Three Days On Deck: Master Coastal Cruising with the ASA 103 + 104 Combo in Sturgeon Bay

STURGEON BAY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Three Days On Deck: Master Coastal Cruising with the ASA 103 + 104 Combo in Sturgeon Bay

A hands-on, 3-day, 2-night course from SailTime Door County that advances sailors beyond ASA 101—navigation, anchoring, heavy-weather tactics, and onboard systems training.

Three Days On Deck: Master Coastal Cruising with the ASA 103 + 104 Combo in Sturgeon Bay.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Sturgeon Bay
Operator
SailTime Door County
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Off the dock in Sturgeon Bay, SailTime Door County stages an intensive, three-day, two-night onboard course that builds on basic skills to teach advanced coastal cruising: chart work and GPS, anchoring and mooring techniques, heavy-weather sailing, provisioning and galley operations, engine and systems familiarity, and emergency procedures aboard a sloop-rigged keelboat.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SKILLS

Advanced Seamanship and Heavy-Weather Handling

The program advances sailors beyond beginner level with focused instruction in heavy-weather sailing, advanced sail trim, and emergency procedures so participants can handle moderate to heavy winds and sea conditions aboard a sloop-rigged keelboat.

THE NAVIGATION

Coastal Navigation, Chart Work, and GPS

Students learn coastal navigation fundamentals—basic chart plotting, GPS operation, rules of the road and weather interpretation—skills intended to prepare them for real-world cruising and passage making.

THE REALITY

Systems, Provisioning, and Onboard Living

Beyond sailing technique, the course covers boat systems and inboard engine operation, provisioning and galley procedures, mooring with multiple anchors, and dinghy/tender use so students experience the practical demands of extended coastal cruising.

What the day feels like

What Three Days Afloat Feels Like

The ASA 103 + 104 combo is an immersive, hands-on progression: classroom-style briefings and demonstrations blend into on-deck practice, then into multi-leg cruising that tests navigation, anchoring and systems knowledge across an extended overnight experience aboard a 30–50-foot sloop-rigged, inboard-diesel keelboat.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits—and who it doesn’t.

1
Aspiring SkippersIdeal for sailors who want the demonstrated ability to skipper a 30–50 ft sloop-rigged, auxiliary-powered keelboat during an extended coastal cruise.
2
Seasoned Day-Sailors Looking to Go OffshoreA solid next step for sailors who have foundational experience (ASA 101 or equivalent) and want formal training in navigation, anchoring, systems and heavy-weather tactics.
3
Families with Older ChildrenOpen to students ages 10 and up, making it possible for families with capable young teens to train together under instruction.
4
Those Needing a Low-Impact OptionNot ideal for travelers unable to sleep aboard for multiple nights or for anyone who cannot work on deck in windy or rough conditions.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The course runs as a 3-day, 2-night onboard program.

Cost & Inclusions

Student price is $1,400; the course price includes study materials and ASA exam fees but does not include provisioning, slip or mooring fees, meals ashore, or navigation tools.

What to Bring

Bring personal clothing and gear suitable for multi-day liveaboard sailing; note that provisioning and navigation tools are not provided and must be furnished by the student where required.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the ASA 103 + 104 Combo?

The course is a 3-day, 2-night onboard program.

What is the price and who can attend?

Student price is $1,400 and the course is open to students ages 10 and up.

What does the course price include?

Price includes study materials and ASA exam fees.

What is not included in the course fee?

Provisioning, any slip or mooring fees, meals ashore, and navigation tools are not included.

What type of boat is used for training?

Training is conducted on a sloop-rigged, auxiliary-powered (inboard diesel) keelboat of approximately 30 to 50 feet in length.

What skills will I learn?

The course covers navigation, chart plotting, GPS use, anchoring and mooring, advanced sail trim, heavy-weather sailing, boat systems and inboard engine operation, provisioning and galley operations, and emergency procedures.