Gain the skills and confidence to skipper a mid-sized cruising boat on multi-day trips, managing all aspects of boat and crew responsibilities.
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ASA 103 Coastal CruisingLeave your marina and explore cruising on a larger boat
ASA 103 Coastal Cruising prepares sailors for more advanced and independent cruising aboard larger boats, learning to navigate in coastal waters, and manage a variety of onboard systems. From anchoring and docking to planning multi-day trips, ASA 103 empowers you to explore further, experience new destinations, and enjoy the freedom that comes with coastal cruising. The adventure is yours—set sail and embrace the coastal lifestyle!
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (inboard or outboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet in length by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather interpretation, safety, and seamanship.
Prerequisites:
103 CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
It’s important to understand that simply enrolling in an ASA 103 course and attending classes doesn’t automatically guarantee certification. Our commitment is to the safety and competence of every sailor who takes to the water, which is why we’ve developed rigorous curriculum standards. These standards are designed to ensure you receive the highest quality education, equipping you with the skills and confidence you need to handle a boat safely. From sail trim to navigation, we hold you to a high standard, so when you earn your certification, you know you’re truly ready to skipper with skill and confidence. Safety isn’t just a lesson—it’s our priority, and these standards are what set you up for success on the water.
Download a PDF of the basic skills learned in this course. When you enroll in a certification course with a school, you will be taught each of these skills. Your ability to demonstrate these skills on the water and in the written exam determines whether you receive a certification or if you need more practice before receiving the certification.
To be successful in earning the certification, we highly recommend you study all available materials so that your time in class is used efficiently and effectively.
STUDY MATERIALS

TEXTBOOK
Coastal Cruising Made Easy
Understand the sailing skills you must learn and demonstrate to receive your certification.

ONLINE PREP CLASS
ASA 103: Coastal Cruising Online Prep Class
Prepare for the on-the-water course by taking this informative online class.

ONLINE QUIZ
GET THE QUIZ BUNDLE
Get quzzies that help prepare you for the written test portion of your certification.

APP
SAILING CHALLENGE
Practice points of sail and learn basic knots in our interactive app. Download on Apple or Google.
Ready to Enroll?
WHAT'S NEXT
ASA 105
Coastal Navigation
Learn traditional navigation skills and methods to explore new cruising grounds and handle the ever-changing conditions of coastal waters.