ASA 103 is a two-day course (9:30am–4:30pm) that builds on the foundation established in ASA 101. You’ll be introduced to the inboard diesel engine and essential mechanical concepts, refine sail-trim techniques, and learn to manage a broader range of weather conditions under sail. The course also covers proper anchoring, fundamental navigation, and practical docking skills.

Students put these skills into practice by selecting a destination on the chart and discussing how to sail there and back—considering timing, expected challenges, and real-world decision-making. At this level, the individual techniques of sailing begin to integrate and are applied to more advanced day-sailing scenarios.on text goes here

INCLUDES:

- Official Textbook: Sailing Made Easy, the primary beginner’s guide.

- ASA Logbook: Used to track your certifications and sailing hours.

- Certification Fees: Processing of your ASA 101 certification upon successful completion.

- Online Prep: Access to an introductory "Intro to Sailing" online course to learn terminology before arriving.

- Self-inflating lifejacket (PFD): available for you to use during the course.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

- Lunch & Hydration: Students are responsible for their own midday meals. You are welcome to bring a sack lunch to enjoy at the marina or dine at one of the local cafes and restaurants within walking distance or short drive. Fresh drinking water is provided on-site; please bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layers, including a windbreaker or lightweight rain jacket, as conditions on the water can change rapidly.

- State Boating Licenses: Virginia requires a separate Boating Safety Education Certificate, which is available through their online portal.

- Re-testing Fees: If you do not pass the written or practical exam on your first attempt (80% required to pass), we may charge a nominal fee for a retake or additional private instruction time.

Galene is a classic 36-foot fiberglass monohull from the late-1960s, thoughtfully updated with modern sailing systems while retaining her timeless character. She is wheel-steered (not a tiller), equipped with an inboard engine for smooth departures from the dock to open water, and features a mix of traditional and self-tailing winches plus a roller-furling jib—making her an ideal platform for hands-on sailing instruction.

Check-in details

We meet in the Tides Inn main lobby at the start of your class. You may park in the resort’s main parking lot. Your instructor will meet you in the lobby.

What to bring

- Non-Marking Deck Shoes: Closed-toe shoes with white or light-colored rubber soles to prevent slipping and protect the boat's deck. Avoid flip-flops or black-soled sneakers.

- Quick-Dry Layers: We recommend synthetic fabrics (polyester/nylon) rather than cotton, which stays cold and heavy when wet.

- Windbreaker or Rain Jacket: Essential for protection against spray and wind chill, even on sunny days.

- Sailing Gloves: Highly recommended to prevent blisters and rope burns during repetitive tacking and jibing drills.

- Polarized Sunglasses: Crucial for cutting glare on the water to see navigation marks and wind shifts.

- Hat or Visor: We recommend a clip or chin strap to keep it secure in high winds.

- Sunscreen: High-SPF, waterproof formula. Note: we discourage "spray-on" sunscreen as it makes the deck dangerously slippery- you will be asked to apply spray-on sunscreen on the dock only.

- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated; we recommend an insulated bottle to keep water cool all day.

- Course Materials: Bring your Sailing Made Easy textbook.

Special requirements

Participants should be comfortable in a marine environment and willing to participate actively.

Do I need prior experience?

Yes. ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat) is a required prerequisite. ASA 103 builds on those skills.

Does this certification expire?

No, ASA certifications are for life.

What happens if I don’t pass?

If you do not pass the written exam (which requires an 80% score) or the practical assessment, we allow you to retake the test at a later date. We may offer discounted private lessons to help you master specific skills.

Can I "test out" if I already know how to sail?

Yes. If you have significant experience on larger cruising boats, you can "challenge" the ASA 103 by taking the written and practical exams. Please contact me to schedule a challenge.

What if the weather is bad?

Safety is the priority. If winds exceed 15–20 knots or a Small Craft Advisory is issued, on-the-water sessions may be rescheduled or moved to the classroom.

Can I bring a guest?

Generally, no. To maintain safe student-to-instructor ratios (no more than 4:1), only registered students are allowed on the vessel during instruction.

To provide a realistic and collaborative crew dynamic, all ASA group courses require a minimum of two students to run.

Risk-Free Booking You can confidently secure your preferred dates today. If a course does not meet the two-student minimum by 14 days prior to departure, we will contact you immediately with three flexible options:

• Free Transfer: Move your reservation to any future confirmed course date.

• Full Refund: Receive a 100% refund of your payment.

• Private Upgrade: Apply your balance toward upgrading the session to a private, 1-on-1 instruction course.

Courses canceled due to named storms or otherwise extreme weather will be rescheduled or fully refunded. We offer free cancellation within 48 hours of booking. After that period, cancellations for any reason will forfeit a 50% deposit.