Embark on a journey to learn the age-old techniques of celestial navigation, a fundamental skill that connects mariners to the vastness of the cosmos and the traditions of seafaring. While modern vessels are equipped with sophisticated electronic navigation systems, the ability to pinpoint your position using the sun, moon, planets, and stars offers self-reliance and seaworthy preparedness.
The ASA 116 Dinghy and Outboard Endorsement offers practical training in handling and maintaining dinghies and their outboard motors. You'll become familiar with essential terminology, learn safe operating procedures, and develop the skills to maneuver a dinghy in various situations. The course covers all aspects of dinghy use, from launching and boarding to securing your dinghy at a busy dock or yacht. You'll practice key techniques such as safe docking, emergency engine troubleshooting, and deploying anchors.
Are you dreaming of taking your sailing experience to a whole new level, far beyond the sight of land and over the breathtaking open sea? Do your biggest sailing ambitions include nonstop multi-day passages, crossing an ocean, or sailing around the world? If so, Modern Sailing’s ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking course will help prepare you to meet the challenge.
Now that you have a solid understanding of sailing fundamentals under your life vest, you're ready to refine and expand your sportboat skills in ASA 103, Sportboat Basic Coastal Cruising. This Berkeley-based course will prepare you to skipper daytime sailing expeditions in San Francisco Bay.
Learn to sail and earn your ASA 101 certification on a fun and nimble J/24 sailboat! This strong and sporty boat model is the world's most popular and prevalent one-design keelboat with a rich racing pedigree.
Join Modern Sailing this April 6 to 12, 2024 aboard the luxury catamaran Wild Rumpus for an adventure of a lifetime! Sail over 200 nautical miles, stand night watch, prepare meals in a rolling galley, and explore one of the most beautiful and iconic sailing venues in the world, all while earning your ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising certification.
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.
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. Hands-on practice will increase your overall boat handling confidence while you gain knowledge of basic auxiliary power theory, engine and steering controls, proper use of dock lines, crew communication, and safety.
The ASA 105, Coastal Navigation workshop offers advanced chart navigation instruction and prepares students to successfully complete the certification exam. With an experienced USCG captain as your instructor, learn and practice chart reading, tidal current determination, dead reckoning, position fixes, running fixes, danger bearings, set and drift calculations, and more.
This course has no prerequisites! This means no matter where you are in your sailing education, you can gain the skills to become a competent navigator.
The dynamic California Coast provides the perfect setting for training at an advanced level. This 7-day course combines ASA 105, Coastal Navigation and ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising certifications. Discover ocean sailing and benefit from the wealth of knowledge that our instructors have gained from their own extensive cruising adventures.
Sausalito Location
2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668
Berkeley Location
1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668