Two Days to Command: Skipping a 38–42ft Cruising Catamaran in Santa Monica Bay

MARINA DEL REY CATAMARAN FIELD GUIDE

Two Days to Command: Skipping a 38–42ft Cruising Catamaran in Santa Monica Bay

A focused, two-day ASA 114 course run from Naos Yachts that teaches hands-on handling, systems, and safety for 38–42ft cruising catamarans in Santa Monica Bay with USCG‑licensed instructors.

Two Days to Command: Skipping a 38–42ft Cruising Catamaran in Santa Monica Bay.

Duration
2 days
Location
Marina del Rey
Operator
Naos Yachts
Category
Catamaran
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On the water in Marina del Rey and Santa Monica Bay, the ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran course is a compact, two‑day program that puts students at the helm of 38–42ft catamarans to learn boat systems, seamanship, heavy‑weather considerations, and emergency response under the guidance of licensed instructors.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE INSTRUCTORS

US Coast Guard‑licensed, ASA‑certified instruction

All classes are taught by instructors who hold US Coast Guard licenses and ASA certification, ensuring standardized, professional training aboard the course vessels.

THE FLEET

Modern Beneteau monohulls and Lagoon catamarans

The course is delivered aboard NAOS’s newest fleet, including Lagoon catamarans, so students train on contemporary systems and layouts representative of current cruising yachts.

THE CLASS

Small groups for focused learning

ASA 114 classes are capped at no more than six students, allowing for personalized coaching and significant hands‑on time at the helm and on systems work.

What the day feels like

What it feels like to learn here

The two‑day, on‑the‑water course compresses practical systems training and seamanship drills into intensive days aboard a cruising catamaran: students work under auxiliary power and sail in Santa Monica Bay, practicing maneuvers, emergency procedures, and heavy‑weather considerations while instructors guide each exercise.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Licensed‑ASA studentsIdeal for sailors who already hold ASA 101, 103 and 104 and want to progress to skippering a cruising catamaran in coastal waters.
2
Aspiring bareboat skippersA focused option for those aiming to add catamaran command to their credentials; the class trains on 38–42ft cruising catamarans relevant to bareboat chartering.
3
Learners who prefer small classesWith a maximum of six students, the course is tailored to those who want hands‑on time and personalized instructor feedback.
4
Those not seeking overnight passagesThis is a daytime, two‑day course with no overnight component, so it’s not a substitute for multi‑night passagemaking experience.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

On the water!

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran course?

The course is two days in duration.

Where do I meet for the course?

Meeting location is at Naos Yachts in Marina del Rey.

What size catamaran will we learn on?

Students train on 38ft to 42ft cruising catamarans.

Are there prerequisites for enrollment?

Yes — ASA 101, 103 and 104 are required prerequisites.

How large are the classes?

ASA 114 classes are limited to no more than six students.

Who operates the course?

The course is operated by Naos Yachts.

Are the instructors credentialed?

All instructors are US Coast Guard licensed and ASA certified.