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.

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Inside First Reef Sailing’s ASA 105: Master Coastal Navigation from a Boston Classroom.

Duration

Contact operator

Location

Boston

Operator

First Reef Sailing

Outing Highlights

THE CLASSROOM

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.

THE TOOLKIT

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.

THE SCHEDULE

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.

Prerequisite‑qualified studentsDesigned for students who already hold ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising); ASA 104 is a stated prerequisite for enrollment.

Bareboat candidatesA natural next step for those pursuing bareboat competency because ASA 105 builds on skills expected after ASA 104.

Small‑group learnersThe course is structured for small enrollments and requires a minimum of two students to run, so learners comfortable with small classes will find the format suitable.

Absolute beginnersNot ideal for absolute beginners who have not completed ASA 104, since ASA 105 requires that prerequisite.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Schedule

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.

What to Bring

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.

Enrollment & Minimums

Courses run only if the minimum enrollment of two students is reached.

Booking Notice

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.