Two Nights Offshore: Learning Bareboat Cruising from Little River to Bald Head

LITTLE RIVER BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Two Nights Offshore: Learning Bareboat Cruising from Little River to Bald Head

A 3-day, 2-night live‑aboard ASA 104 course that pairs hands‑on instruction with a 25–30 mile ocean passage to Bald Head Island to advance your bareboat cruising skills.

Two Nights Offshore: Learning Bareboat Cruising from Little River to Bald Head.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Little River
Operator
Sailing Myrtle Beach
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Little River’s marina you’ll set out on a compact, immersive live‑aboard course designed to turn intermediate sailors into competent bareboat skippers. Over three days and two nights you’ll practice coastal navigation, advanced sail trim, anchoring and boat systems while making a 25–30 mile ocean passage for an overnight stay at Bald Head Island.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE COURSE

ASA 104: Live‑Aboard Bareboat Cruising

ASA 104 teaches the intermediate sailor the skills required to cruise safely as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary‑powered sailboat during a multi‑day coastal cruise, covering provisioning, boat systems, engines, advanced sail trim, navigation, anchoring, docking and emergency operations.

THE ROUTE

A 25–30 Mile Ocean Passage to Bald Head

Each course includes a substantial ocean sail — roughly 25 to 30 miles — that takes the group to Bald Head Island, NC for an overnight stay, giving students real offshore passage experience.

LIFE ABOARD

Hands‑On Instruction and Overnight Sailing

This live‑aboard format spends both nights away from the marina and includes onboard meals as part of the program, so instruction continues through evenings and watches at sea.

What the day feels like

What the Course Feels Like

The rhythm is practical and continuous: classroom and dockside briefings dovetail into hands‑on sailing, long daylight legs on coastal waters and night watches during two nights away from the marina. Expect focused skill drills, real‑world passage planning and the lived reality of provisioning and systems management aboard for multiple days.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course is for — and who should think twice.

1
Intermediate Sailors and Aspiring SkippersIdeal for sailors who have completed ASA 103 and want the practical skills to skipper a bareboat on multi‑day coastal passages.
2
Couples or PairsDesigned to accommodate paired participants in a private/pair format, offering concentrated instruction and shared watch responsibilities.
3
Those Sensitive to SeasicknessNot recommended without preparation — motion sickness remedies are not provided, so bring your own medications or remedies if you are prone to queasiness.
4
Certification SeekersAppropriate for sailors pursuing ASA 104 certification and who require the live‑aboard, multi‑day experience this course provides.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a 3‑day, 2‑night live‑aboard ASA 104 course with instruction and overnight sailing included.

What to Bring

Bring personal gear for an overnight cruise and any motion sickness remedies you prefer — motion sickness remedies are not supplied by the operator. Basic provisioning and onboard meals are included in the course.

Inclusions

Instructional materials, testing and meals while onboard are included; instructional materials are mailed to participants after the course deposit is received.

Booking & Deposit

All courses require a non‑refundable $250 deposit; once received, instructional materials will be mailed to you.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising course?

The course runs three days and two nights.

Do we sail overnight and where?

Yes — each night is spent away from the marina, including an approximate 25–30 mile ocean sail to Bald Head Island for an overnight stay.

What are the prerequisites?

Participants must have completed ASA 103 prior to enrolling in ASA 104.

Are meals and instructional materials included?

Instructional materials, testing and meals while onboard are included; instructional materials are mailed to students after the deposit is received.

Is motion sickness medication provided?

No — motion sickness remedies are not included; participants who may be susceptible should bring their own medications or remedies.

What is the deposit policy?

A non‑refundable $250 deposit is required to hold a spot and to trigger mailing of instructional materials.