Intermediate

Coastal Cruising

ASA 103

Build on your basic sailing certification as you learn to skipper a larger cruising sailboat, navigate coastal waters, and prepare for longer adventures on the water.

Call to Book

201-449-4747

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Highlights

  • ASA 103 Certification
  • 2 Full Days on the Water
  • Small Group Instruction

Take the Next Step

Ready to move beyond the basics? Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) is designed for sailors who have completed Basic Sailing and are ready to skipper larger boats with confidence.

Over one classroom session and two full days on the water, you’ll gain hands-on experience aboard a 42-foot Beneteau cruising yacht while learning the skills needed for day cruising in coastal waters. You’ll practice navigation, anchoring, docking, engine operation, and onboard systems while becoming more comfortable making decisions as skipper.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to safely operate a cruising sailboat in moderate conditions and earn your ASA 103 Coastal Cruising Certification.

What You'll Learn

ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising is designed for sailors who are ready to move beyond the basics and begin skippering a cruising sailboat with confidence. Building on the skills learned in ASA 101, this course focuses on boat handling, seamanship, navigation, and decision-making while sailing in protected coastal waters.

Through extensive hands-on instruction, you’ll gain the practical experience needed to safely skipper a cruising sailboat during daylight hours.

During this course, you will learn:

  • Advanced sail trim and sail handling techniques
  • Skipper responsibilities and crew management
  • Docking and departing under a variety of wind conditions
  • Maneuvering under power with confidence
  • Reefing sails for changing weather conditions
  • Heaving-to and heavy weather preparation
  • Anchoring techniques and anchorage selection
  • Mooring procedures
  • Navigation using charts, buoys, and navigation aids
  • Rules of the Road and collision avoidance
  • Weather interpretation and voyage planning
  • Engine operation and routine systems checks
  • Emergency procedures and problem solving
  • Safe boat handling in a variety of conditions
  • Leadership, communication, and sound decision-making while underway

Hands-On Learning

At True North Sailing Center, every student takes an active role throughout the course. You’ll rotate through the responsibilities of skipper, helm, navigator, and crew while practicing real-world sailing scenarios under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Our small class sizes ensure every student receives personalized coaching and plenty of time at the helm, building both competence and confidence.

By the End of the Course

Upon successful completion of ASA 103, you’ll be able to:

  • Safely skipper a cruising sailboat in protected coastal waters during daylight hours
  • Dock, depart, and maneuver under both sail and power
  • Lead and communicate effectively with your crew
  • Navigate using charts and aids to navigation
  • Make informed decisions based on weather and sea conditions
  • Handle common onboard situations with confidence
  • Earn your ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising certification
  • Continue your sailing education with ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising and beyond

ASA 103 is an important milestone on your sailing journey. Whether your goal is to charter sailboats on vacation, purchase your own cruising boat, or continue advancing through the ASA certification program, this course provides the practical experience and confidence needed to take command of a cruising sailboat.

Ready to Skipper a Cruising Sailboat?

Topics Include

  • Advanced Sail Trim
  • Diesel Engine Operation
  • Navigation
  •  G.P.S. Operation
  • V.H.F. Radio Operation
  • Use Of Domestic Equipment
  • Docking/Anchoring
  • Lights At Night
  • Electrical System

Prerequisite

ASA 101 Basic Sailing Certification or equivalent experience

Course Format

This course includes one 3-hour classroom session plus two full days on the water.

Session 1: Monday

3 Hours in Classroom in the evening

Session 2: Saturday

Full Day Sailing
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Session 3: Sunday

Full Day Sailing
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Coastal Cruising

ASA 103
$ 995 per person
  • "Basic Cruising" Textbook
  • All Course Materials
  • A.S.A. Certification Exam
Call to Book
Add $100 for Basic Keelboat Certification Exam, if needed
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FAQ

ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising builds on the skills learned in ASA 101 and teaches students to safely skipper and crew a cruising sailboat in protected coastal waters during daylight hours.
  • Experienced ASA-certified instructors
  • U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains
  • Small class sizes
  • Hands-on instruction
  • Beautiful sailing on New York Harbor
  • Personalized coaching
  • Supportive learning environment
  • A clear pathway from beginner to confident cruising sailor
Training is conducted aboard a modern cruising sailboat equipped with an auxiliary engine, wheel steering, galley, marine head, navigation equipment, and overnight accommodations.
 

Students will develop the skills required to skipper a cruising sailboat, including:

  • Crew management
  • Advanced sail trim
  • Reefing
  • Heaving-to
  • Docking and undocking
  • Anchoring
  • Engine operation
  • Navigation basics
  • Rules of the Road
  • Boat systems
  • Weather awareness
  • Emergency procedures
  • Sailboat handling under power and sail
Yes. ASA 103 emphasizes practical, on-the-water instruction. Every student will rotate through all major crew positions and have multiple opportunities to skipper the boat.
Absolutely. Docking is one of the primary skills covered during the course. Students will practice approaching, departing, and maneuvering under power while learning how wind and current affect boat handling.
Yes. Students will learn proper anchoring techniques, including selecting an anchorage, setting the anchor, checking holding, and retrieving the anchor safely.
No. The standard ASA 103 course at True North Sailing Center does not require overnight accommodations unless specifically advertised as a liveaboard course.
Yes. Students who successfully demonstrate the required sailing knowledge and practical skills will receive ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising certification.

Please bring:

  • Soft-soled, non-marking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Light rain jacket
  • Any required medications
Students should be able to move safely around the boat, assist with sail handling, and maintain balance while underway. No exceptional strength is required.

Many students continue their sailing education with:

  • ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising
  • ASA 105 Coastal Navigation
  • ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran
  • Membership in the True North Sailing Club for additional sailing experience

Course Schedule

Start Date

Aug 17
Section A1
  • Aug 17, 22 & 23
  • Weekend Format

Start Date

Aug 31
Section B1
  • Aug 31, Sept 5 & 6
  • Weekend Format

Start Date

Sept 14
Section C1
  • Sept 14, 19 & 20
  • Weekend Format

Start Date

Sept 28
Section D1
  • Sept 28, Oct 3 & 4
  • Weekend Format

Start Date

Oct 12
Section E1
  • Oct 12, 17 & 18
  • Weekend Format

Still Have Questions?

Contact us anytime. We’re happy to help you choose the right course and prepare for your first day on the water.
201-449-4747
admin@sailtruenorth.com