BOSTON WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Inside First Reef Sailing’s ASA 105: Master Coastal Navigation from a Boston Classroom
A 20‑hour, classroom‑based ASA certification that teaches charting, passage routing and the effects of tides and currents — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Inside First Reef Sailing’s ASA 105: Master Coastal Navigation from a Boston Classroom.
Adventure brief
Inside First Reef Sailing’s ASA 105: Master Coastal Navigation from a Boston Classroom
ASA 105 is a classroom course in Boston that teaches students to apply navigational theory and practice for safe coastal and inland-water navigation: plotting with compasses, parallel rules and dividers, passage routing, and accounting for tides and currents; all course materials are included.
Located in the stunning coastal waters where adventure meets education, the ASA 105: Coastal Navigation Certification course offers a hands-on experience that transforms the way you navigate the open seas. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or an avid beginner, this immersive program is designed to sharpen your charting skills, deepen your understanding of tides, currents, and passage planning, and ultimately boost your confidence on the water. Spanning over 20 hours, the course combines classroom instruction with practical navigation exercises, providing a comprehensive foundation for safe and skilled coastal sailing.
This course is ideal for those eager to learn essential navigation techniques while enjoying the vibrant maritime environment. Participants will study nautical charts, learn to interpret weather patterns, and practice route plotting in real-world scenarios. The curriculum also touches on tidal effects and the influence of currents, key components for any sailor planning coastal voyages. All course materials are included, making this a hassle-free way to elevate your sailing proficiency.
The location itself offers fantastic scenery and opportunities for hands-on practice, whether on a small local vessel or in designated waters renowned for their constant activity and variety. The program is perfect for aspiring skippers and seasoned sailors alike, anchored by expert instructors dedicated to your progress.
For those looking to boost their credentials and navigate with assurance, this certification opens doors to new maritime adventures. It also serves as a solid stepping stone towards more advanced certifications or personal mastery of coastal sailing. Join ASA 105 to turn navigational theory into real-world skill, set in one of the most captivating coastal environments around.
Route Schematic
Course module schematic
Key classroom modules outline the sequence of skills and topics covered during the certification.
Charting & Plotting
Practice plotting positions and courses on charts using parallel rules and dividers.
Compass Work & Passage Routing
Learn to establish courses, bearings and how to route passages safely in coastal waters.
Tides & Currents
Study tidal and current effects and adjust projected courses to account for these influences.
This classroom course requires completion of ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) as a prerequisite; courses require a minimum of two students to run and may be rescheduled or cancelled if minimum enrollment is not met.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Comprehensive navigation fundamentals
The course focuses on practical charting and passage routing techniques—students work with compasses, parallel rules and dividers to plot courses and learn how tides and currents alter projected tracks.
Everything you need is provided
Course fees are all‑inclusive: the ASA certification fee, textbooks and chart tools (dividers, parallel rules) are provided with no additional charges.
Twenty hours of focused, in‑person instruction
ASA 105 is delivered as 20 hours of in‑person class time, with evening sessions from 5:30p to 8:30p and one weekend day from 9p to 5p.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
Over a concentrated 20 hours of classroom instruction you’ll move from theory to practiced skills: plotting on charts, adjusting routes for tidal sets and currents, and applying compass‑based fixes and passage planning methods — all delivered in a classroom setting with supplied chart tools and materials.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this certification suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course comprises 20 hours of in‑person classroom time: evening sessions from 5:30p to 8:30p plus one weekend day from 9p to 5p.
Students do not need to bring chart tools or textbooks: course materials, chart tools (dividers, parallel rules) and certification/textbook fees are included in the course price.
Courses run only if the minimum enrollment of two students is reached.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 105 course?
The course is 20 hours of in‑person class time, delivered as evening sessions from 5:30p to 8:30p and one weekend day from 9p to 5p.
Do I need any prerequisites?
Yes. ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) is a stated prerequisite for ASA 105.
Are materials and fees included?
Yes. Course fees are all‑inclusive; the ASA certification fee, textbooks and chart tools (dividers, parallel rules) are included in the course price.
Is the course classroom‑based or on the water?
ASA 105 is a classroom‑based course focused on navigational theory and chart work.
Will the course run on my preferred dates?
Courses require a minimum of two students to run; scheduling depends on enrollment and may be adjusted if minimums are not met.
What navigational skills will I learn?
Students practice charting, passage routing and learn how tides and currents affect projected courses, using compasses, parallel rules and dividers.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-15T12:03:52.801Z
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