catamaran sailing courses florida

Catamaran Sailing Schools in Florida

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Most people start out sailing a monohull (classic single-hulled boat) and then later transition to cats. Whether you are transitioning or it’s your first time on a boat if you’re looking for a school to teach you how to become a competent catamaran sailor, check out this list of options in sunny Florida! 

Here are seven of the top-rated catamaran sailing schools in Florida:

• Blue Water Sailing School
• Offshore Sailing School
• American Sailing Academy  
• Emerald Coast Sailing School & Charters  
• Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School 
• Sara Bay Sailing School   
• Intelligent Sailing Club School  

Let’s take a deeper look at these catamaran sailing schools to discover which one will help you achieve the skills you need to sail these boats successfully. 

Table of Contents

1. Blue Water Sailing School

Blue Water Sailing School is a highly ranked sailing school based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They also have several other schools in other areas, including Rhode Island, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas.  

Moreover, they are considered one of the top educators for catamaran sailing. They have several catamaran sailing course offerings with over ten years of experience. 

The school has also earned several awards and certificates from the American Sailing Association. Additionally, they offer tons of courses at varying difficulty levels for novice to advanced sailors. You can learn more about their catamaran classes on their course list page . 

2. Offshore Sailing School

Offshore Sailing School is next on this list of sailing schools available in Florida (multiple locations) offering catamaran cruising lessons.  

Advertised as America’s #1 Sail and Power Cruising School, the school has excellent ratings on Google and numerous testimonials on their website showcasing their expertise. 

This sailing school has been in business for 55 years and has highly qualified staff on board. So if you’re looking for a staycation, a group or corporate team building activity, or private lessons, they have it all.  

They also have many all-inclusive learning vacation options at six different sailing school locations. One is on Florida’s gulf coast, with another available in the British Virgin Islands. The school makes it very easy to receive a free quote , so you can plan ahead. 

3. American Sailing Academy  

If you’re looking for other catamaran sailing options, check out American Sailing Academy located in Key Largo, Florida. They advertise a fleet of varying skill level lessons, top instructors, and unique experiences.   

Their Cruising Catamaran course is a two-day lesson that teaches students how to sail a catamaran between 30 to 45 feet (9 to 15 meters) in size through medium to high wind speeds.  This course also comes with a certification if you pass the test!  

American Sailing Academy also offers online and hybrid learning options if you’re looking for more sailing lessons and resources.  

They even offer specials for those who sign up to receive special packages via email. Their website also advertises more affordable and “economical” vacation and lesson package options.  So, if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, American Sailing Academy could be perfect for you.  

4. Emerald Coast Sailing School & Charters

Number four on my list of catamaran sailing schools in Florida is Emerald Coast Sailing Schools and Charters. After a prolonged absence from lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic, this school is back up and running!

Emerald Coast Sailing School & Charters has a 4 out of 5-star rating on Google and offers a Cruising Catamarans Made Easy Course for about $2,600. The course takes two days to complete and has several options for completion.  

With every sailing class that Emerald Coast offers, you get professional instructors, who are U.S. Coast Guard Captains and certified American Sailing Association professionals. You can also opt for private lessons and have flexible scheduling options.   

They also have several sailing location options outside of the waters of northwest Florida, including the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Beach.    

5. Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School 

Are you looking for more award-winning sailing schools with over ten years of experience in Florida? Well, next on my list is Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School! It has a 5-star rating on Google, and they offer more than just sailing lessons on their excursions.

Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School offers a mix of sailing lessons, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking.

In addition, they offer a Cruising Catamaran course that helps individuals and groups learn how to captain a catamaran and gain essential knowledge in catamaran structure, performance, safety, and more.    

6. Sara Bay Sailing School   

Number six on this list is Sara Bay Sailing School which offers a variety of sailing lessons, including Cruising Catamarans Made Easy.

Despite how the name makes it sound, this is an advanced course. If you don’t have previous sailing experience, this may not be the right school for you.  

Some of their other courses are beginner-friendly options if you’re open to other sailing courses.

However, they specify that their courses are better for adult students, including individuals seeking an American Sailing Association Certification.  

The Sara Bay Sailing School could be a good fit if you have previous sailing knowledge. You can find it on the Florida Gulf Coast in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.  

