This immersive four-day liveaboard expedition aboard a 58-foot cruising catamaran offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Over four days, we’ll explore the Chesapeake Bay, executing real passage planning, anchoring, and night operations.

Choose Your Pace: Sailor or Passenger We welcome both aspiring captains and relaxed vacationers on this trip.

• The Active Crew: If you want to build your resume for international bareboat chartering, you can add the ASA 104 & 114 Certification Package at checkout. You’ll get hands-on instruction taking the helm, trimming sails, managing marine systems, and standing watch.

• The Leisure Passenger: If you are here to unplug, your only job is to claim a spot on the forward trampoline with a good book. You will never be forced to pull a line or stand a watch unless you want to.

Note: Pisces is an authentic, ocean-proven sailing vessel. Accommodations are spacious and comfortable, but systems are simple and functional. We rely on natural ocean breeze ventilation (no A/C) and manual marine heads, trading resort fluff for raw capability and a true sailing experience.

Choose Your Cabin

Each participant books a specific cabin, allowing you to select the layout, access, and privacy level that best fits your comfort and preferences. A clear cabin layout diagram is included in the photos for reference.

King Cabin

Modified King Bed · Single or Double Occupancy

The most spacious and comfortable cabin on board—ideal for couples or anyone wanting extra room. Features an oversized queen/king berth with easy hip-height side entry, a walk-in closet with excellent storage, and access to a head shared with the captain/instructor.

Best choice for comfort, space, and effortless access.

Queen Cabin

Queen Berth · Single or Double Occupancy

A classic cruising cabin with a queen berth set chest-high, accessed via a large bedside bench/step. Includes a hanging locker and ample storage, with access to a head shared with the Solo Cabin.

A great balance of comfort and traditional offshore layout.

Solo Cabin

Full Berth · Single Occupancy

A compact, functional cabin with a full-size berth set chest-high and accessed via a sturdy bench/step. Entry to this cabin is through the shared head with the Queen Cabin—a slightly unconventional but very “boat-true” arrangement, clearly shown in the layout diagram.

Best suited for solo sailors comfortable with classic sailboat design.

A Note on Layout

This vessel reflects thoughtful cruising design rather than floating-condo layouts. Some arrangements are delightfully nautical—and intentional. Everything is clearly described and diagrammed so you can book the cabin that fits you best.

If you’re on the fence, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help you choose the cabin that will make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Includes:

• 4 days and 3 nights accommodation aboard the catamaran

• USCG Master Captain and crew

• All onboard meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks

• Vessel fuel, dockage, and mooring fees

• Use of safety equipment and PFDs

• Linens, Blankets & Pillows

• Coffee & Sugar (bring your own creamer)

• Use of the refrigerator for any personal snack items or medications

What's not included:

• Personal items and towels

• Chart-plotting tools for exam (parallel ruler, dividers- available as add on)

• Meals ashore and incidental expenses

4 Days • ~35 nm/day • Departing from Irvington, VA
Vessel:58’ Catamaran Pisces
Start/End: Tides Inn Marina – Irvington, VA

Day 1: Irvington → Reedville

• Open-Bay sailing & navigation drills

• Anchor in Cockrell Creek

• Optional dinner at Leadbelly’s

• Evening: anchoring & night-light review

Day 2: Reedville → Onancock

• Catamaran docking practice

• Marina night with showers

• Evening -navigation prep

Day 3: Onancock → Deltaville

• Student-led passage planning

• Anchor in Jackson Creek

• Dinner at Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar

• Evening: test review & advanced cruising topics

Day 4: Deltaville → Irvington

• Full student-led navigation

• Final docking practice at Tides Inn

• 2 hours of written ASA 104/114 exams

• Course wrap-up & certification sign-offs

Pisces was custom built on the Chesapeake Bay in the 1990s, designed with a simple mission: to sail safely and comfortably over the horizon. Measuring 58 feet overall with a 28-foot beam, she offers exceptional stability and spaciousness for extended cruising.

