Three Days Back on the Water: A Catalina Refresher from Marina del Rey

MARINA DEL REY SAILING FIELD GUIDE

Three Days Back on the Water: A Catalina Refresher from Marina del Rey

A 3-day ASA 104 refresher run by Naos Yachts that restores confidence with hands-on instruction to Catalina Island—this guide explains what to expect and how the course runs.

Three Days Back on the Water: A Catalina Refresher from Marina del Rey.

Duration
3 days
Location
Marina del Rey
Operator
Naos Yachts
Category
Sailing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Reignite your sailing confidence with a focused, instructor-led refresher departing from Marina del Rey. Over three days and two nights the ASA 104 Refresher Class places you back aboard with an ASA instructor for extended time on the water en route to Catalina Island; there is no exam, and students are welcome to bring a guest.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Three days to Catalina Island

This refresher format stretches classroom knowledge into a 3-day, 2-night sailing experience to Catalina Island so students can rebuild confidence with sustained time underway.

THE INSTRUCTION

Hands-on instruction without an exam

An ASA instructor accompanies the course to provide practical, hands-on coaching; the class is structured as a confidence-building refresher rather than an assessment.

THE OPTIONS

Flotilla options and guest-friendly format

The refresher format includes guest invitations and is offered alongside flotilla departures—Catalina in April 2025 and Channel Islands in June 2025—giving students options for longer programs.

What the day feels like

What the three-day refresher feels like

Expect an immersive, low-pressure reintroduction to coastal cruising: three days and two nights of on-the-water time under the guidance of an ASA instructor, focused on rebuilding skills and confidence rather than testing them. The program invites students to bring a guest and emphasizes practical experience to prepare you to charter or sail independently again.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this refresher suits — and the key operational constraint to know.

1
Returning ASA 104 StudentsIdeal for sailors who have held ASA 104 but want more on-water time under an instructor before chartering on their own; sessions proceed only if the minimum enrollment is met.
2
Solo SailorsSolo participants can join but should be aware that the class needs at least two students to run; organizers will contact registrants if rescheduling is required.
3
Couples or GuestsBecause guests are invited to join, couples or friends can attend together, though the course still adheres to the operator’s minimum-student requirement.
4
Small GroupsSmall groups fit the format well, but organizers will confirm or reschedule if enrollment does not reach the two-student minimum.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This refresher is a 3-day program; related flotilla options include a 4-day Catalina option in April 2025 and a 5-day Channel Islands option in June 2025.

What to Bring

Students are invited to bring a guest for the course.

Logistics

The class meets at Naos Yachts in Marina del Rey.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Is there an exam at the end of the refresher?

No. The refresher is designed for hands-on time and confidence building and does not include an exam.

How long is the ASA 104 Refresher Class?

The refresher course runs for three days and two nights.

Can I bring a guest?

Yes. You are invited to bring a guest along for the refresher.

Where does the class meet?

The meeting location for the course is Naos Yachts in Marina del Rey.

Are there other refresher or flotilla options?

Yes. There is a Catalina flotilla option in April 2025 and a Channel Islands flotilla option in June 2025.

What happens if the class doesn't reach minimum enrollment?

The class requires a minimum of two students to run; the operator will contact registrants if a session needs to be rescheduled.