7. Intelligent Sailing Club School  

Last but not least on this list of Florida-based sailing schools is Intelligent Sailing Club School . They offer several catamaran sailing options. With years of experience and a nearly 5-star rating on Google, this may be your preferred sailing school. 

They have both one and two-day training courses advertised on their site for catamaran sailing, including “Fund Day Sailing…” and “The Intelligent Sailing Catamaran Course.”

Both courses offer fun and relaxation combined with techniques and lessons for sailing.

They have three additional catamaran sailing lessons available.  Some come with an American Sailing Association certification, while others do not. You can also do a combination of sailing courses with all the classes they have.

One of the excellent features of Intelligent Sailing School is the ability for individuals to design their ideal course using a combination of other sailing options or individual lessons. 

This is also the only sailing school specializing in one-to-one instruction in Florida, meaning you get the Captain and yacht all to yourself!  

• Blue Water Sailing School: Home Page
• Offshore Sailing School: Contact Us
• American Sailing Academy: Home Page
• Emerald Coast Sailing: Home Page
• Sunshine Coast Adventures: Home Page
• Sara Bay Sailing School & Charter: Home Page
• Intelligent Sailing Club School: Home Page 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Call Captain Jeff: 248-613-6140 ASA Certified Classes One-on-One Lessons Available Group Lessons Available No Previous Experience Necessary

Welcome to coconut grove sailing school.

An American Sailing Association Certified School    

Our goal is to make your dream of sailing come true by offering convenient private and group lessons that fit your lifestyle.

All of our sailing lessons take place on the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay: a subtropical lagoon extending most of the length of Miami-Dade County.  

Biscayne Bay is the perfect place to learn to sail, with its calm waters and predictable winds.  This is why it is home to world class sailing competitions such as The Bacardi Cup.

Coconut Grove Sailing School is located in Dinner Key marina in Coconut Grove, FL.

Hugging the shoreline of Biscayne Bay is Coconut Grove: a neighborhood with a distinct bohemian flair and lush canopy making it a favorite neighborhood for locals and visitors alike.   Coconut Grove offers a warm, laid-back atmosphere and features charming boutiques, galleries, gourmet restaurants, sidewalk cafes - - making it a perfect destination for a getaway!

COCONUT GROVE SAILING SCHOOL CLASSES:

• ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification
• ASA 103: Coastal Cruising
• ASA 104: Bareboat Captain
• ASA 105: Coastal Navigation
• ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran Captain
• NOW OFFERING: ASA 101 - ASA 114: Catamaran Sailing Lessons in Once Week

COCONUT GROVE SAILING SCHOOL SAIL-CATION 

Earn your ASA Sailing Certificate while living aboard for a week at a nominal fee in Miami with family or friends.

We have group lessons and private one-on-one lessons available.  To reserve a spot please go to our calendar for availability.

Our Classes  

• Basic Sailing Terminology
• Maneuvers & Points of Sail
• Navigation Rules
• Aids to Navigation
• Safety Gear & Procedures

• Cruising Sailboat Terminology
• Safety Equipment & Procedures
• Navigation & Weather
• Emergencies
• Under Power

• Cruise Planning

• Catamaran Terminology
• Catamaran Features & Performance
• Catamaran Systems
• Weather Operation & Emergency Response
• Pre-Departure

See what our customers are saying

My husband and I just finished a weekend course of ASA 104 with Captain Jeff. We moved to Miami recently and had not been out sailing since last summer, and it had been a year since my ASA 103 course. Captain Jeff was very th... Annika F May 06, 2022 – Pinecrest, FL View video -->

Excellent sailing course and a lot of fun. Great boat, great captain and a beautiful area to learn sailing. Will be back for ASA 103 David Fitzgerald Apr 15, 2022 – Chapel hill , NC View video -->

Captain Jeff is a great instructor. He made us feel very comfortable and allowed us to learn from our mistakes, which was great. I won't be winding the winch counter clockwise again. He is friendly and knowledgeable, which i... Orlando O Mar 30, 2022 – NEW YORK, NY View video -->

4 awesome days with Captain Jeff getting the ASA 103 &104 certification. He was a great teacher: fun, organized, professional and very knowledgeable. Extremely strong on boat systems, which we wanted. Taught us a ton and in... Art B Mar 17, 2022 – Boston, MA View video -->

Amazing experience! Captain Jeff sets you up to succeed by giving you materials to study before hitting the water. I had great overnight sailing experience. My brother Jon just signed up. We will take the remaining classes toge... Jessica Walker Jan 18, 2022 – Miami, FL View video -->

Jeff was an amazing teacher. Super thorough and very patient. Plus it was incredibly fun! John McDonald Jan 17, 2022 – Petoskey , MI View video -->

My dad left me his sailboat. I was always a passenger and wasn't 100% confident going out alone so I signed up with Captain Jeff. The first class was a breeze. He sets you up with homework so that your not overwhelmed and know ... Jennifer Osage Nov 11, 2021 – Miami, FL View video -->

With a few friends, just spent amazing 7 days taking private sailing lesson under Captain Jeff. A long wanted dream finally came true. Captain Jeff, is very knowledgeable, beyond sailing, knows all the details about boat me... Tom Lei Nov 03, 2021 – San Francisco , FL View video -->

I had the pleasure of completing a ASA 101 private lesson with Captain Jeff. I would recommend this to anyone looking to get their feet wet in sailing. Captain Jeff was quick to respond to my initial inquiry, professional, and ... Mia F Oct 28, 2021 – Miami, FL View video -->

These classes are awesome! Captain Jeff does a great job and is very thorough! We are very pleased and excited to now have our certificates for sailing. Would definitely recommend! Krista S Oct 11, 2021 – Clearwater, FL View video -->

• South Miami, FL
• 305-896-5555

[email protected]

• COURSES | OVERVIEW
• Crew Member Training
• Skipper Small Keelboat | Learn to Sail
• Skipper Large Keelboat | Cruising
• Bareboat Charter Course
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• Sailing Certification, Resume and Licensing

About NauticEd

OUR SAILING COURSES

Beginner to advanced sailing courses.

The American International Sailing Academy brings small sailboat, large sailboat, and catamaran sailing courses to you in two south Florida locations, South Miami and Key Largo. We offer single day and multi-day sailing courses depending on your goals. With our diverse fleet of sailboats in two locations we can meet all your training needs. You choose the experience and education, and we’ll personalize our training to your goals – we don’t take a one-size-meets-all approach to teaching sailing.

American International Sailing teaches according to the US Coast Guard-approved America National Standards. Upon determination of competence and successful completion of the courses we offer, you will receive a USCG and globally recognized NauticEd sailing certification matching your accomplishment.

Yacht Charter Crew

Learn to fully contribute as a crew member while chartering a yacht in the Caribbean and beyond. We’ll provide easy lessons and make you feel like you’re one of the crew.

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Small Keelboat Sailing

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NauticEd Course Guide

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Pricing ranges for our courses from $500 to $1000 depending on your goals and desires, if you want private or combined lessons, and your previous experience. Our philosophy is to work with all of our students to ensure competence is gained rather than perform a one size fits all, factory training. In the world of sailing training, you certainly get what you pay for. American International Sailing is competence oriented.

Additional Information

Learn more about sailing Certification & Licensing ›

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South Miami-Dade Marina 54400 S Dixie Hw, Homestead, FL 33030

+1 305-896-5555

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ASA Sailing School for Catamaran Cruisers & Liveaboards

Build sailing techniques & prepare for the sailing lifestyle.

ASA sailing school & Live-Aboard Instructors

A catamaran sailing school was unheard of years ago. In the early days of Catamaran Guru, catamaran experts, Stephen & Estelle Cockcroft kept their cruising kitty going by teaching American Sailing Association courses and offered liveaboard orientation experiences aboard their monohull and later their catamarans. They know by experience that a liveaboard seaschool is the best way to learn to sail.

Though no longer offering instruction or liveaboard orientation experiences themselves, their passion to help others follow their nautical dreams of yacht ownership has kept them involved in sail training and hands-on cruising lifestyle experiences.

Why catamaran sailing school is important

The ASA sail training courses provide a good grounding for all new sailors and advanced courses increase competency and confidence. While learning to sail monohulls will provide many useful basics of sailing knowledge, instruction aboard a catamaran, and even better aboard your catamaran or a similar model is the best possible scenario.

Getting yacht insurance , especially a policy you can afford, requires proven related boating experience. The only way to get that experience safely is with a catamaran sailing school that offers liveaboard hands-on experiences.

Another vital role sea school plays for cruisers is getting the enthusiasm and confidence of the first mate up. While not always the case, often one partner in a sailing duo is the driving force of the cruising life dream while the other is often reluctant. Here are our tips on overcoming the reluctance of a catamaran cruising partner .

The top tip is to participate in a liveaboard experience with a seaschool even before you buy a boat. 

Weeklong liveaboard sailing school is invaluable for anyone who plans to own their own boat, but especially those who plan to be full-time cruisers. During these hands-on sailing experiences, your seaschool instructor combines our real-life practical methods with the most up-to-date sailing theory courses. These experiences set you up to enjoy a stress-free cruising lifestyle. Especially when you can train aboard your own boat, you can become comfortable with your equipment and configurations for operation and safety.

You not only learn how to be a team as you sail, anchor, trim sails, and navigate safely from point A to point B, you also get your questions answered by experienced liveaboard sailors about how to downsize, provision for long cruises, and mostly, how to enjoy watching the sunset in a gorgeous anchorage with your favorite beverage in hand.

CATAMARAN SAILING SCHOOLS & LIVEABOARD EXPERIENCES

Sail with us to learn.

Week-Long Liveaboard Courses Rare RYA Classes & Certifications

Catamaran Guru’s real-life practical methods combined with up-to-date sailing theory in lessons aboard recent model catamarans…or your own boat! 

Prepare for certifications or take the first step aboard to embark on your dream life of boat ownership or cruising

Classes in S Florida and the Bahamas.

Our Seaschool Students Excel As Sailors & Cruisers

We are very proud of our former seaschool students. Most of them have embraced yachting, sailing, and cruising in some way or another. Many of our graduates have successfully own their own boats. Some are long-term cruisers or charter boat owners and some have even done successful circumnavigations. Others have done long-term sabbaticals and several liveaboard school graduates have even moved on to successful careers in the marine industry as yacht brokers, charter yacht operators, and charter management.

got questions? contact us!

Estelle Cockcroft

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Your Go-To Resource for all your Catamaran Needs!

Check out our brochure to learn about all we have to offer and why

For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

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• SailTime University

St. Augustine Sailing provides ASA sailing classes for those who are new to sailing or those you are returning to sailing. Since 1985 we have been teaching thousands of students the basics to advanced from our base location in historical and beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. We offer the full range of ASA courses to help you achieve your on the water goals so if you are a beginner or just looking to refresh your skills; we are here for you!

Historic St. Augustine, Florida, is an ideal place to learn to sail. Our marina is located on the intra-coastal water way and just a short distance from St. Augustine inlet. Students will experience a variety of conditions such as tidal currents in inlets and rivers, using channel markers and buoys, anchoring in situations of wind and current, sailing offshore in the Atlantic Ocean to name just a few.

Experiential Education

Asa 101 course.

Students learn to sail a boat of about 20 feet in length in moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision.

ASA 103 Course

Students will learn the skills to perform as skipper and crew of a 25-35 foot boat by sailing in coastal waters.

ASA 104 Course

Asa 105 course, asa 106 course, asa 114 course, asa 118 course, asa 103/104 combo course.

The ASA 103/104 course is a 4 day class covering the material of ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising and ASA 104 Bareboat Charter.

ASA 101/103/104 Combo Course

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SailTime supports the national recreational boating education standards as recognized by the United States Coast Guard.

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Learn To Master A Catamaran

Thinking of Chartering or Owning a Catamaran?

Our program is designed for students striving to manage a cruising catamaran in a calm, stress-free manner. We believe this ability come s through proper training and practice.   Learn how to communicate silently, dock the yacht calmly, sail confidently and truly enjoy the experience without fear or anxiety.  While we train all students in this manner, we find the experience to be a wonderful way for couples and friends to learn to sail as a team. 

We operate a Fontaine Pajot Helia 44 and offer two private airconditioned cabins with en-suite facilities  Prices are per cabin (rather than per person) and each cabin accommodates two people.  Pricing includes all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.  We are able to accommodate most dietary preferences and are happy to discuss needs and options.  You are welcome to supply your own adult beverages.

Email:  [email protected]

Fort lauderdale, florida.

Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising

Another offshore sailing school learn to cruise course exclusive, sailing certification courses on catamaran cruising yachts.

In 2006, before catamarans became so popular, Offshore Sailing School developed the innovative Fast Track to Cruising® course. In those days, monohulls were more popular than catamarans, especially because cats were a lot slower in those days. Over the years, copy-cats have attempted to clone Offshore Sailing School’s trademarked and registered programs. As we stated on our Fast Track to Cruising page, there is only one program – the Fast Track to Cruising® Course developed by Offshore Sailing School in 2006 – that truly takes you from no sailing skills to charter certification, with the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to handle monohulls and catamarans up to 50’ without hired captain or professional crew. Protect your investment with Travel Insurance. View coverage options here .

Catamaran Charter-Ready in Eight Days!

• Two days learning on an award winning Colgate 26 (101).
• Six days learning on a 40′ to 45′ catamaran (103/104/114).
• Four certifications including Bareboat Cruising Certification if learning on a catamaran.
• Eligible for next steps – advanced sailing courses .
• Many alumni benefits including memberships, discounts and more sailing opportunities.
• Easy to apply for US Sailing IPC, International Proficiency Certificate , required to charter in most European countries.
• Sailing vacation opportunities on 40′-50′ catamarans through Colgate Sailing Adventures®

“Buy the Boat” Catamaran Cruising Course Options

Offshore Sailing School gets many requests for private courses – especially from those who are contemplating chartering or purchasing a large sailing catamaran for intriguing family vacation adventures.  All but one of the sail-cats in our fleet have 4 cabins, 3 for participants sharing or private, and one for the instructor.  In the Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising Course, you may request that the 2 days of basic keelboat lessons on the Colgate 26 (101) are private, but shore classroom sessions are open for all those in the course in the week you choose. All aspects of the catamaran cruising course are private. Please call 888-454-7015 for availability and catamaran pricing.

Family Catamaran Courses for Parents and Kids

Learning together on a large catamaran is a rewarding experience that brings parents and kids together as a team. A family of 4 (two adults and two family kids) start with learning to sail the first two days on a 26 footer while staying ashore at an Offshore Sailing School partner resort. Then all  board a 40′-45′ sail-cat yacht for 6 days of big boat training.  This wonderful bonding opportunity has been called nothing short of “amazing” by parents and kids alike. Phones are put away, smiles start to immerge, and a profound sense of “wow, look what we’re doing together” occurs as family members learn how to manage a live-aboard catamaran sailboat. For many families in this course, plans to bareboat charter together are in the near future. Some decide to purchase a big catamaran to sail in local waters or around the world!

Ages for kids in the course are minimum 12, maximum 25.  A fifth family child may be added for an additional fee.

Private Live Aboard Catamaran Courses for Two

If you are planning to live aboard, charter or just spend short cruising adventures on spacious catamarans, this special learning experience is perfect for just the two of you. Your private sail-cat learning experience gives you the skills and confidence to manage a large yacht as equals. There can be a lot of what-ifs so it’s important that you have ultimate confidence in each other and your own abilities. You’ll learn to share captain and crew responsibilities when anchoring, docking and mooring. You’ll learn how to use and take care of electronics, AC, generator, the engine and more – guided by an expert Offshore Sailing School instructor. And you’ll practice person-overboard exercises until you’re sure you can handle the boat and recovery should one of you end up in the water. It’s not about “fear,” it’s all about competence and confidence, and that’s what you’ll celebrate when you enjoy a lovely dinner aboard at course end!

Private Group Adventure for Adult Family and Friends

Get your friends together for a “Buy the Boat” group option and learn the dynamics of sharing all the jobs aboard as you gain skills and confidence to share future sailing adventures together. Our popular “Buy the Boat” Women-Only option provides a very special learning ambiance for gals who want to start sailing and cruising together, women whose husbands or SOs are already skilled cruising sailors, and mother-daughter combos. Guys-Only “Buy the Boat” options are available too, for buddies who like sharing meaningful and rewarding adventures, and father-son duos who share other activities at home.

“It was a wonderful week! We learned much more than expected! The instructors were very professional and patient with the whole family. Every single question was answered and explained in detail. Great experience!”

Sergio Aguiar Viana de Carvalho

No experience required.

Whether you have no sailing experience, sail small boats, or are returning to sailing after a long hiatus, this is the perfect sailboat cruising course. You can learn at our British Virgin Islands sailing school , or at our Florida sailing and cruising schools . You will be amazed at how much you learn, starting with course textbooks sent in advance, then receive comprehensive training in the classroom and hands-on training on the water from professional, experienced instructors who receive accolades from their students on course evaluations.

