside the harbor
Anchoring outside the harbor on a lee shore
Reefing and heaving to
More knots
More info on the Yanmar Diesel Engine and backing into a slip
Autopilot, Chart plotter, GPS and VHF instruction

To view the full ASA 103 curriculum, click here

Materials

ASA Sailing Fundamentals Book, Part 2

Prerequisite

ASA 101

To view the full ASA 103 curriculum, click here.

Tuition

Tuition includes all books, materials, testing and annual ASA Membership for two students over 18 years of age.
Additional ASA certifications for persons over age 18: $150.00 p/person
ASA certification for persons under age 18 is not available; however, a certificate of completion will be awarded to your junior crew members.

Scheduling

You work with the instructor to schedule the days and times that will be best for your family.