Whether you dream of chartering your own boat in the Caribbean or want to become a seasoned skipper, ASA (American Sailing Association) certifications are the gateway to safe and confident sailing. But with so many course options, how do you know which ones are right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the key ASA courses and who should take them.
ASA 101 – Basic Keelboat Sailing
Best for: Beginners with little to no sailing experience.
What you’ll learn: The fundamentals of sailing, including terminology, points of sail, docking, basic maneuvers, and safety procedures.
Why it’s important: This is the foundation of all ASA courses and a must for anyone serious about learning to sail. This course is also a requirement to continue on to the 103 certification.
ASA 103 – Basic Coastal Cruising
Best for: Those who have completed ASA 101 and want to expand their skills.
What you’ll learn: More advanced boat handling, anchoring, sail trim, navigation basics, and crew-overboard recovery.
Why it’s important: This course prepares you for sailing in nearshore waters and handling a larger boat.
ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising
Best for: Aspiring bareboat charterers and those looking to skipper a boat independently.
What you’ll learn: Advanced coastal navigation, provisioning, weather analysis, and managing onboard systems.
Why it’s important: Many charter companies require ASA 104 certification before allowing you to rent a boat. Getting this certification from an accredited school is a gold star for both chartering and discounts on insurance when you go to buy a boat.
ASA 114 – Cruising Catamaran
Best for: Sailors who want to transition from monohulls to catamarans.
What you’ll learn: Catamaran handling, docking, sail trim, and maneuvering twin-engine boats.
Why it’s important: Catamarans handle differently than monohulls, and this course ensures you know how to operate one safely.
ASA 105 – Coastal Navigation
Best for: Sailors looking to refine their navigation skills beyond GPS reliance.
What you’ll learn: Chart reading, tide and current calculations, dead reckoning, and passage planning.
Why it’s important: A crucial skill for those planning longer coastal passages or wanting to rely on traditional navigation techniques.
ASA 106 – Advanced Coastal Cruising
Best for: Experienced sailors wanting to tackle longer offshore passages.
What you’ll learn: Night sailing, emergency procedures, heavy weather tactics, and advanced sail trim.
Why it’s important: This course builds confidence for more challenging sailing conditions. The ASA 104 is required for this course.
Which Course Should You Take?
- If you’re brand new to sailing → Start with ASA 101.
- If you want to sail a larger boat in coastal waters → ASA 103.
- If you’re planning to charter a boat → ASA 104 is essential.
- If you want to sail a catamaran → ASA 114.
- If you want better navigation skills → ASA 105.
- If you’re preparing for offshore sailing → ASA 106.
Ready to get started? At LTD Sailing, we offer liveaboard courses that take you from beginner to confident skipper while immersing you in the beauty of the Caribbean.
Which course is right for your sailing goals?
- Basic Keelboat:
This course covers ASA 101 in a two-day, shore-based format. You are out sailing from 10am-4pm on our fleet of J/80 keelboats. We recommend this course as an intro to sailing and is a great option if you are joining either of the liveaboard courses.
- Basic Cruise and Learn:
This course covers ASA 101, 103 and 104. It is 7 or 10 days living aboard on a well-equipped monohull vessel, exploring new anchorages each night.
- Catamaran Cruise and Learn:
This course covers ASA 103, 104 and 114. It is 7-10 days living aboard a well-equipped Catamaran between 40-50’.
- Advance Cruise and Learn:
This course cover ASA 105 and 106. This is an intense course that includes two overnight sails, one almost a 24-hour run! Our advance course is offered on both the monohull and the catamaran options.
Want to find out more? We host a monthly FAQ Happy Hour where we answer your questions and share more information about our school and what to expect.
Interested in joining? Email [email protected] to RSVP for the next exclusive, free webinar!
Happy Sailing!