“Such a great experience, amazing trip and class! I learned much more than I ever thought possible. Great instructors, incredibly knowledgeable in all aspects of sailing, patient and detailed in their lessons. I recommend this program to anyone interested in learning about sailing, particularly for a novice like me.”

Shea Gottshall

“Both the Learn to Sail course and the Live Aboard Cruising course on the catamaran surpassed our expectations. Our instructors were very knowledgeable, patient, informative and ready to answer all questions. I gained so much confidence from both of those two amazing people and learned to have confidence, relax and not overthink!”

Magdalena Dillaha

A note about night sailing.

Most charter agencies do not allow night sailing and require that you are anchored, docked or on a mooring before sunset. Night sailing is not covered in this course, but is covered in  Passage Making courses  (OSS 106 and OSS 108), the next step in your learning process.

What You Learn

Our Fast Track® sailing courses prepare you for charter cruising, without professional captain and crew aboard (called Bareboat Cruising by charter companies). You start with the Learn to Sail course and continue with the Bareboat Charter Cruising Course format where you stay ashore at night, or the popular Live Aboard Cruising format (see below). Depending on weather conditions and the learning pace of all in your class (maximum four per boat per instructor unless you opt for a Private Course), the following knowledge and skills are learned and practiced.

Learn to Sail Course – First 2 Days 101, 3 Nights Ashore

• Nautical terminology
• Rigging and sails
• Getting underway
• Proper winch techniques
• Finding wind direction
• Points of sailing
• Tacking and jibing
• Wind and sail interaction
• Maneuvering in close quarters
• Wind pressure and lift
• Heeling and stability
• Apparent wind
• Wind shifts
• Sailing wing and wing
• Stopping and starting under sail, without an engine
• Sailing backwards, no engine
• Rudderless sailing
• Sail trim and sail shape
• Boat balance
• Docking and anchoring
• Most used knots
• Right-of-way rules
• Grounding remedies
• Heavy weather techniques
• Reefing sails (reducing sail area)
• Steering with a compass
• Sailing in current
• Weather and lee helm

Live Aboard Catamaran Cruising Course – Next 6 Days 103/104/114

• Planning a cruise
• Familiarization with boat layout and sail plan
• Operation of engine, stove and head
• Routine engine maintenance
• Fueling techniques
• Use and conservation of battery and charging systems
• Water use and conservation
• Use and location of thru-hull fittings
• Maneuvering under power and sail with emphasis on windage considerations and close quarters
• Picking up moorings and anchoring procedures with scenarios affected by wind direction and current
• Proper catamaran docking techniques including spring lines and other dock lines
• Proper and safe handling of halyards and lines
• Proper and safe use of winches
• Apparent wind and sail selection
• Sail shape and trim
• Inter-crew communication when trimming sails, docking and anchoring
• Genoa roller furling use
• Overboard recovery procedures
• Big boat heavy weather and reefing techniques
• Use of jennaker if available
• Boom preventer use
• Meal preparation aboard (there is no chef)
• More knots and their applications
• Log procedures
• Piloting techniques including set, drift and leeway calculations
• GPS navigation
• Rules of the Road
• Danger bearings
• Coast Guard requirements
• Courtesy using lights and sound signals
• Use of safety harness
• Emergency tiller use
• Distress signals
• Close quarters maneuvering on a catamaran
• General windage considerations

Pre-requisite for the Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising Course: No prior sailing experience required.

Four Certifications: US Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising and Catamaran Cruising Endorsement are included in your course package, when you pass each test. US Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising textbooks are sent in advance for you to read before the course. Please allow up to 4 weeks to receive your certification stickers to add to the logbook you are given at the end of your course.

What’s Included

Your Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising Course package includes:

• Learn to Sail and Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising Course tuition
• US Sailing textbooks
• Learn to Sail/Live Aboard Cruising – 3 nights accommodations ashore
• 6 days private or shared cabin aboard (may opt to sleep ashore throughout course at some locations)
• Daily per person or per room resort fee and accommodations taxes (depending on location)
• All breakfasts, lunches, snacks and three dinners during Live Aboard Cruising Course, two dinners ashore on your own
• Practice test cruise at course end
• US Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising Certifications and US Sailing Catamaran Endorsement
• Offshore Sailing School Logbook
• Certification stickers for all course tests passed
• Course diploma
• Eligibility to participate in Colgate Sailing Adventures® hosted flotilla vacations
• Discount charter benefits with The Moorings
• Grad savings on future Offshore Sailing School certification courses and Colgate Sailing Adventures® flotilla vacations

International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) for Chartering Overseas

If you plan to charter in Europe or other areas overseas, you may be required to show your certification certificates and an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). US Sailing, the governing body of sailing in the United States, will issue this certificate for a nominal fee for U.S. citizens who have achieved US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification. For more information go to https://www.ussailing.org and search IPC.

