MARINA DEL REY CATAMARAN FIELD GUIDE
One Day, Two Hulls: Mastering Catamaran Docking in Marina del Rey
A focused, one-day ASA 118 course that teaches the practical skills needed to dock and maneuver modern catamarans safely—ideal for sailors wanting hands-on confidence in close-quarters handling.
One Day, Two Hulls: Mastering Catamaran Docking in Marina del Rey.
Set in the sheltered basins of Marina del Rey, the ASA 118 Docking & Maneuvering (Catamaran) course compresses essential close-quarters sailing skills into a single, focused day on the water. Taught aboard modern vessels, the class is designed to sharpen techniques in steering, propulsion theory and crew coordination so participants leave with measurable competence and greater confidence at the helm.
Route Schematic
Course Itinerary Snapshot
The day is organized as a sequence of launch, on-water practice stations and a return for debrief.
Naos Yachts — Launch and Briefing
Meet at the Naos Yachts facility in Marina del Rey for check-in, safety briefing and course orientation before casting off.
On-Water Docking Stations
Practice docking and undocking at fixed and floating docks, hone spring-line techniques and learn how windage and hull characteristics affect approaches.
Engine-Failure and Reverse-Steering Drills
Run simulations of failed-engine scenarios, practice docking under reduced propulsion and learn precautions for steering in reverse and using a bowthruster.
Return, Review and Certification
Return to the dock for debrief, review of crew duties during maneuvers and issuance of course materials and certification.
Participants should meet the course prerequisite—willingness to engage in hands-on training—and have baseline knowledge of operating a catamaran; ASA 114 is recommended but not required. Instructors may adjust on-water activities for safety or conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Practical Docking and Close-Quarters Maneuvers
This one-day class concentrates on real-world techniques: handling wind and current, using spring lines and bow thrusters, steering in reverse, and docking at fixed and floating docks—all practiced aboard a catamaran so you build muscle memory in the platform you sail.
Modern Catamarans and Certified Instructors
Instruction is delivered aboard the operator’s newest fleet of vessels, with all instructors US Coast Guard licensed and ASA certified—bringing technical knowledge of twin-rudder catamarans, propulsion and safety procedures to each hands-on evolution.
Failure Modes and Crew Roles
Beyond routine berthing, the course walks through uncommon but critical sequences—docking with a failed engine, defining crew duties during docking and undocking, and understanding how hull and appendage characteristics affect pivot points and rudder authority.
What the day feels like
How the Day Feels
Expect an intensive, hands-on rhythm: short classroom briefings transition to on-deck evolutions, with repeated practice of approaches, spring-line uses and emergency drills. Over the course of the day you’ll apply steering and propulsion theory to live situations aboard a catamaran so that technical concepts become practical actions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should consider preparatory training first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a one-day course with a six-hour on-water experience; expect classroom briefings and repeated on-deck practice stations throughout the day.
Fees cover all course materials, certifications and taxes; instruction is delivered aboard the operator’s modern fleet of vessels.
The class meets at Naos Yachts in Marina del Rey for check-in and the pre-departure briefing.
Joining the operator’s Club provides a 10% discount on courses along with additional benefits—details available through the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 118 course?
It is a one-day class featuring six hours of on-water experience.
Do I need prior certification to take this class?
ASA 114 is recommended but not required; students should have knowledge of operating a catamaran and a willingness to participate in hands-on training.
What vessel types will we train on?
Classes are taught aboard the operator’s modern fleet, which includes contemporary catamarans.
Are instructors certified?
All instructors are US Coast Guard licensed and ASA certified.
What happens if an engine fails during docking practice?
The curriculum includes specific instruction and drills for docking a sailboat with a failed engine, covering crew duties and alternative maneuvering techniques.
Are course materials and certification included in the fee?
Yes—fees include all materials, certifications and taxes.
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: 2026-09-18T12:02:58.808Z
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