THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
What is the ASA?
The American Sailing Association (ASA) is one of the largest and most respected sailing certification entities
in the world, with over 500,000 certifications issued. It doesn’t matter what country you are from (you don’t
have to be American!) to earn these internationally recognized certifications…
Where are these certifications recognized?
The ASA certifications are recognized worldwide by every major charter company including Dream Yacht,
Moorings, Sunsail, Navigare and others…
Why do I need formal certifications?
If you are planning on chartering internationally you need to be able to show that you have met recognized
standards that prove you know how to sail and operate a yacht. For future boat owners, having formal sailing
certifications is becoming a requirement to obtain insurance on your personal vessel.
ASA 114 - CRUISING
CATAMARAN CERTIFICATION
Prerequisites: ASA 101, ASA 103, ASA 104
Able to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of catamaran structure, components and features, performance under sail and power, boat systems, seamanship and safety, heavy weather operation, and emergency response.
ASA 104 - BAREBOAT CRUISING
Prerequisites: ASA 101, ASA 103
Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30′-45′ sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.
ASA 103 - BASIC COASTAL CRUISING
Prerequisites: ASA 103
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25′-35′ keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.
ASA 101 - BASIC KEELBOAT SAILING
Prerequisites: None
Learn to skipper a 20′ – 27′ sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.
