ANNAPOLIS CATAMARAN FIELD GUIDE
Three Days Aboard a 40‑Foot Catamaran: Liveaboard Sailing and ASA 114 Certification out of Annapolis
A 3‑day, 2‑night liveaboard course that teaches hands‑on sailing aboard a sloop‑rigged catamaran and culminates in ASA 114 certification — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Three Days Aboard a 40‑Foot Catamaran: Liveaboard Sailing and ASA 114 Certification out of Annapolis.
Set off from Annapolis for a concentrated, hands‑on liveaboard course that compresses advanced catamaran seamanship into three days and two nights. Onboard a 30'–45' sloop‑rigged catamaran you’ll move from theory to practice: learning boat systems and auxiliary engines, refining sail trim, practicing docking and anchoring, and rehearsing emergency operations while stopping at scenic anchorages along Maryland’s coast.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
Typical stops combine instructional passages with overnight anchorages in Maryland waters.
Annapolis — Departure
The cruise departs from Annapolis, where you board and complete initial briefings and safety orientation before getting underway.
Rock Hall — Possible Overnight
One of the potential overnight stops; used as a practical setting for anchoring and local seamanship practice.
Kent Island or Baltimore — Harbor Stop/Anchorage
The course may stage in Kent Island, Baltimore or other local anchorages to vary conditions and docking experiences.
Annapolis — Return
After three days the trip returns to Annapolis for debrief, final assessment and certification issuance.
Participants must meet the stated prerequisites and be prepared for course itinerary variations; the operator may use any of the listed harbors or other anchorages depending on conditions, and the course includes overnight liveaboard experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Earn ASA 114 — Cruising Catamaran
The course culminates in the ASA 114 credential for cruising catamarans, with the textbook and course materials supplied and certification issued upon successful completion.
Advanced Hands‑On Seamanship
Expect focused, practical training in advanced sail trim, auxiliary engine systems, anchoring and mooring, docking techniques and emergency procedures — all practiced in real coastal and inland conditions.
Liveaboard Cruise Through Maryland Anchorages
The itinerary mixes underway passages with overnight stays at picturesque harbors and anchorages, offering time to practice deck work and to experience local waterfronts between training sessions.
What the day feels like
What the three‑day liveaboard feels like
The course is compact and immersive: days alternate between classroom briefings and hands‑on watches on deck, with evenings spent at anchor or in harbor. You’ll sail, trim, dock and anchor under instructor supervision, progressing from guided drills to confident, assessed execution while living aboard for the full 48 hours.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Course textbook and materials are provided. Plan for personal provisions and incidentals; additional costs for provisions are approximately $200.
The price includes the textbook and course materials, ASA 114 certification, and fuel and docking fees; provisions are an additional cost.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
Three days and two nights of liveaboard instruction.
Where does the trip depart and return?
The cruise departs from Annapolis and returns to Annapolis after three days.
Do I receive ASA certification?
Yes — the course includes ASA 114 certification upon successful completion.
What is included and are there extra costs?
Textbook and materials, ASA 114 certification, and fuel and docking fees are included; plan for additional provisions costs of about $200.
Are there age or certification prerequisites?
Participants must be at least 18 years old and hold ASA 104 Bareboat Chartering as a prerequisite.
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: 2026-08-10T12:59:18.264Z
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.