Quick Details
People
Ages 18+
$ 695.50
Prices include all taxes and fees
ASA 103 Coastal Cruising Certification Course in Alexandria, VA
Course dates will be announced at the end of January 2026. If you have prior sailing experience, and would like to challenge the course by demonstrating the certification standards on the water and passing the exam, please see our Challenge Course schedule to sign-up.
Prepares sailors for more advanced and independent cruising aboard larger boats, learning to navigate in coastal waters, and manage a variety of onboard systems. From anchoring and docking to planning multi-day trips, ASA 103 empowers you to explore further, experience new destinations, and enjoy the freedom that comes with coastal cruising.
The adventure is yours—set sail and embrace the coastal lifestyle! Upon completion, you’ll be able to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (inboard or outboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet in length by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather interpretation, safety, and seamanship.
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- Our vessels are equipped with one Type 1 PFD for each person on board, and a Type IV throwable floatation device. A Type I is bulky, but if you don’t have a PFD you will be provided this one to wear while both on the dock and on the vessel.
Itinerary
- 2 hours online classroom instruction, followed by 2 days on the water
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What to expect?
First, a lot of fun with safety being paramount. The days out on the water in this course are filled with hands-on training, so please make sure you are well rested and hydrated. Vessels are always in motion, so if you get motion sickness you might want to consider taking over-the-counter motion sickness medicine. While out on the water throughout the day, if a Special Marine Warning is in effect, or a thunderstorm is imminent, we will need to tie up at the closet dock until the storm passes. -
What to bring
We recommend sunscreen, a wide brim hat with a lanyard or tether, polarized sunglasses with lanyard, water, snacks; and if you already have one your USCG approved Type I, II, or III PFD. We will dock at a nearby marina with restaurant options for lunch, but you are welcome to bring your lunch and enjoy it on shore or on the boat. Recommend wearing clothing appropriate for the weather, must wear closed toed shoes (preferably boat shoes), and sailing gloves because you will be handling lines, sheets, and halyards all day while your instructor “shows you the ropes.”
Disclaimers
What about cancellations due to weather?
We adhere to the American Sailing’s training standards for each specific course. ASA 101 is a beginners course and expected to be conducted in light to moderate conditions, with winds up to 15 knots (~17 mph). We will discuss the forecasted weather conditions during the online portion of the course, and the final call will be made by your instructor the morning of should we need to cancel. -
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.