ASA 107, Celestial Navigation | Modern Sailing

ASA 107, Celestial Navigation

6 evenings, Tues / Wed / Thurs

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.

In the modern age, we’ve become dependent on highly precise and user-friendly navigation technology – but technology can fail – and then what? For safety and self-sufficiency, celestial navigation remains an essential skill for every ocean-going mariner.

With the ASA 107 course, you will learn to:

  • apply celestial navigation theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in offshore waters;
  • use the sextant to determine your vessel position by the Local Apparent Noon method; and
  • deduce your location with sun, moon, planet and star lines of position and fixes.

Your Celestial Navigation textbook, Star Finder Book, and Nautical Almanac Commercial Edition are included with the purchase of your course and will be mailed to you. If you prefer to pick up your course materials in person or if you signed up less than a week from the first day of your course, please contact our office. Advance study of these books will enhance your success in this course.

If you have ever dreamed of sailing over the horizon, take ASA 107, Celestial Navigation with Modern Sailing School & Club. Have confidence that no matter how far from shore you sail, you will always be able to find your way.

Cost for Members: 
$645
Cost for Non Members: 
$845
Prerequisites: 
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising ASA 105, Coastal Navigation

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  • David Dolenc, Member

    I love sailing in the San Francisco Bay and greatly appreciate everything that MSC has to offer, the classes, clinics, club sails, racing and charters. I enjoy our supportive sailing community and use every opportunity to spend time on the water. After obtaining the certifications from MSC I did my first charter in Croatia in 2022 with my family. It was amazing and we’re looking forward to returning soon!

  • John Kipping

    The meeting room was quite adequate and the location most convenient, but the course outline and instruction were outstanding. Modern Sailing is fortunate to have such a well organized instructor in Mr. Stan Lander who teaches very well from a rich professional background. Mr. Lander was generous with his time and patiently in helping students who needed more attention or time in understanding various aspects of the curriculum.

  • Warren Leiden, Member

    I try to get out on the water every week: out the Gate, around Angel, up Raccoon - I love it all. After 18 years as a member of OCSC in Berkeley, I learned to sail the bigger boats at Modern by taking ASA 103 and 104. My ASA 104 instructor Dave Russell was terrific. Also, Captain Bill Moreland has been very generous in giving informal advice whenever I’ve asked him. Thanks to Bill, I no longer have any anxiety about docking!

  • John Boynton

    The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.

  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

    I would definitely recommend Modern Sailing to anyone who is interested in learning to sail the right way.

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Modern Sailing School & Club

Sausalito Location
2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

Berkeley Location
1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

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