ASA 103 · Basic Coastal Cruising
Our bareboat qualification up to 32 feet. Built for graduates of ASA 101, this four-day course starts with a 101 refresher aboard a 30–32 foot monohull, then develops the skills you need for independent, short-range cruising.
Apply for ASA 103ASA 103 is for graduates of the ASA 101 course who are ready to move from day sailing into cruising. The course begins with a 101 refresher aboard a 30–32 foot monohull, then builds the knowledge and skills for independent, short-range coastal cruising — the standard that qualifies you to bareboat charter a vessel up to 32 feet.
You'll cover cruising boat systems, the auxiliary engine, docking and anchoring, intermediate sail trim, coastal navigation, weather, and the seamanship to handle moderate winds and sea conditions with confidence.
Four days aboard a 30–32 foot monohull. A live-aboard option is available with limited space — call the office to reserve your spot. The price includes the textbook, study guide, testing, and certification.
Our season typically runs from the beginning of May through the first week of October. Contact us for additional dates that may not be posted here.
On completion, a certified ASA 103 sailor has demonstrated the ability to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary-powered (inboard or outboard) keelboat of roughly 25 to 35 feet by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions — with a working knowledge of cruising terminology, boat systems, engine operation, docking, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety, and seamanship.
Identify and describe the parts, areas, and systems of a cruising sailboat and how they function.
Federally required and ASA-recommended gear, types of PFDs, safety harnesses and tethers, securing gear, and safe refueling.
Basic coastal navigation, charts and aids, compass and magnetic direction, plus obtaining and interpreting marine weather and recognizing dangerous conditions.
Choose sail combinations for light, moderate, and heavy wind; reduce sail with roller furling and slab reefing; and heave-to.
Apply the Navigation Rules for safe speed, collision risk, sailing vessels, overtaking, and crossing; know navigation lights, sound signals, restricted-visibility procedures, and anchoring scope and selection.
Recognize and respond to the urgent situations a cruising skipper may face.
Inspect and operate the auxiliary engine, depart and return to a dock or slip under control, pick up a mooring, and set and retrieve a bow anchor.
Without coaching, skipper the boat safely through every maneuver while keeping sails trimmed and the vessel in control.
Tie each of the following without assistance, in a timely manner, and describe its purpose.
Call us at 231.941.0535 to check dates or reserve a live-aboard spot, or apply online.
Classes run mid-May through early October. ASA 101 certification is required before taking ASA 103. Contact the office to confirm availability, reserve live-aboard space, or ask about additional dates.