Embarking on the journey to advanced sailing certifications with Modern Sailing is an exciting endeavor, and did you know there's more than one path to earn those prestigious credentials? Whether you prefer a focused and detailed approach or the thrill of a comprehensive coastal cruising adventure, Modern Sailing offers flexibility in obtaining ASA 105, Coastal Navigation, and ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising. In this article, we explore the advantages of taking these courses separately, the dynamic experiences they offer individually, and the unique benefits of combining them in the California Coastal Combination Course. Discover the pathways to advancing your sailing skills, from the classroom to the open waters of the stunning California coast.
Advantages of Taking ASA 105 and 106 Separately
- ASA 105, Coastal Navigation is a course with no prerequisites. You may complete this course even before taking ASA 101!
- The classroom version of ASA 105 gives you 6 evenings (3 hours each) of focused learning and chart practice with an experienced ASA instructor. You will have plenty of time to ask questions and receive individual attention from your instructor as needed.
- During the 4-day ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising, you will receive some hands-on practice of the skills you learned in ASA 105.
- ASA 106 takes fewer days and less time away from home to complete than the combination course.
Advantages of Taking ASA 105 and 106 Together in the California Coastal Combination Course
- The 7-day California Coastal Combination course can be like taking a mini sailing vacation.
- Enjoy a true coastal cruising adventure while you learn and practice the concepts and skills of coastal navigation hands-on.
- You can earn both certifications in less time than taking the courses separately.
Whether taking the courses together or separately, studying your textbooks before the course begins is strongly encouraged. Below, receive an introduction to each of these courses.
ASA 105, Coastal Navigation
Cost: $545 for members, $725 for non-members
In preparation for the ASA Coastal Navigation exam, we offer a coastal navigation classroom workshop. Areas of study include chart reading, current determination, dead reckoning, fixes, running fixes, danger bearings, set and drift problems and more.
The class is intended to supplement the text rather than replace it, so plan on studying before the class begins. Included in the price is a Coastal Navigation Kit which includes your textbook with problem sets, tidebook, and a practice chart.
The course is 6 evenings, 5 nights of classroom learning with testing on the sixth night. Please make sure to bring your navigation tools: divider, parallel rulers, etc.
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Learn more about ASA 105 and find a link to sign up online.
ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising
Cost: $1795 for members, $2295 for non-members
Are you ready to discover ocean sailing and explore the coast? Our ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising course will give you the skills and confidence you’ll need for safe and successful coastal expeditions.
Depending on weather and sea state, this course takes you beyond the Golden Gate to Drakes Bay and the Farallon Islands, then down to Half Moon Bay and back within 4 days. Aboard Coho II, our Spencer 44 bluewater cruiser, you'll practice night sailing, chart navigation, electronic piloting, and anchoring. Learn float plan development, advanced sail trim, weather analysis, heavy weather techniques, emergency procedures, and more. Boat systems and troubleshooting are also covered, with an emphasis on the problem-solving skills that are essential to self-sufficient coastal cruising.
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising and ASA 105, Coastal Navigation are prerequisites to this course.
Learn more about ASA 106 and find a link to sign up online.
California Coastal Combo Course (ASA 105 & 106)
Cost: $2895 for members, $3695 for non-members
The dynamic California Coast provides the perfect setting for training at an advanced level. This 7-day course combines ASA 105, Coastal Navigation and ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising certifications. With this course, you will discover ocean sailing and benefit from the wealth of knowledge that our instructors have gained from their own extensive cruising adventures.
Sailing to Drakes Bay, the Farallon Islands, and Half Moon Bay, you will practice night sailing and electronic piloting, learn float plan development, chart navigation, advanced sail trim, weather analysis, heavy weather techniques, emergency procedures, and more. Boat systems and troubleshooting are also covered, with an emphasis on the problem-solving skills that are essential to safe and self-sufficient coastal cruising. Course itinerary is contingent upon weather and sea state.
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising is a prerequisite.
Learn more about ASA 105/106 and find a link to sign up online.
