ASA Sailing Certification Courses

The winds and tidal currents of San Francisco Bay can be challenging to sailors not only when sailing out on the bay, but especially when maneuvering in and out of dock slips. Join us for this one-day course in which you will learn strategies and techniques to safely and efficiently dock a 30' - 32' auxiliary-powered sailboat in a variety of conditions. You’ll increase your overall boat handling confidence by acquiring knowledge of basic auxiliary power theory, engine and steering controls, proper use of dock lines, crew communication, and safety.

Our ASA 101 and ASA 103 combination course is a five-day intensive program ideal for novices with minimal sailing skills/experience and for those returning after an extended amount of time who want an in-depth refresher course and rapid certifications. At the end of the fast-track, students will have the skills necessary to safely and confidently charter sailboats in our Silver Fleet and the home waters of San Francisco Bay. 

ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing

The ASA 105, Coastal Navigation workshop offers advanced chart navigation instruction and prepares students to successfully complete the certification exam. Areas of study include chart reading, tidal current determination, dead reckoning, position fixes, running fixes, danger bearings, set and drift problems, and more. The class is intended to supplement the text rather than replace it, so plan on studying before the class begins.

Since ancient times, human beings have looked to the heavens to find our way around on Earth. It was only a few hundred years ago that we developed systems to plot latitude and longitude fixes based on the positions of celestial bodies, and the common practice of celestial navigation by means of a sextant emerged. The basic premise of celestial navigation relies on calculating angles between the observer, the horizon, and a predictable celestial body such as the sun, moon, or visible planets and stars.