SAN DIEGO SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Advance to Cruising: ASA 103/104 Combination Course from Harbor Island
A focused, three-day hands‑on ASA 103/104 program on Catalina‑class cruising yachts in San Diego Bay, Mission Bay, and nearby coastal waters — a practical path to bareboat certification.
Advance to Cruising: ASA 103/104 Combination Course from Harbor Island.
Seaforth’s ASA 103/104 Combination Course is an immersive, three‑day progression designed for sailors who already hold ASA 101 (or equivalent) and want to learn how to skipper a cruising sailboat. Over full days of on‑water instruction you practice advanced cruise planning and skipper techniques and, on successful completion, earn both the ASA 103 and ASA 104 certifications—credentials aimed squarely at sailors preparing to charter or lead multi‑day coastal passages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A concentrated three‑day progression to advanced cruising
This combination course compresses the ASA 103 and 104 curricula into three full days of practical instruction, taking students beyond day sailing into the techniques needed for multi‑day coastal cruising and bareboat chartering.
Cruising aboard a Catalina 35 (or similar)
Training is conducted on a Catalina 35‑foot cruising sailboat (or similar), giving students hands‑on exposure to systems, sail handling, and onboard living that mirror the experience of charter yachts.
Dual certifications to unlock charter and coastal opportunities
Successful completion awards both ASA 103 and ASA 104 certifications, credentialing sailors to take on more responsibility on cruises or to charter cruising yachts for vacations.
What the day feels like
What the three days feel like
Expect three consecutive, full training days (9:00 AM–5:00 PM) of instructor‑led briefings and prolonged on‑water practice in San Diego Bay, Mission Bay and nearby coastal waters. The schedule balances hands‑on helm time, sail trim and maneuver practice aboard a Catalina‑class cruising boat with planning and safety briefings; participants may also opt into a live‑aboard portion to practice overnight routines.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this program
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Three consecutive training days, typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM each day; an optional live‑aboard overnight is available for those who wish to practice onboard routines.
Non‑slip closed‑toe sailing shoes, layered moisture‑wicking clothing or foul‑weather gear, sun protection, waterproof jacket, plenty of water, ID, notebook and snacks; sea‑sickness remedies and a waterproof bag are recommended.
If participating in the optional live‑aboard, bring a compact sleeping bag or bedroll, towel, minimal toiletries, a flashlight/headlamp and a change of clothes; soft bags are recommended for easier stowage aboard.
Check‑in and embarkation meet at Seaforth’s Harbor Island office at 955 Harbor Island Dr Ste 200, San Diego CA 92101.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 103/104 combination course?
The course runs three days, with standard hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, and offers an optional live‑aboard overnight experience.
Where is the meeting location for the course?
Participants meet at Seaforth’s Harbor Island office: 955 Harbor Island Dr Ste 200, San Diego CA 92101.
What prerequisites are required to enroll?
Students must hold ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat) or the equivalent; the Catalina 270 clinic is recommended prior to taking this advanced course.
What type of boat will we train on?
Instruction is conducted aboard a Catalina 35‑foot cruising sailboat or a similar cruising yacht.
What certifications do I receive after completion?
Upon successful completion students receive both the ASA 103 and ASA 104 certifications.