ASA 103 Sailing Lessons | Modern Sailing School

ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising (Cruising Boat)

2 consecutive weekends, Sat & Sun (9am - 3:30pm); or 4 consecutive weekdays (9am - 3:30pm)

Have you completed ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing? Now that you have a solid understanding of sailing fundamentals under your life vest, you're ready to refine and expand your skills in ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising. This course will prepare you to skipper daytime sailing expeditions in San Francisco Bay. The course curriculum includes:

  • Docking and maneuvering under power
  • Anchoring
  • Crew overboard recovery
  • Heaving to techniques
  • Reefing underway and hove-to
  • Correcting for weather helm
  • Tide and current analysis
  • Introduction to chart navigation
  • Safety and seamanship

This four-day course consists of classroom lectures, and hands-on training under the guidance of a US Coast Guard licensed and America Sailing Association certified instructor. Each course has a maximum of 4 students.

The Coastal Cruising Made Easy textbook is included with your purchase of this course and will be mailed to you. If you wish to pick up your textbook in person or if you sign up less than a week from the first day of your course, please contact our office. Optionally, you may purchase the Coastal Cruising Made Easy e-book directly from the ASA. Advance study of your textbook will enhance your success in this course.

Upon successful completion of ASA 103, Modern Sailing club members are qualified to charter our Silver Fleet vessels. 

There are three ways to register for this course - by phone (415) 331-8250, email, or by clicking the link below.

View Schedule and Sign Up | Bundle & Save - Special Packages

Cost for Members: 
$1130
Cost for Non Members: 
$1470
Prerequisites: 
ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing
Sailing Student trims the sail during a Basic Coastal Cruising Sailing Lesson on San Francisco Bay with Modern Sailing School and Club

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  • John Kratochvil, Oregon

    I would like to compliment Stan Lander for his coaching, counseling and teaching Heavy Weather Offshore Sailing. Stan was very accommodating to all of the student's interests and shared his many years of insight on handling the boat in heavy seas. I would certainly recommend Stan and this course to sheltered waters sailors. My confidence in handling a boat of this size was certainly enhanced by the experience.

  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • Sara Jane G.

    I've taken two classes at MSS&C and was very happy with the program. This is also a great club with lots of opportunities for camaraderie and practice on the water. The boats in the fleet are fantastic and kept in tip-top shape. I highly recommend for all sailors and would-be sailors!

  • Steve Hood, Basic Coastal Cruising

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

  • 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!

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