IRVINGTON SAILING FIELD GUIDE
ASA 103: Mastering Coastal Daysails from Irvington’s Tides Inn
A focused, three-day ASA 103 course that teaches inboard engine basics, intermediate sail trim, docking, anchoring and coastal navigation—essential preparation for confident Chesapeake day-sailing.
ASA 103: Mastering Coastal Daysails from Irvington’s Tides Inn.
Set from the docks at Irvington’s Tides Inn Marina, ASA 103 is an immersive, three-day course that expands on the fundamentals of sailing into practical coastal cruising: engine systems, intermediate sail trim, anchoring, navigation and hands-on decision-making for day-sail voyages along the Chesapeake.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Systems Mastery
Gain a technician’s-eye view of the cruising boat: inboard diesel familiarization, through-hulls, and the basics of onboard plumbing and electrical systems so you can diagnose and manage routine problems underway.
Heavy-Weather Tactics
Learn techniques to stay in control when the wind builds—reefing while underway and heaving-to are practiced so crews can stabilize the boat and make conservative, confident choices in stronger conditions.
Precision Docking & Seamanship
Close-quarters maneuvering is emphasized: using prop walk, momentum and situational judgment to dock cleanly in varying wind and current, alongside practical anchoring—selecting a set, calculating scope and securing the boat.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like on the water
Across three full days on the water, instruction alternates focused classroom discussion with hands-on practice: students refine sail trim and docking through repeated, supervised maneuvers, troubleshoot and become familiar with the inboard diesel, and put navigation and decision-making into practice by choosing a destination on the chart and planning how to sail there and back.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course is best for — and who it isn’t
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
ASA 103 runs for three days, with daily instruction from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The course departs from Tides Inn Marina in Irvington, VA; participants should arrive at the marina for the morning briefing.
Specific gear recommendations are provided by the operator—participants should consult course materials or the operator for a suggested gear list.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is ASA 103 and what are the daily hours?
The course is three days long, meeting daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (approximately seven hours per day).
Where do we meet and depart from?
Classes embark from Tides Inn Marina in Irvington, VA.
What skills and topics does the course cover?
ASA 103 covers inboard diesel engine basics, intermediate sail trim, docking, anchoring, paper-chart coastal navigation, heavy-weather tactics and emergency procedures such as MOB recovery.
Do I need prior instruction before taking ASA 103?
ASA 103 builds on the foundation established in ASA 101, so prior basic instruction as described in ASA 101 is expected.
Are there age or conduct restrictions?
Participants must be at least 16 years old; the operator enforces a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drug use while aboard.
Will we practice navigation planning on real charts?
Yes—students select a destination on the chart, plan how to sail there and back, and discuss timing and anticipated challenges as part of applied navigation training.