Sleeping Arrangements: Pisces offers four private cabins, each sharing a head with an adjoining cabin, providing a practical and comfortable setup for multi-day training. While accommodations are simple and functional, they offer the privacy and restful space you need after a full day of sailing. It’s a classic liveaboard experience—cozy, efficient, and perfectly suited for hands-on cruising instruction.

Bathing: Pisces is equipped with manual-flush marine heads, offering simple and reliable operation during your time onboard. For overnight training guests, full shower facilities will be accessible at the marinas we visit along the way.

Heating/Cooling: A diesel heater provides warmth in cool months and fans located throughout the cabin and in each berth provide cooling.

Check-in details

Please plan to meet in the Tides Inn main lobby at 9am on Day 1. Parking is available in the resort’s main lot, and you’re welcome to leave your bags in your vehicle—we’ll retrieve them by golf cart together and bring them directly to the boat. Your captain will meet you in the lobby to begin your adventure.

What to bring

• Water bottle

• Foul weather gear - Rain gear and waterproof boots or shoes.

• Swimwear

• Warm Layers - its better to have them and not need them; we recommend that all/most clothing be quick-drying

• USB charging cords for your devices (there are USB-A and C outlets in each berth)

• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat with a brim

• Sailing gloves (optional)

• Entertainment - Books, tablet, music (headphones are required)

• Noise reduction earplugs for sleeping (if you are a light sleeper)

• Personal and sea-sickness medicines

• Shower shoes

• Towel and wash cloth

• Mesh bag for dirty laundry (I find this especially useful onboard)

Special requirements

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

Extras

• The chart-plotting tools needed for the ASA 104 exam may be supplied by you or conveniently added during checkout so they’re ready upon your arrival.

Disclaimers

You will be asked to sign a waiver before starting the course.

Do I need sailing experience to book this trip? Not at all. You can choose your own pace. If you want to learn the ropes or earn your ASA certifications, we will put you to work at the helm. If you just want to relax and read a book on the trampoline, you are welcome to just be a passenger.

Is the boat air-conditioned? No. Pisces is an authentic, ocean-proven sailing vessel. We rely entirely on the natural ocean breeze and open deck hatches for ventilation.

How do I earn my ASA certifications on this trip? If you want to earn your ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) and 114 (Cruising Catamaran) certifications, simply select the certification add-on package at checkout. We will provide the textbooks, administer the exams, and give you dedicated hands-on instruction throughout the passage.

What are the bathrooms like? Pisces is equipped with traditional manual marine heads (toilets). They are clean, simple, and functional, and we will give you a full tutorial on how to use them when you step aboard.

Do I need ASA 103 before earning 104 & 114? Yes. Completion of ASA 101 and 103 (or the equivalent experience) is required before enrolling. If you're unsure about your readiness, we’re happy to help you evaluate your experience.

Where does the trip begin and end? The course starts and ends at Tides Inn Marina in Irvington, VA. You’ll meet your captain in the main lobby at 9:00am on Day 1.

What chart-plotting tools do I need? ASA 104 requires: • Parallel ruler • Dividers You may bring your own or add a premium-quality set at checkout, which we’ll have ready for you at the start of the trip. Cheaper Amazon sets are available, but students have reported mixed results.

Will there be time for testing? Yes. We set aside around 4 hours on Day 4 for the written ASA 104 and 114 exams, followed by logbook sign-offs and final evaluations.

Is food included? Yes — all onboard meals are included except for dinners ashore.

What makes this trip different from other ASA programs? • Training aboard a 58’ catamaran • Led by an ASA Outstanding Instructor (top 1% worldwide) • True liveaboard cruising experience • Balanced mix of anchoring, docking, systems, navigation, and real-world passage planning

Can I bring alcohol? Yes, you are welcome to BYOB. However, for safety reasons, this is a "dry" boat while underway. We welcome you to enjoy your drinks once the anchor is dropped for the evening.

Typically we do not cancel ASA classes for weather, unless the weather is extreme. In that event your instructor will reach out at least 24 hours in advanced. Cancelled courses due to weather will be rescheduled. The final decision on weather cancellations is made by the instructor.

We offer free cancellation within 48 hours after booking. After that if you decide to cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your deposit.