ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking is the pinnacle of sailing education, designed for sailors who are ready to tackle the challenge of open-ocean adventures.
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ASA 107 Celestial NavigationUnlock the ancient art of navigation by the stars
ASA 107 Celestial Navigation is for sailors who want to master the timeless art of navigating by the stars. As technology enhances modern navigation, this course reconnects you with the foundational skills that sailors have relied on for centuries. Learning celestial navigation gives you the confidence and self-reliance to navigate on the open ocean, even when electronics fail. Whether you’re planning an ocean crossing or simply want to expand your understanding of navigation, ASA 107 offers the ultimate challenge and reward for serious sailors seeking to push their knowledge and capabilities.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
ASA 107 Celestial Navigation introduces the principles and techniques used to navigate by the sun, moon, stars, and planets. You’ll learn how to use a sextant, apply corrections for accurate altitude measurements, and calculate your position using celestial bodies. Key skills include converting time, determining latitude by the sun or Pole Star, and solving the navigational triangle to plot your location on a chart. Through practical exercises, you’ll gain the knowledge to plot celestial lines of position and advance them to determine your boat’s exact position during ocean passages. This course is essential for anyone planning long-distance voyages or who wants to deepen their navigation skills.
Prerequisites:
107 CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
It’s important to understand that simply enrolling in an ASA 106 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.