Rate vary by season and location. Not included are meals unless noted, travel and other expenses you may incur. Please call 888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700 for course availability and rates.

Where to Learn

• Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, Captiva Island, FL
• Hampton Inn & Suites, St. Petersburg, FL
• Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina, Key West, FL
• Scrub Island Resort, Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands
• The Moorings, Road Town, British Virgin Islands (power catamaran course only available here)

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ASA Sailing Schools in Florida Keys

Click on the red cluster circles to zoom in, or on the individual pins for more information.

Directory of American Sailing Association sailing schools located in the Florida Keys where you can take beginning to advanced sailing lessons.

American Sailing Academy in Key Largo Key Largo, Florida Keys

(305) 587-3205 americansailingacademy.com.

American Sailing Academy in Key Largo is located on the grounds of the Key Lime Sailing Club and cottages resort on Buttonwood Sound in Key Largo, Florida. This ideal setting at the beginning of the Florida Keys will allow you to combine your lifetime ‘learn to sail’ dreams into the vacation of a lifetime! If you choose to, you can reserve one of our vacation cottages and stay on the resort rather than commuting or staying in a hotel. Imagine staying here while you attend classes! You’ll have continuous access to experienced Captains / instructors, some of the best instruction …

More Information

Florida Keys Sailing Marathon, Florida Keys

(305) 619-0140 www.sailflkeys.com.

“Hi…my name is GDub and I own Florida Keys Sailing. With exception to areas out of the United States, the Florida Keys is sailing in paradise. Those that come here do so to learn and find the catalyst to further dreams. I feel that my job is to open that door and help you find that moment, that unbelievable feeling that conveys- this is what life is really about, and if I don’t do it now, I’ll lose a piece of what it’s like to adventure. Step away for a minute and challenge yourself…grow and meets new life long friends.”

Florida Yachts Charters – Key West Key West, Florida Keys

(800) 650-6940 www.floridayachtscharters.com.

Our sailing school located in Key West, Florida has been teaching aspiring sailors since 1983 and have a variety of classes based on ASA training courses and can customize your needs so that you can learn how to apply your newly developed skills while on a sailing vacation!

Sail Away Key West Key West, Florida Keys

(305) 720-0896 sailawaykeywest.com.

Sail Away Key West Catamaran Sales and Charters offers a large and diverse fleet of catamaran makes and models available for your ASA training courses! We offer customized live aboard sail training courses in the Bahamas, Key West, or on the Chesapeake Bay with ASA Certified Instructors that have years of Cruising, Racing, and Chartering experience.

Southern Most Sailing School Key West, Florida Keys

(305) 407-4141 southernmostsailingschool.com.

When you come to KeyWest to take your sailing classes you will be in a Tropical or subtropical area of Florida. Our prevailing winds are from the South East and we separate the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean with our narrow peninsula. This means we can get the benefit of the Ocean Breeze but not the big waves on the Gulf side.  When you’re trying to learn how to sail you can concentrate on just that and not be tossed around by 4 to 6  foot waves like you might be if you were sailing on the Atlantic …

Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School Key Largo, Florida Keys

(888) 688-6744 www.sunshinesailing.com.

We are an award winning ASA sailing school offering live aboard ASA sailing classes and sailing charters in the beautiful Florida Keys and the Bahamas. During a typical sailing vacation, we mix in some snorkeling, some sailing, some fishing, some kayaking and some relaxing. Learn to sail at your own pace surrounded by turquoise waters and the smell of the open sea. We offer customized live aboard sailing courses for couple. For a better overall experience, during our couple’s course, you are the ONLY couple aboard.

Veteran Sailing Association Tavernier, Florida Keys

(305) 619-3433 veteransailing.com.

