[Please note that experienced or very experienced sailors may challenge lower levels and earn a reduced class fee]

For course costs click on "Courses & Costs"

BASIC KEELBOAT SAILING STANDARD (101)

Pre-requisites: None

General Description: Able to sail a boat of at least 20 feet in length in light to moderate wind conditions in familiar waters without supervision. Hands on course that includes terminology, sail handling and trim, crew duties, all points of sail, anchoring, docking, picking up a mooring, man overboard drill, basic rules, knot tying. A preparatory Standard with no auxiliary power or navigation skills required. This course is approved by the U S Coast Guard and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary has adopted the land based or theoretical part of this ASA course for the Coast Guard Auxiliary's Sailing Program. The ASA Basic Sailing manual is now used in the Auxiliary's course.

BASIC COASTAL CRUISING STANDARD (103)

Pre-requisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate
(Or challenge ASA 101)

General Description: Able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary powered sailboat of about 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions. Includes terminology for large sailboat, parts inventory, more navigation rules, USCG and ASA equipment lists, selection, handling and trim of larger sails, reefing, winch operation, basic navigation, more knots, inboard and outboard engine operation. Docking, anchoring, mooring and man overboard maneuver under sail and power.

BAREBOAT CHARTERING STANDARD (104)

Pre-requisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising
(Or challenge ASA 103)

General Description: An advanced cruising Standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew of a 30 - 50 foot boat sailing by day in coastal waters. The Standard includes knowledge of boat systems and maintenance procedures, working knowledge of appliances, electrical systems, engine and marine head. More rules, tide tables, weather, advanced sail trim in all wind conditions, man overboard drill. Student expected to navigate and pilot the boat into an unfamiliar harbor. A 3-day weekend/weekday live aboard course that prepares the student for skippering a charter boat.

COASTAL NAVIGATION STANDARD (105)

Pre-requisites: None

General Description: Able to demonstrate the navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters. There is no Sailing Skills part to this Standard and practical application of this sailing knowledge is found in the Advanced Coastal Cruising Standard.

ADVANCED COASTAL CRUISING STANDARD (106)

Pre-requisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Chartering

General Description: Able to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 3O to 5O ft in length. This is a day and nighttime Standard in coastal and inland water, in any weather. The standard requires 20 nm by day and 20 nm by night, at least 48 hours of continuous sailing and at least one navigation watch and one watch as skipper.

Please NOTE:
1. An experienced sailor may by-pass lower classes.
2. Any one can participate in any aspect of any course without taking the ASA examination.