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Bareboat Charter Prep
ASA 104
Learn the advanced cruising skills needed to confidently skipper and charter a cruising sailboat, whether you’re exploring New England, the Caribbean, or destinations around the world.
201-449-4747
Highlights
- Sail a 42' Beneteau Yacht
- ASA 104 Certification
- 2 Full Days on the Water
- Small Group Instruction
Turn Your Sailing Skills Into Real Adventures
Bareboat Charter Prep (ASA 104) is the final step in the American Sailing Association’s core cruising curriculum. Designed for sailors who have completed Coastal Cruising, this course prepares you to safely skipper a cruising yacht on multi-day trips without a hired captain.
During one classroom session and two full days aboard our 42-foot Beneteau yacht, you’ll learn how to plan a cruise, manage a crew, operate onboard systems, and make confident decisions underway. By the end of the course, you’ll be prepared to charter a cruising sailboat and earn your ASA 104 Bareboat Charter Certification.
What You'll Learn
ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising is the next major step in your sailing journey. This course prepares you to confidently skipper a 30–50 foot cruising sailboat on multi-day coastal cruises and is one of the most widely recognized certifications for sailors planning to charter sailboats around the world.
Building on the skills learned in ASA 101 and ASA 103, you’ll gain the knowledge, judgment, and practical experience needed to safely manage a cruising yacht, lead a crew, and enjoy extended cruising adventures.
During this course, you will learn:
- Cruise planning and voyage preparation
- Boat provisioning and trip management
- Advanced docking and close-quarters maneuvering
- Anchoring and mooring techniques
- Advanced sail handling and reefing
- Crew leadership and communication
- Navigation using charts, GPS, and electronic instruments
- Weather forecasting and passage planning
- Auxiliary engine operation and routine maintenance
- Marine electrical, plumbing, and onboard systems
- Fuel and water management
- Emergency procedures and troubleshooting
- Overnight cruising preparation
- Safe operation of a cruising sailboat under sail and power
- Skipper decision-making and risk management
Hands-On Learning
ASA 104 is an immersive, practical course where every student takes an active leadership role aboard the boat. Throughout the course, you’ll rotate through the responsibilities of skipper, navigator, helm, and crew while learning how to safely manage a cruising yacht in real-world conditions.
Our experienced instructors provide personalized coaching, helping you develop the confidence and judgment required to command a cruising sailboat.
By the End of the Course
Upon successful completion of ASA 104, you’ll be able to:
- Skipper a cruising sailboat in protected coastal waters
- Plan and execute a multi-day cruising itinerary
- Safely dock, anchor, moor, and maneuver a cruising yacht
- Operate and monitor essential onboard systems
- Lead a crew with confidence and effective communication
- Make sound decisions based on weather, sea conditions, and vessel capabilities
- Earn your ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certification
- Continue your sailing education with ASA 105 Coastal Navigation and ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran
Prepare for Your Next Adventure
ASA 104 is the certification many sailors pursue before chartering a sailboat with family or friends. Whether your dream is cruising the British Virgin Islands, exploring the coast of New England, sailing the Mediterranean, or owning your own cruising yacht, this course provides the practical skills and confidence to make those dreams a reality.
At True North Sailing Center, our goal is not simply to help you earn a certification—we prepare you to become a knowledgeable, capable, and confident cruising skipper ready for adventures anywhere in the world.
Your Passport to Bareboat Chartering Starts Here
Topics Include
- Advanced Sail Trim
- Diesel Engine Operation
- Motoring
- Docking
- Anchoring
- Fueling
- Cruise Planning
- Provisioning
- Galley Procedures
- Advanced Coastal Navigation
- Onboard Electrical System
- Onboard Water System
Prerequisite
ASA 103 Coastal Cruising Certification or equivalent experience
Course Format
This course includes one 3-hour classroom session plus two full days on the water.
Day 1:
Departure & Boat Familiarization
- Vessel orientation and safety briefing
- Cruise planning and weather analysis
- Boat systems and engine checksProvisioning and equipment organization
- Departure from Liberty Landing Marina
- Sail handling and advanced boat handling
- Docking and maneuvering practice
- Navigation under sail
- Evening at anchor or marina
Day 2:
Coastal Cruising
- Morning weather briefing
- Underway passage planning
- GPS and chart navigation
Tides and current calculations - Sail trim and helming
- Crew-overboard exercises
- Anchoring techniques
- Night aboard with skipper responsibilities
Day 3:
Bareboat Operations
Students rotate through the role of skipper while learning to manage every aspect of the vessel.
Training includes:
- Voyage planning
- Crew management
- Docking under varying wind and current conditions
- Fuel and water management
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Galley operations
- Emergency procedures
- Boat maintenance
Day 3:
Return Passage & Evaluation
- Passage planning for the return voyage
- Advanced docking
- Navigation review
- Practical skills assessment
- Written examination
- Course debrief
- Certification upon successful completion
Bareboat Charter Prep
ASA 104-
Bareboat Cruising Textbook
-
All Course Materials
-
A.S.A. Certification Exam
Contact Us to Book
FAQ
What are the prerequisites?
Why Choose True North Sailing Center?
- Experienced ASA-certified instructors
- U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains
- Small class sizes
- Personalized instruction
- Hands-on learning aboard cruising sailboats
- Spectacular sailing on New York Harbor
- A clear pathway from beginner sailor to confident cruising skipper
What will I learn?
During ASA 104 you will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to skipper a cruising sailboat, including:
- Cruise planning and provisioning
- Boat systems and routine maintenance
- Auxiliary engine operation
- Advanced sail trim
- Anchoring and mooring
- Docking and close-quarters maneuvering
- Coastal navigation using charts and GPS
- Crew leadership and communication
- Weather interpretation
- Emergency procedures
- Living aboard a cruising sailboat
- Overnight passage planning
Is this a hands-on course?
Will I learn how to charter a sailboat?
Is ASA 104 recognized by charter companies?
ASA 104 is widely recognized by charter companies in the United States and around the world. Individual charter companies may have additional experience or documentation requirements, so it’s always best to confirm with the charter operator before booking.
What type of boat will I sail?
What should I bring?
Please bring:
- Soft-soled, non-marking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Sleeping bag and toiletries (if your course includes overnight accommodations)
- Personal medications
What happens if the weather is poor?
Safety is always our highest priority. If weather conditions are unsafe, the instructor may modify the schedule or reschedule portions of the course.
Will I receive ASA certification?
What can I do after earning ASA 104?
Many graduates go on to:
- Charter sailboats in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and other cruising destinations
- Plan extended cruising vacations with family and friends
- Continue their education with ASA 105 Coastal Navigation
- Earn ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran certification
- Build additional experience through the True North Sailing Club