This certification course is normally scheduled over a 4 day period; Monday thru Thursday but, the schedule varies. The class combines the curriculum of the ASA 103 and ASA 104 classes over a three night four day time period. We begin in the classroom with a quick review of ASA 101 materials and then move into the ASA 103 materials. After a lunch break the class moves to our Hunter 31' around 1300. Generally speaking the first day is spent in Corpus Christi Bay. The boat is provisioned after 1700 on the first day. We usually depart Corpus around 1300. We arrive back in Corpus Christi late afternoon, (3:30 - 4:00), on the last day. Students normally on their way home before 17:00.

Day One
Instruction starts at 9:00 with introductions and a quick review of ASA 101 skills and knowledge. The class then moves into a review of the Basic Coastal Cruising elements. The days assigned navigation is completed by a student while in the classroom. We'll take a quick break and meet at our boat, probably the 31' Hunter. A quick introduction to your new home for 4 days accompanied by a review of the sailing lexicon and storing the provisions will take us up to a lunch break. You are on your own for the meals on the first day. We depart Corpus Christi around 12:00 or 13:00 using the navigation charted by a student while we were in the classroom. The afternoon is filled with sailing exercises, navigation and short reviews of the ASA 103 materials. Once we arrive at our destination, (1500 or 1600), we'll have one more review then take the first half of the ASA 103 written test. This is followed by a dinner break. Enjoy a local restuarant but return to the boat to assist in the provisioning. Typically we stay up and talk a little sailor talk before retiring for the evening.

Day Two
Class prepares breakfast at 0800, then a short review and another student charts our next destination. Class departs around 11:00 for another day of exercises, drills and reviews. Lunch is prepared on-board while underway. This second day is spent primarily ensuring that the basic ASA 103 standards are met. That evening we have another review then complete the ASA 103 written exam and prepare dinner.

Day Three
We'll grade the 103 test in the morning along with a short ASA 104 lecture. The appointed skipper will oversee getting the boat ready to sail; weather checks, engine checks, sheets, moorings etc while the days navigator charts a course to the next destination. We will take the first half of the ASA 104 written exam that morning prior to our departure. That evening we will complete the ASA 104 written test. You are free to roam the marina area and local restaurants. All written testing is now complete.

Day Four
Last day, all written testing has been completed. The class participates in a hands on basic engine maintenance review. How to find fuel filters, lift pumps, Raycors etc. The class jointly charts our course home. That navigation is translated to a log sheet that we'll use to track our progress. We'll rotate skippers every hour and helm watch every 30 minutes. As we sail back to Corpus we work on confidence building and taking command of the boat. A boat is not a democracy, there will be someone in charge, you! We try to instill the self-reliance necessary to anticipate problems and make good informed, and safe decisions while your underway with family and guests. We'll arrive back in Corpus around 1600. Rinse the boat off and sign log books.

Copyright © 2011, Learn to Sail Texas,
2848B Alameda, Corpus Christi, TX 78404