SANTA CRUZ SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Six and a Half Hours to Confident Coastal Skippering off Santa Cruz
A focused 6.5-hour ASA-101 Basic Keelboat course that advances boat-handling, navigation and heavy‑weather techniques aboard 30–34 ft sailboats—this guide tells you what to expect and how to prepare.
Six and a Half Hours to Confident Coastal Skippering off Santa Cruz.
On the wind-swept water off Santa Cruz, the Basic Keelboat • ASA‑101 condenses core skipper skills into an intensive 6.5-hour module: from docking and diesel troubleshooting to heavy‑weather techniques and emergency procedures. The course readies students to handle a 30–34 foot auxiliary‑powered sailboat in moderate to strong wind and sea conditions and serves as the next step toward intermediate coastal cruising.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Advanced Boat Handling and Safety
The syllabus focuses on higher‑level seamanship—wheel steering, docking in tight quarters, maneuvering under power, reefing underway, and heavy‑weather techniques—to build confidence for coastal cruising.
Hands‑On Time on 30–34 ft Sailboats
Training takes place aboard auxiliary‑powered sailboats roughly 30–34 feet long, where students practice systems work, diesel operation and emergency tiller use under realistic conditions.
Certification and Course Materials
Students receive an included certification package—textbook, logbook and ASA exam fees are bundled into the course value—so completion advances your official sailing credentials.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The course unfolds as concentrated, hands‑on training: classroom or on‑deck briefings alternate with practical sailings, each exercise building from routine procedures to emergency responses. Expect full demonstrations of systems and live practice in maneuvering, crew‑overboard recovery, chart plotting and VHF use, all framed by the realities of daylight work in moderate to strong winds.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Delivered over two consecutive weekends (Saturday & Sunday), sessions run 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a half‑hour lunch break.
The certification package includes textbook (Sailing Made Easy), logbook and ASA exam fees; the bundled student registration and materials have a stated total value.
Bring clothing and footwear suitable for active, on‑deck training in variable coastal conditions and any personal safety or prescription items you require.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The Basic Keelboat • ASA‑101 module is 6.5 hours in total.
What boat size will I train on?
Training is conducted on auxiliary‑powered sailboats approximately 30–34 feet in length.
Are there prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Is there an age requirement?
Students should be 18 years old or accompanied by their guardian.
What certification or materials are included?
The included certification package covers the Sailing Made Easy textbook, a logbook, ASA exam fees and the student registration fee, with a total stated value.
When are the daily session times?
Sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a 30‑minute lunch break on each day of instruction.