NASHVILLE SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Weekend at Hamilton Creek: A 3‑Day ASA 103 Coastal Cruising Course to Skipper a 25–35 ft Sloop
A focused, three‑day ASA 103 course that combines two evening Zoom lessons with a full weekend of on‑water instruction at Hamilton Creek Marina—this guide explains the schedule, core skills taught, and what to expect.
Weekend at Hamilton Creek: A 3‑Day ASA 103 Coastal Cruising Course to Skipper a 25–35 ft Sloop.
Over a single long weekend, Sail Nashville's ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising course moves students from classroom principles to hands‑on seamanship: learn to steer a 25–35‑foot keelboat in moderate winds while practicing docking, anchoring, navigation and safety aboard a Catalina 275 Sport.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
On‑water training aboard the Catalina 275 Sport
Instruction uses the Catalina 275 Sport as the teaching platform, giving students real experience handling a contemporary 25–35‑foot sloop during weekend on‑water sessions.
Two evenings online, two full days on the water
Classroom time is delivered via Zoom Monday and Tuesday evenings, and practical, hands‑on practice runs from 9:00am–5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday at Hamilton Creek Marina.
Skipper skills for day sailing in moderate conditions
Upon completion you will be able to skipper a sloop‑rigged auxiliary‑powered keelboat of roughly 25–35 feet by day in moderate winds, with practiced skills in docking, navigation, anchoring and basic weather interpretation.
What the day feels like
What the three days feel like
The course pairs focused evening classroom sessions on rules, navigation and seamanship with two intensive days on the water where students put those lessons into practice: tacking and jibing, docking and returning to the dock, anchoring, engine handling and emergency drills culminating in the Sunday exam.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Classroom: Monday & Tuesday 6:00pm–9:00pm via Zoom; On‑water: Saturday & Sunday 9:00am–5:00pm (two full days).
In‑person sessions take place at Hamilton Creek Marina, 2901 Bell Road, Nashville, TN.
The verified course data does not include a detailed gear list; participants should note that on‑water activities will require moving aboard the boat and modest physical exertion.
After completion you will be qualified to skipper a sloop‑rigged auxiliary‑powered keelboat of roughly 25–35 feet by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and will have practiced navigation, docking, anchoring and safety procedures.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising course?
The verified course duration is a 3‑day program delivered as two evening Zoom sessions plus two full days of on‑water instruction.
Where do the on‑water sessions meet?
In‑person instruction is held at Hamilton Creek Marina, 2901 Bell Road, Nashville, TN.
What boat will we train on?
The course's teaching platform is the Catalina 275 Sport.
What skills will I learn?
Students learn to steer a 25–35 foot sailboat in moderate winds, intermediate sail trim, docking and anchoring, basic coastal navigation, engine operation, weather interpretation, and safety and seamanship.
Is the course physically demanding?
The course is described as not strenuous but does require moderate physical activity and the ability to move about the sailboat during training exercises.
When is the exam?
The exam is administered on Sunday morning of the weekend on‑water session.
What conditions will the course prepare me to handle?
Completion qualifies you to skipper a sloop‑rigged auxiliary‑powered keelboat of approximately 25–35 feet by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions.