LITTLE RIVER BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Offshore Savvy: ASA 103 Coastal Cruising from Little River
An intermediate American Sailing Association course in Little River that teaches the seamanship, navigation, and handling skills needed to skipper and crew a cruising sailboat in near-coastal waters.
Offshore Savvy: ASA 103 Coastal Cruising from Little River.
ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising, run by Sailing Myrtle Beach in Little River, South Carolina, is an intermediate certification course that takes sailors beyond basics and into the practical skills necessary to cruise safely as both skipper and crew in near‑coastal waters.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on seamanship and navigation
The curriculum covers cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship—everything an intermediate sailor needs to operate a cruising sailboat safely in near‑coastal waters.
Instructional materials plus onboard practice
ASA 103 includes instructional materials and testing, with hands‑on time aboard the boat and meals provided while onboard to support full‑day practical learning.
Intimate, focused classes
Courses are kept intentionally small—limited to three students per class—so instructors can provide concentrated coaching to each participant as they practice docking, anchoring, and coastal piloting in near‑coastal conditions.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
ASA 103 blends classroom concepts with hands‑on practice: students work through instructional materials and testing, then apply lessons aboard—running the auxiliary engine, trimming sails, practicing docking and anchoring, and navigating coastal waters under instructor supervision—building the competence to act as skipper or crew in near‑coastal environments.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring personal items and any motion‑sickness remedies you may need—these are not provided. Instructors have observed students using Dramamine, Bonine, pressure‑point bands, or patches; obtain remedies beforehand if you are prone to queasiness.
Instructional materials and testing are included in the course fee, and meals are provided while onboard during training days.
All courses require a non‑refundable 15% deposit; once the deposit is received, instructional materials will be mailed to the student.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need any prerequisites to take ASA 103?
Yes—ASA 101 is a required prerequisite before enrolling in ASA 103.
How many students are in each class?
Classes are limited to three students per class, unless otherwise stated.
What course materials are provided?
Instructional materials and testing are included; instructional materials are mailed once the non‑refundable 15% deposit is received.
Are meals included during the course?
Meals while onboard are included as part of the course.
Are motion‑sickness remedies provided?
No—motion‑sickness remedies are not included; students should bring their own remedies such as Dramamine, Bonine, wrist bands, or patches if concerned about seasickness.