MARINA DEL REY SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Three Days, Open Ocean: Bareboat Cruising to Catalina from Marina del Rey
A focused, instructor-led 3-day ASA 104 course that teaches you to helm and manage a 38'–45' sloop or catamaran on a multi-day cruise to Catalina Island—this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.
Three Days, Open Ocean: Bareboat Cruising to Catalina from Marina del Rey.
The ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising course is a compact, skills-first three‑day program that takes small groups aboard modern 38'–45' sailboats for a practical cruise to Catalina Island. Under certified instruction you practice coastal navigation, engine and systems operation, provisioning and emergency procedures while sailing in moderate to heavy wind and sea conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
USCG‑licensed, ASA‑certified instructors
All ASA 104 classes are taught by US Coast Guard‑licensed and ASA‑certified instructors who lead hands‑on instruction aboard the operator’s modern fleet.
Modern Beneteau monohulls and Lagoon catamarans
Training is delivered aboard the newest fleet of Beneteau monohulls and Lagoon catamarans, giving students experience on contemporary, well‑equipped cruising boats.
Small groups for focused, personalized instruction
NAOS limits ASA 104 classes to no more than three to four students, ensuring intensive, practical coaching during the three‑day Catalina cruise.
What the day feels like
What the three days feel like
The course compresses the full rhythm of a coastal passage into a focused weekend: departure from Naos Yachts, sail and seamanship drills underway, hands‑on navigation and systems management, and sheltered anchoring or harbor work at Catalina. Expect varied conditions—moderate to heavy winds and seas—and structured, practical lessons that emphasize real‑world boat handling, safety, and provisioning for multi‑day cruising.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course runs over three days and includes a cruise to Catalina Island.
Students meet at Naos Yachts for embarkation and pre‑departure briefings.
Bring personal provisions and clothing suitable for multi‑day cruising; the course covers provisioning, galley operations and dinghy/tender use as part of the curriculum.
Training takes place aboard 38'–45' sloop‑rigged auxiliary sailboats and modern catamarans in NAOS’s fleet.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising course?
The course is a three‑day program.
Where do I meet for the course?
Students meet at Naos Yachts for embarkation and instruction.
What prerequisites are required to enroll?
Participants must have completed ASA 101 and ASA 103 prior to taking ASA 104.
What will I learn during the three days?
Instruction covers advanced sail trim, coastal navigation (chart plotting and GPS), engine and systems operation, provisioning and galley routines, docking, emergency operations, weather interpretation and dinghy/tender handling.
How large are the classes?
ASA 104 classes at NAOS are limited to no more than three to four students for focused instruction.
What itinerary can I expect?
Itineraries are discussed with the instructor, with common stops including Catalina Island’s Two Harbors, Emerald Bay, or Cat Harbor.