Courses and Certifications

Embark on a thrilling journey with our ASA 101: Basic Keelboat course, designed for both novice and experienced sailors. This two-day course will teach you how to sail a 22-foot boat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions, ensuring you gain confidence and skills to navigate familiar waters without supervision. Our certified instructors provide personalized attention, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

This course is taught over 2 consecutive days.

Located at the Willoughby Marina in Norfolk, VA, this course offers an immersive sailing experience on the stunning Chesapeake Bay. You'll learn essential sailing techniques, safety protocols, and gain hands-on experience that will prepare you for independent sailing adventures.

Join us for this popular course and become part of the vibrant sailing community. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or enhance your sailing skills, the ASA 101: Basic Keelboat course is the perfect opportunity to set sail with confidence.

The ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising course is designed for those who want to enhance their sailing skills and experience the thrill of coastal cruising. Over two days, participants will learn to sail a 30-50 foot boat in coastal waters, gaining the confidence and skills needed to act as skipper or crew. This course is perfect for those looking to expand their sailing knowledge and enjoy the beauty of the open sea.

Embark on a transformative sailing journey with the ASA 103 and 104: Bareboat Charter Certification Combo. This comprehensive course is designed for aspiring sailors who wish to master the art of skippering a 30 to 50-foot boat in coastal waters. Over four days, participants will gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the seas with confidence. Whether you're looking to enhance your sailing skills or pursue a new adventure, this certification combo offers the perfect blend of education and excitement.

The ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising course is designed for those who wish to learn how to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered keelboat of approximately 30 to 50 feet in length. This course will equip you with the skills needed to confidently navigate coastal waters during the day. By the end of the course, you will be able to handle a keelboat with an inboard diesel engine, making you ready for your own bareboat adventures.

Learn how to safely and efficiently dock an auxiliary powered sailboat under almost any condition with the ASA 118: Docking Course. This course is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to handle a single inboard or outboard engine sailboat. Gain confidence in your docking abilities through hands-on practice and expert instruction at Willoughby Marina.

The ASA 114: Cruising Catamarans course is designed for those who wish to gain advanced knowledge and skills to safely command a 30-50 foot sailing catamaran. This comprehensive course covers essential topics such as catamaran structure, performance under sail and power, boat systems, seamanship, safety, and emergency response. With a focus on practical learning, students will experience sailing in moderate to heavy winds and sea conditions, preparing them for coastal waters along the Chesapeake Bay, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Master the art of coastal navigation with our ASA 105 course, designed for both power and sail enthusiasts. This comprehensive course covers all the essential navigational theory needed to safely guide a sailing vessel through coastal or inland waters. With no prerequisites required, this course is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of nautical charts and compass reading.

ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising is the ultimate course for sailors looking to take on more challenging conditions by learning the advanced techniques and seamanship required to navigate coastal waters confidently, day or night, in all weather. Whether you’re dreaming of longer passages or exploring more remote destinations, ASA 106 gives you the experience and knowledge to handle your boat like a seasoned skipper in various demanding scenarios.

You’ll learn advanced sail handling, night navigation, heavy weather tactics, and emergency procedures. This course emphasizes decision-making, leadership, and boat management while cruising in variable weather and sea states. Through practical, hands-on training, you’ll navigate longer passages, perform crew-overboard drills, and manage a vessel’s systems while underway. ASA 106 prepares you for advanced cruising adventures, ensuring you’re ready for any conditions coastal cruising might throw at you.

Embark on a comprehensive sailing journey with our ASA 101 to 104: Novice to Bareboat Certification Combo. This course is designed for those who wish to transition from a novice sailor to a competent bareboat skipper. Over five days, you'll receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience aboard a 36′ sailboat, ensuring you gain the skills and confidence needed to navigate coastal waters safely.

Embark on a journey to master the art of celestial navigation with our ASA 117 Basic Celestial Navigation Endorsement course. Over two days, you'll learn to apply celestial navigation theory and practice to determine your position at sea using a sextant and Nautical Almanac. This course is designed for those who wish to enhance their sailing skills and gain confidence in navigating open waters.

Refresh your sailing skills with the ASA 111: Sailing Review Clinic in Norfolk, VA. This clinic is perfect for ASA certified sailors who need a refresher or want focused instruction in specific areas like docking and sail trim. Choose between a half-day or full-day session to suit your schedule and learning needs.