ALEXANDRIA SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Coastal Confidence: ASA 103 — Two Days to Skipper a 25–35 ft Keelboat
An 18‑hour ASA coastal-cruising course in Alexandria that combines 2 hours of online classroom work with two full days on the water to teach coastal navigation, docking, anchoring and seamanship.
Coastal Confidence: ASA 103 — Two Days to Skipper a 25–35 ft Keelboat.
ASA 103 Coastal Cruising is an intensive, hands‑on introduction to coastal sailing that prepares you to skipper a sloop‑rigged, auxiliary‑powered keelboat of roughly 25–35 feet by day in moderate conditions; the curriculum covers intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, anchoring, docking, weather interpretation, onboard systems and general seamanship.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on coastal seamanship
Most of the course time is practical—two days on the water filled with drills and real‑world practice in docking, anchoring, sail trim, engine use and systems familiarization, all taught with safety as the priority.
Safety first—prepare for weather and motion
Instructors emphasize safety throughout: students are advised to be well rested and hydrated, may consider motion‑sickness medication if prone, and the vessel will tie up at the nearest dock if a Special Marine Warning or an imminent thunderstorm threatens.
Blended classroom plus on‑water days
The course pairs a brief online classroom component with two full days sailing, so expect concentrated shore‑side instruction followed by extended on‑water application under instructor supervision.
What the day feels like
What the two‑day course feels like
This is a compact, skill‑forward course: a short online session lays the groundwork, then two long days aboard a keelboat push those concepts into practice—managing lines and sails, handling the auxiliary engine, navigating coastal waters and executing docking and anchoring maneuvers under instructor guidance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should prepare differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring sunscreen, a wide‑brim hat with a lanyard or tether, polarized sunglasses with lanyard, water, snacks and, if you have one, a USCG‑approved Type I, II or III personal flotation device.
Wear weather‑appropriate layers and closed‑toed shoes (boat shoes preferred); sailing gloves are recommended because you will handle lines, sheets and halyards throughout the day.
The course will dock at a nearby marina with restaurant options for lunch, but you may bring your own lunch to eat on shore or aboard.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When will course dates be released?
Course dates will be announced at the end of January 2026.
How long is the ASA 103 Coastal Cruising course?
The course is 18 hours total: 2 hours online classroom instruction followed by two full days on the water.
Who is eligible to enroll?
The course is for participants aged 18 and older; sailors with prior experience may elect to take a Challenge Course to demonstrate certification standards on the water.
What should I bring for a day on the water?
Recommended items include sunscreen, a wide‑brim hat with a lanyard, polarized sunglasses with lanyard, plenty of water, snacks, closed‑toed shoes and, if available, your USCG‑approved Type I, II or III PFD.
What happens if bad weather approaches?
If a Special Marine Warning is in effect or a thunderstorm is imminent, the vessel will tie up at the closest dock until the storm passes.
What competency does completion confer?
Upon completion you'll be prepared to skipper a sloop‑rigged, auxiliary‑powered keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots), having learned navigation, docking, anchoring, engine operation, safety and seamanship.