GAINESVILLE SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Classroom Mastery of Coastal Charts: ASA 105 Basic Coastal Navigation in Gainesville
A focused one-day classroom course that teaches chart reading, aids to navigation and course plotting so sailors gain the theoretical tools to navigate coastal and inland waters safely.
Classroom Mastery of Coastal Charts: ASA 105 Basic Coastal Navigation in Gainesville.
Adventure brief
Classroom Mastery of Coastal Charts: ASA 105 Basic Coastal Navigation in Gainesville
Join ASA 105: Basic Coastal Navigation at SunRise Sail to master the bedrock theory of coastal navigation in a focused classroom setting. The course is designed to teach chart reading, interpretation of navigation aids, plotting and position-fixing, and the calculations needed to estimate arrival times — all delivered at an ASA Certified Training Facility with an emphasis on safety-first instruction.
Discover the essential skills needed for safe and confident sailing with the ASA 105: Basic Coastal Navigation course offered by SunRise Sail in Gainesville, Georgia. This course is designed for sailors eager to master chart reading, identify navigation aids, and confidently plot courses in both coastal and inland waters. Conducted at an ASA Certified Training Facility, this experience blends focused classroom instruction with personalized guidance, ensuring that every participant receives a safety-first education tailored to their pace and learning style. Whether you’re new to coastal navigation or refining foundational skills, this course equips you with practical tools that you’ll use every time you take to the water. Gainesville's location provides easy access to nearby waterways, giving students an excellent environment for applying their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Beyond the technical skills, the course encourages awareness of environmental and safety considerations intrinsic to coastal sailing in Georgia. Join SunRise Sail for an immersive, hands-on learning adventure that puts you on the path to safer and smarter sailing.
Route Schematic
Course Schematic
The day is organized into classroom modules that cover core navigation topics and practical plotting exercises.
Chart Reading & Aids to Navigation
Introductory module on marine chart interpretation and the use of buoys, beacons and other aids to navigation.
Plotting Courses & Position Fixing
Hands-on plotting exercises focused on determining positions, plotting courses and calculating estimated times of arrival.
Tides, Currents & Practical Techniques
Instruction on reading tides and currents and applying that information to safe coastal navigation and passage planning.
This is a classroom-only course — no on-water training is included — and students should come prepared for an intensive day of land-based study and exercises.
Highlights
Course Highlights
ASA-certified classroom training
SunRise Sail delivers the course as an ASA Certified Training Facility through US Coast Guard licensed captains and ASA-certified instructors, ensuring instruction follows recognized standards and a safety-first approach.
Chart work, plotting and position fixing
The curriculum centers on marine chart reading, aids to navigation, plotting courses and determining positions so students can confidently interpret charts and plan coastal passages from land-based instruction.
Safety-first education and practical outcomes
Emphasis is placed on tides, currents and practical navigation techniques; upon completion students will have demonstrated the theoretical navigation skills essential for safe, precise coastal and inland navigation.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
Expect a focused, classroom-day of concentrated instruction: guided chart study, worked examples of plotting and position fixing, and instructor-led explanations of navigation aids, tides and currents. The pace is structured to move from foundational chart interpretation to hands-on plotting exercises using the ASA 105 materials provided.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who might need something different.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
One day: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Tuition is $425 per student; call to book.
All course materials are provided (ASA 105 book and study guide); students are recommended to review the book prior to class and to bring note-taking materials.
Please call to book; SunRise Sail operates as the ASA Certified Training Facility delivering the course.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is this an on-water course?
No — ASA 105 is a classroom course; there is no on-water training included.
Are course materials provided?
Yes — all course materials are provided, including the ASA 105 book and study guide; students are recommended to review the book before attending.
Do I need prior sailing experience?
No prior experience is necessary; the course is designed to teach the theoretical foundations from the ground up.
How long is the course and what does it cost?
The course runs one day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and is priced at $425 per student.
Who teaches the course?
SunRise Sail delivers the ASA 105 curriculum as an ASA Certified Training Facility with instruction from US Coast Guard licensed captains and ASA-certified instructors.
How this guide was prepared
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- Verified: 2026-09-14T12:08:55.998Z
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