MIDDLE RIVER SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Three Days on Middle River: Learn to Skipper a Keelboat and Earn ASA 103
A hands-on, three-day ASA 103 coastal cruising course on Middle River with day‑time, on‑water instruction that builds intermediate seamanship and awards ASA 103 certification.
Three Days on Middle River: Learn to Skipper a Keelboat and Earn ASA 103.
Embark on a three‑day, on‑water course on Middle River that trains you to skipper a sloop‑rigged, auxiliary‑powered 25'–35' keelboat. Over three full days of instruction you’ll learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems and engine operation, docking, intermediate sail trim, coastal navigation and rules, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship — all in a concentrated, hands‑on environment designed to produce certified skippers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
ASA 103 certification included
The course culminates in ASA 103 certification and includes the required textbook and materials, giving you the credential and reference materials to skipper a small cruising keelboat.
Intermediate sail and seamanship training
Expect concentrated, practical instruction in intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring techniques, weather interpretation and on‑water safety and seamanship.
Sloop‑rigged 25'–35' keelboat experience
Training takes place by day aboard a sloop‑rigged, auxiliary‑powered keelboat in moderate wind and sea conditions, giving realistic practice with the systems and handling of a typical cruising vessel in this size range.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
Days are spent on deck, cycling between instruction and hands‑on drills: boat systems and engine checks, practicing docking and maneuvers, refining sail trim under varying wind conditions, plotting coastal passages and anchoring. The pace is immersive and practical — the kind of continual practice that converts textbook knowledge into confident on‑water skill.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should prepare further before enrolling.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Three days of instruction; daily hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Textbook and materials are provided, and successful completion results in ASA 103 certification.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course each day?
The course runs three days with daily hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What certification do I receive?
Completion yields ASA 103 certification.
Are materials provided?
Yes — the textbook and course materials are included.
What size and type of boat is used for training?
Instruction is conducted on a sloop‑rigged, auxiliary‑powered keelboat 25'–35' in length.
What topics are covered during the course?
The curriculum covers boat systems, engine operation, docking, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.
Do I need any prerequisites?
Yes — ASA 101 Basic Sailing certification is required before taking this course.