ASA 103, Coastal Cruising

Key Components of ASA 103:

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• Boat Handling: Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged sailboat of about 25 to 35 feet in length during daylight hours in moderate conditions (up to 20 knots of wind).
   

• Sail Trim and Reefing: Gain more advanced skills in sail trim, including reefing the sails for heavy weather.
   

• Navigation: Introduction to coastal navigation, chart reading, and plotting courses using bearings and basic piloting skills.
   

• Safety: Emphasis on safety practices, including man-overboard recovery techniques, VHF radio communication, and understanding weather patterns.
   

• Anchoring: Practice anchoring techniques, including choosing a safe anchorage and setting the anchor securely.
   

• Docking: Learn and practice docking and undocking under various conditions using appropriate lines and fenders.
   

• Systems: Understand the basic systems of a cruising sailboat, such as the engine, electrical, plumbing, and rigging.

Upon completion of ASA 103, students are certified to skipper a boat in coastal waters, making short overnight passages in moderate conditions. This certification is an essential step for those who want to start cruising longer distances or charter boats in coastal areas.

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Prerequisite: ASA 101 

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