ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising
Welcome to the world of cruising! This class continues what you learn during your ASA 101 class and takes you to the next level: the fundamentals of cruising.
What you learn:
- Large boat Systems & Handling
- Improved sailing technics
- Improved Sail trimming
- Engine and boat systems operations
- Docking and Anchoring
- Maneuvering under power
- Basic Navigation
- Seamanship (knots, currents, wind observations, safety)
How is it taught?
Pre-requisite: ASA 101
Free access to online ASA 103 preparation class prior to joining the class
3 days, 9 AM to 5 PM – Tuesday to Thursday or Friday to Sunday
Classroom time alternates with extensive hands-on training on the water
30’ boat with a helm
ASA 103 test conducted in the classroom
Maximum 4 students per class
What do you get?
- ASA 103 certificate
What will you able to do after ASA 101:
Become a skipper of a 25–35 feet boat during daylight, local waters, moderate wind
You can rent one of our sailboats and enjoy Narragansett Bay
Join ASA 104 class
What is ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising?
ASA 103 is the first step to cruising. It means that you will not only learn how to sail better, but how to cruise and learn a lot about your vessel and the environment. This program brings you to another level of confidence:
Sailboat terminology (review from ASA 101)
Basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation
Docking procedures
Sail trim (fine tuning)
Navigation rules, basic coastal navigation
Anchoring
Weather interpretation
Safety and seamanship
And… fun with the crew and your instructor!
How is ASA 103 class taught?
The class is run for three consecutive days from 9am to 5pm:
From Tuesday to Thursday
From Friday to Sunday
The day is split between classroom class and on water sessions. At Narragansett Sailing, we believe in learning by doing so we make sure you spend as much time as possible on the water with your ASA certified instructor and a minimum of 5 hours per day. There are no more than 4 students per class.
Learn on 30 feet sailboat with a helm
We decided to teach ASA 103 on the same boats as ASA 101 because our students are familiar with the boats and can be immediately ready to learn more skills. We skip the adaptation time and we are more efficient. The boats were especially designed for our waters and perfectly adapted to our environment. You can find more information about our boat fleet here. (link to Our fleet page)
How to prepare for the class?
Upon registration, you will receive a link to the online American Sailing ASA 103 preparation class. A perfect way to get ready and to learn the basics of cruising. These preparatory classes are full of instructive pictures and diagrams and fun quizzes. Everything is offered for free by Narragansett Sailing School. You will also receive a textbook “Sailing Made Easy” by American Sailing if you do not already have it. Another great addition to our class.
What is included in the class?
Online preparation class
Class material to practice knots
Sailboat models to explain sailing fundamentals
ASA certification
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Test material
The book Coastal Cruising Made Easy can be purchased upon registration and will be mailed to you
ASA 103 Detailed Basic Cruising Program
Lots of docking skills are taught in this class; plus anchoring, reefing, grounding, and dead reckoning navigation. On the third day we take a trip navigating to a cove for lunch. At the end of this course, students will be able to leave the slip, navigate out a harbor, raise sail, anchor for lunch, and bring the boat home into the slip!
Day 1 – Basic Maneuvering Under Power and Docking
Day 3 – Navigation and Trip
Day 3 Classroom
Navigation
Float plan discussion
Grounding and tides
VHF and emergencies
Taking a tow and salvage
Day 3 – On the water:
This is where the pieces are tied together with a short trip. With instructor observing, students take the boat out of slip, motor out to the bay, navigate to the anchorage, and anchor the boat. Then, we sail back to the classroom for a test.
- COURSE OVERVIEW -
ASA 101 - Basic Keelboat Sailing
3 Days - 9am to 5pm
30’ boat with a wheel
4 students max per instructor
Women only courses available
Starting at: $955
Package Option
ASA 101 Basic Sailing
Price: $955
ASA 103 Basic Cruising
Price: $955
Related Courses
ASA 103 Basic Cruising
3 Days - 9am to 5pm
30’ boat with a wheel
4 students max per instructor
Women only courses available
Starting at: $990
ASA 104 Intermediate Cruising
3 Days - 2 nights on board
35’ or 42’ boat with a wheel
4 students max per instructor
Women only courses available
Starting at: $1495
ASA 101, 103, 104 Package
9 Days - 2 nights on board
30’, 35’ or 42’ boat with a wheel
4 students max per instructor
15% discount included
Starting at: $2925
TESTIMONIALS
Trusted By Sailors Like You
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What will I be able to do with ASA 103?
Upon completion, you should be able to sail a 30-35 feet boat on nearshore waters and be the skipper from point A to B during daylight and moderate wind. You will be familiar with
– Safety rules and rules of the road
– Docking, anchoring and mooring pickup
– Vessel knowledge (boat systems, engine)
– Basic navigation
– Seamanship
Will I be able to charter a bareboat?
You will be able to charter one of our boats from Barrington for a half day or for a day.
However most charter companies will require ASA 104 and this is your next steps in the American Sailing journey.
Will I practice and be at the helm?
Yes. The instructor will make sure you spend as much time as possible at the helm or
performing other tasks while sailing but also and it is very important while motoring.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Dealing with bad weather is part of the sailing experience. But no worries we will not put you on the water if it is not safe. We adapt the class to the weather conditions and we will cancel or reschedule if we cannot sail at all. Please see our cancellation policies.
What do I need to bring?
Nothing special for the classroom except your notebook and pen! For the on water, wear comfortable weather appropriate sport shoes and clothes, bring water or energy drinks,sunglasses and sunscreen. More details here
What is next?
We offer several opportunities to improve your knowledge and skills. You can either join one
practice sailing session , enroll for ASA 104 , charter one of our boats or join our weekend cruise . Each option brings you something different, so the choice is yours!