LITTLE RIVER GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Six Days to Skipper: A Private ASA 103/104 Liveaboard Out of Little River
A 6‑day, 5‑night hands‑on liveaboard that combines formal ASA 103/104 skippering instruction with anchored nights at Bird Island and a 25‑nm coastal passage to Bald Head Island.
Six Days to Skipper: A Private ASA 103/104 Liveaboard Out of Little River.
From Little River, this private, liveaboard ASA 103/104 combo compresses classroom and watch‑standing into six days afloat. Under instructor supervision you work through day‑skipper skills and multi‑day cruise operations aboard keelboats while visiting uninhabited Bird Island and making an extended passage to Bald Head Island.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Practical Skippering, ASA 103 & 104
The course teaches day‑skipper skills for sloop‑rigged 25'–35' keelboats (ASA 103) and multi‑day cruise skills for 30'–45' boats (ASA 104), covering sail trim, docking, anchoring, engines, navigation rules, weather and emergency operations under instructor supervision.
A Night at Uninhabited Bird Island
The itinerary includes at least one night anchored at uninhabited Bird Island, giving students a practical opportunity to practice anchoring and overnight cruise systems in a protected setting.
Coastal Passage to Bald Head Island
Students make a 25‑nm each‑way sail to Bald Head Island, NC, putting coastal navigation, watch routines and passage planning into real‑world practice.
What the day feels like
What the six‑day liveaboard feels like
The program is an immersive week aboard: days are given to hands‑on instruction in helming, sail trim, systems and navigation, afternoons and evenings are spent practicing docking, anchoring and shipboard routines, and at least one night is spent at anchor at Bird Island with a blue‑water passage to Bald Head Island bookending the cruise.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private course suits — and who it doesn't.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Instructional materials, testing and meals while aboard are included in the course package; instructional materials are mailed once the non‑refundable deposit is received.
The course requires a non‑refundable $500 deposit to secure enrollment; final payment is due twenty‑one (21) days before arrival and is paid via emailed invoice.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 103/104 combo course?
The program is a 6‑day / 5‑night liveaboard course.
What is the cost to book the private couple/pair course?
The course is priced at $5,100 per couple/pair; additional students are charged $1,500 each.
Is there a deposit and is it refundable?
A $500 deposit is required and it is non‑refundable.
When is final payment due?
Final payment is due twenty‑one (21) days before arrival and is handled via an emailed invoice.
How many students are allowed aboard?
The course allows a maximum of four students aboard.
When do classes begin each week?
Classes begin on Monday of each week.
What prerequisites are required to attend?
Participants must have completed ASA 101 prior to enrolling in the 103/104 combo.
Are meals and instructional materials provided?
Yes—meals while aboard and instructional materials and testing are included; instructional materials are mailed after the deposit is received.