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.
Adventure brief
Three Days Back on the Water: A Catalina Refresher from Marina del Rey
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.
Reignite your passion for sailing with Naos Yachts’ ASA 104 Refresher Class, a specialized course designed exclusively for ASA 104 graduates. This unique 3-day, 2-night adventure takes place on the stunning Catalina Island just off the coast of Marina del Rey, California. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you'll sharpen your sailing techniques, build confidence on the water, and gain valuable experience tackling the coastal waters around the Channel Islands. This refresher course isn’t just about skill-building; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in an unforgettable maritime experience with the added benefit of bringing a guest along. Whether you're looking to brush up on your knowledge, improve your crew coordination, or simply enjoy the thrill of open water sailing, this trip offers a perfect blend of education and adventure. Choose from several scenic flotilla trips scheduled for 2025, exploring the beauty and marine life of the region. Between on-deck sessions and evening relaxation under the stars, the ASA 104 Refresher Class provides a peaceful escape from everyday life, igniting the spark for future sailing endeavors.
Route Schematic
Itinerary schematic
The program and related flotilla options travel from the classroom back to sustained time at sea—here are the itinerary items shown in the schedule.
Catalina Island (3 days / 2 nights)
The refresher course takes students to Catalina Island for a three-day, two-night on-water experience focused on applied sailing and confidence building.
Catalina Flotilla (April 2025)
A related flotilla refresher option departs for Catalina in April 2025 as a four-day program for those seeking a longer group sail.
Channel Islands Flotilla (June 2025)
There is also a Channel Islands flotilla option in June 2025 presented as a five-day program in the refresher lineup.
Note: the class requires a minimum of two students to run; the operator will contact registered participants if a session needs to be rescheduled.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
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.
Students are invited to bring a guest for the course.
The class meets at Naos Yachts in Marina del Rey.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:13:33.468Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.