LITTLE RIVER BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Three Days, Two Nights: Learn to Cruise a Coastal Sailboat as a Pair
A private, 3-day liveaboard ASA 104 course for couples that pairs hands-on instruction with an overnight anchor at Bird Island and a 25–30 mile coastal passage to Bald Head Island.
Three Days, Two Nights: Learn to Cruise a Coastal Sailboat as a Pair.
Adventure brief
Three Days, Two Nights: Learn to Cruise a Coastal Sailboat as a Pair
This private ASA 104 liveaboard is a focused, 3-day/2-night coastal cruising course designed for a couple or pair to live aboard, learn together, and practice real-world cruising skills under the guidance of an instructor.
Located in Little River, South Carolina, Sailing Myrtle Beach offers an immersive three-day liveaboard sailing course designed specifically for couples ready to master bareboat cruising. Situated at 4495 Baker St, this unique program offers a hands-on experience aboard high-end vessels like the Beneteau Oceanis 390 or Elan Impression 444, perfect for those who already possess basic sailing skills and want to advance to confident coastal navigation.
The ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising course is tailored to build teamwork and technical competence. With personalized instruction, students learn intermediate sailing skills essential for safely managing an auxiliary-powered sailboat in coastal waters with moderate to heavy sea conditions. Skills covered include advanced sail trim, boat systems maintenance, using the auxiliary engine, and troubleshooting potential emergencies. The adventure includes practical lessons on provisioning, navigation, anchoring, mooring, and docking.
Couples embark on a 25- to 30-mile ocean sail stretching from Little River to Bald Head Island, North Carolina, with overnight stays at anchor that simulate real cruising life. This overnight segment not only deepens seamanship skills but also strengthens the bond between the pair as they share meals, responsibilities, and the serene night on the water.
Little River itself is a gateway to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic coastal environment, featuring diverse marshland ecology, abundant birdlife, and a strong maritime heritage dating back to early 18th-century fishing villages. Sailing Myrtle Beach stands out for its focus on private, intimate instruction and liveaboard immersion, making it one of the few hands-on sailing schools in the area that prepares adventurers for the cruising lifestyle with authenticity and skill.
For couples looking to transform their weekend or vacation into a practical sailing retreat that blends relaxation with real-world competency, this course is a stellar option. Sailing Myrtle Beach isn’t just a sailing school; it’s a gateway into the deeper rhythms of South Carolina’s coastal waters.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
The course departs from the operator’s marina, sails coastal waters with an anchor night at Bird Island, and includes a 25–30 mile passage to Bald Head Island for an overnight stop.
Departure: Operator’s marina
Begin the 3-day/2-night liveaboard course at the operator’s marina where instructional materials and provisioning are finalized before casting off.
Night at Anchor: Bird Island
One night is spent at anchor at Bird Island so you can practice anchoring, watchkeeping and life aboard away from the dock.
Passage: Bald Head Island, NC
A 25–30 mile ocean sail delivers you to Bald Head Island for an overnight stay, reinforcing coastal navigation and passage planning skills.
This is a private, instructor-led liveaboard; participants must meet the course prerequisites and understand the operator runs multi-day coastal passages that may be adjusted for safety or weather.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands-on, private instruction aboard a cruising yacht
Delivered as a couple/pair private course, the ASA 104 curriculum immerses both of you in provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring, docking and emergency operations aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 390 or an Elan Impression 444.
A genuine ocean passage and an anchor night
The itinerary includes a 25–30 mile ocean sail to Bald Head Island, NC and a night at anchor at Bird Island so you practice navigation, watch systems under way, and experience life aboard away from the marina.
Meals, provisioning and liveaboard routines
This live-aboard course includes meals while aboard; as a couple you’ll share planning and provisioning responsibilities using a provided gift card so you practice budgeting and provisioning for a cruising lifestyle.
What the day feels like
What the three-day liveaboard feels like
Over three days and two nights you’ll live aboard, take focused lessons on sail and engine systems, stand watches during a multi-day coastal passage, spend a night at anchor, and return with the practical skills to skipper and crew an auxiliary-powered sailboat in coastal waters.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course is a 3 Day/2 Night liveaboard and classes begin on Thursday or Friday of each week.
Motion sickness remedies are not included and should be brought if you are prone to queasiness; instructional materials are provided once the deposit is paid.
Price is $3,600 per couple with $1,500 per additional student; a non‑refundable $500 deposit is required and final payment is due 21 days before arrival and collected via emailed invoice.
Each night of the course is spent away from the operator’s marina; the liveaboard is conducted aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 390 or an Elan Impression 444.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The ASA 104 Couple/Pair Private is a 3 Day / 2 Night liveaboard course.
What is included in the course fee?
Instructional materials and testing, as well as meals while aboard, are included.
What does it cost and how many students can attend?
The course costs $3,600 per couple, $1,500 per additional student, and carries a maximum of four students aboard.
Are there prerequisites?
Yes — participants must have completed ASA 103 prior to taking this ASA 104 course.
What are the payment terms?
A non‑refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot and instructional materials are mailed after deposit; final payment is due twenty‑one (21) days before arrival and is paid via emailed invoice.
Which boats are used for instruction?
Instruction is conducted aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 390 or an Elan Impression 444.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T01:08:02.585Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.