CLEAR LAKE SHORES SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Three Days to Bareboat: ASA 103/104 from Clear Lake Shores
A 3-day, 2-night on-board ASA 103/104 combo run by SailTime Houston that pairs coastal-day and overnight bareboat training—this guide lays out the curriculum, prerequisites, and practical logistics.
Three Days to Bareboat: ASA 103/104 from Clear Lake Shores.
Embark from Clear Lake Shores for a concentrated, three-day sailing course that combines ASA 103 Coastal Cruising and ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising. Taught aboard modern monohulls and catamarans by US Coast Guard–licensed, ASA‑certified instructors, the on‑water program is limited to no more than four students per class and covers day-skippering, overnight passages, navigation, anchoring, docking, safety and seamanship.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two core lessons: day coastal skipper and overnight bareboat
The ASA 103/104 combo teaches day‑skipper skills on 35'–41' sloop‑rigged keelboats and overnight bareboat cruising on 38'–45' boats—covering navigation, intermediate and advanced sail trim, anchoring, docking, weather, safety and seamanship across the three‑day, two‑night program.
Modern monohulls and catamarans for on‑water learning
Classes are run aboard SailTime Houston’s newest and most modern fleet; instruction happens on appropriately sized sloop‑rigged vessels with auxiliary engines suited to coastal and overnight conditions.
Small classes, licensed instructors
Instruction is delivered by US Coast Guard‑licensed, ASA‑certified instructors, with classes deliberately kept small—regularly no more than four students—to maximize hands‑on time and instructor attention.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
The three‑day, two‑night on‑board rhythm moves from daytime coastal drills—dockings, intermediate sail trim, and coastal navigation—into an overnight bareboat experience that emphasizes provisioning, advanced systems knowledge, night and passage seamanship, anchoring and emergency procedures. Expect continuous, hands‑on instruction with immediate application aboard the boat.
THE CURRICULUM
Two core lessons: day coastal skipper and overnight bareboat
The ASA 103/104 combo teaches day‑skipper skills on 35'–41' sloop‑rigged keelboats and overnight bareboat cruising on 38'–45' boats—covering navigation, intermediate and advanced sail trim, anchoring, docking, weather, safety and seamanship across the three‑day, two‑night program.
THE FLEET
Modern monohulls and catamarans for on‑water learning
Classes are run aboard SailTime Houston’s newest and most modern fleet; instruction happens on appropriately sized sloop‑rigged vessels with auxiliary engines suited to coastal and overnight conditions.
THE TEAM
Small classes, licensed instructors
Instruction is delivered by US Coast Guard‑licensed, ASA‑certified instructors, with classes deliberately kept small—regularly no more than four students—to maximize hands‑on time and instructor attention.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course is best for — and who should prepare more before signing up.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Course length is 3 days and 2 nights on board.
Single occupancy rate is $975.00 + tax (1 set of books/1 certificate); double occupancy rate is $1850.00 + tax (1 set of books/2 certificates). Rates include book and certification fees.
All classes meet at SailTime Houston in Clear Lake Shores.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 103/104 combo course?
The course is conducted over 3 days and 2 nights on board.
Where do classes meet?
Classes meet at SailTime Houston in Clear Lake Shores.
What are the prerequisites to enroll?
Participants must have ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing and be able to demonstrate competency in all knowledge and skills elements of those standards.
How many students are in a class?
Classes are regularly limited to no more than four students.
Who teaches the courses?
All instructors are US Coast Guard‑licensed and ASA‑certified.
What does ASA 103 cover versus ASA 104?
ASA 103 covers day coastal skipper skills on 35'–41' sloop‑rigged keelboats in moderate conditions; ASA 104 focuses on overnight bareboat cruising on 38'–45' vessels, including provisioning and advanced seamanship.