Ahoy! Veteran Sailing Association is the Florida Keys newest ASA sailing school located in the Upper Florida Keys. Capt. Joe is a US NAVY SEAL, who (being a native) knows the waters having sailed them his entire life. VSA’s custom ASA training program is geared toward Veterans, those that support them and couples seeking the confidence to sail unassisted without any prior sailing experience.

See all schools in Florida

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ASA Certification Standards: ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising

Home » Course Catalog » ASA Course Summaries » ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising

Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Chartering and Coastal Navigation certification.

General Description: A certified student is able to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about30 to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions, day or night.

I. Sailing Knowledge

• Describe the theory of true and apparent wind and the theory of sailing using force diagrams.
• Describe with the aid of diagrams the causes of lee and weather helm and methods of correcting them.
• Describe sail shapes and sail interactions as needed for different wind strengths and points of sail. Describe the effects of sail trimming on sail shape and sail interactions.
• Describe the proper selection of sails on a given boat for all weather conditions.
• Identify how to use a barometer and a thermometer in predicting weather.
• Describe cirrus, cirrostratus, altocumulus, stratocumulus, cumulonimbus, and cumulus clouds and the weather expected to be associated with each.
• Describe local weather in relation to thermal winds and prevailing winds.
• Describe three sources of weather information available to yachtsmen in the U.S.
• Describe the appropriate heavy weather precautions for the boat selected and describe how they are carried out, including all the steps to be taken by skipper and crew for “heaving to” and“lying a hull.”
• Describe the methods of rafting at anchor during day and night and the possible problems.
• Describe step by step how to secure a boat overnight with one anchor and stern made fast to the shore or dock.
• Describe various anchoring techniques including two methods of setting two anchors, retrieving fouled anchor, use of a tripline, anchor buoy and maintaining anchor watch.
• Describe how to prevent the tender/dinghy from riding up and bumping the vessel’s hull while anchored at night.
• Describe proper towing techniques and hazards associated with towing.
• List from memory the visual distress signals listed in the applicable U.S. Coast Guard publications.
• Describe what actions should be taken during various emergencies while under sail or under power.
• State the fuel range of the selected boat and the factors that could affect vessel’s range.
• State the water capacity on selected boat and the minimum water requirement per person on any boat.
• Describe and demonstrate the appropriate corrective measures for common engine problems as applicable to the boat selected.
• Describe the minimum pre-season maintenance and checks given to the various boat systems.
• Describe recommended permanent and temporary installation methods of grounding for lightning and safety measures to prevent accidents due to lightning.
• State the danger of overhead power lines.
• Describe the uses, capabilities and limitations of a permanently mounted and a portable radar reflector.
• Describe the skipper’s responsibilities and actions for common courtesies and customs of yachtsmen.
• List the documents required and the procedures followed when leaving and entering U.S. territorial waters and foreign countries.

II. Sailing Skills

• Act as helmsman and demonstrate the proper techniques in all points of sail with varying wind force.
• Work to weather to best advantage using wind shifts, tides and local geography.
• Sail a compass course (within 10 degrees) with sails trimmed.
• Demonstrate correct methods of launching and towing a dinghy.
• Demonstrate correct methods of launching, securing and stowing of dinghy outboard motor.
• Properly carry out nighttime person overboard procedures.
• Demonstrate correct procedures for spinnaker sailing(optional). The certifying instructor will indicate spinnaker use in the certification box on the appropriate page.
• Set anchor, weigh anchor, pick up, cast off moorings and dock the boat under various conditions.
• Demonstrate how to take a sounding using two different methods.
• Stand a navigation watch during a passage of about20 miles by night and 20 miles by day and demonstrate all of the skills required for all lower ASA certification levels.
• Act as skipper and crew on a live-aboard cruise of at least 48 hours (30 hours minimum instructional program).

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We actually went somewhere (Key Largo), rather than returning to the dock each evening. The course was made to be an adventure, as well as simply instructional. The weather was “made to order” — sun and gentle breeze Saturday through Wednesday, then Force 8 for our ‘foul weather instruction’ on Thursday.

I thought it was an excellent, challenging course. It definitely wasn’t a “cruise.” The instructor expected a lot from the students. I like that.

I have nothing but the utmost praise for your entire operation and the quality of the instruction that I received. Al Hatch is a consummate instructor and brings to this activity a love and a passion that is genuine and expansive. I hope to be able to return to Blue Water to experience some of the higher-level courses of instruction, and I certainly would have no trouble at all recommending your company to anyone.