BARRINGTON SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Three Days, Two Nights: Women Learn to Command a 35–42 ft Cruising Sloop from Barrington
An intensive, women-only ASA 104 bareboat cruising course that teaches coastal navigation, anchoring and multi-day boat management aboard Jeanneau or Bavaria cruising yachts.
Three Days, Two Nights: Women Learn to Command a 35–42 ft Cruising Sloop from Barrington.
Off the shore of Barrington, Rhode Island, an empowering, hands-on curriculum compresses the realities of bareboat charter into three days and two nights aboard a sloop-rigged cruising yacht. Under a female instructor, students move from provisioning and systems familiarization to chart-plotter navigation and night‑on‑board seamanship, preparing to helm and manage 35–42 foot cruising boats on coastal passages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Real Cruising Boats: 35–42 ft Sloops
Training takes place aboard three‑cabin cruising sailboats—typically Jeanneau 35 or Bavaria 42 models—so skills are taught on the same platforms students will charter worldwide, including docking, mooring and systems troubleshooting.
Coastal Navigation and Chart‑Plotter Proficiency
The program emphasizes coastal navigation: chart work, chart‑plotter use and practical passage planning over multiple hours of sailing so students can plot, navigate and arrive under their own watch.
Cruising Practice, Provisioning and Tougher Conditions
Expect immersive, real‑world training—planning provisions, living aboard for two nights, and hands‑on experience managing boat systems and cruising in moderate to heavy winds under instructor supervision.
What the day feels like
What the Three‑Day Course Actually Feels Like
The course is a compact, immersive sequence: meet the crew and instructors in Barrington, plan the trip and provisions, learn the boat’s systems and immediately begin practical exercises—docking, mooring and navigation—followed by extended sailing hours, onboard evenings and an exam once the boat is secured.
THE VESSEL
Real Cruising Boats: 35–42 ft Sloops
Training takes place aboard three‑cabin cruising sailboats—typically Jeanneau 35 or Bavaria 42 models—so skills are taught on the same platforms students will charter worldwide, including docking, mooring and systems troubleshooting.
NAVIGATION
Coastal Navigation and Chart‑Plotter Proficiency
The program emphasizes coastal navigation: chart work, chart‑plotter use and practical passage planning over multiple hours of sailing so students can plot, navigate and arrive under their own watch.
REAL WORLD
Cruising Practice, Provisioning and Tougher Conditions
Expect immersive, real‑world training—planning provisions, living aboard for two nights, and hands‑on experience managing boat systems and cruising in moderate to heavy winds under instructor supervision.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Three days with two nights aboard; instruction blends classroom/chart work and extensive on‑water practice aboard 35–42 ft cruisers.
Students plan provisions for multi‑day cruising and should be prepared to live aboard; bring personal items for two nights, foul‑weather gear as needed and any required personal documents.
The course meets in Barrington, Rhode Island; confirm exact meet location and start times with the operator.
Operations are subject to weather; the school will not put students on the water if conditions are unsafe and may cancel or reschedule for safety.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 104 bareboat cruising course?
The course is an intensive three‑day program with two overnight stays aboard the cruising boat.
Where do we meet for the course?
Participants meet in Barrington, Rhode Island; confirm exact meeting details with the operator prior to the start date.
Is this course truly women only?
Yes—the course is offered as a women‑only program with a female instructor to provide an empowering learning environment.
What boats are used for instruction?
Training is typically taught aboard Jeanneau 35 or Bavaria 42 three‑cabin cruising sailboats, the same size range (35–42 ft) used for bareboat charters.
Do I need prior certification before taking ASA 104?
The course is intended for sailors ready to progress after ASA 101; it builds on basic daysailing skills toward bareboat competency.
What happens if the weather is unsafe?
For safety the school will not put students on the water if conditions are unsafe; the operator may cancel or reschedule the course based on weather and safety considerations.