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4-DAY LIVEABOARD
Sailing Classes
A 4-day liveaboard class starting in Anacortes, with three days cruising in the San Juan Islands.
A great option if:
You want to learn to sail while getting an introduction to cruising in the San Juan Islands
You want to learn to sail in just 4 days
You prefer to take a class during the off-season to prepare in advance for a full week (or more) of cruising in the peak summer months or at a later date
You want to receive ASA certification as a skipper
To register for a Powerboating or Sailing Class please contact us at:
(800) 233-3004 | (360) 293-4555 | reservations@ayc.com
By successfully completing the course you will be fully qualified to skipper a charter sailboat, will receive an ASA Certification that is recognized internationally, and be automatically enrolled in AYC’s Captains Club loyalty program for discounts on charters and future classes.
Introduction to Sailing
Earn an ASA Sailing Certification in only FOUR DAYS!
AYC offers the popular introduction to sailing courses (ASA 101, 103 and 104) combined in a convenient 4-day/3-night series.
Get your ASA sailing certificate on this liveaboard experience over a long weekend.
This 3-course series is a hands-on opportunity for learning and skill-building while focusing on weather, duties of skipper and crew, seamanship, boat handling under power and sail, docking, anchoring, safety, VHF usage, and more – everything you need to know to charter a bareboat sailboat.
ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing:
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat in light to moderate sea conditions and winds (up to 15 knots). Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.
Upon completion, You will receive the official ASA Logbook signed by your instructor, an ASA 101 Certification Sticker, and a 90-day trial ASA Membership.
Prerequisite: None.
However, if you are new to sailing or need a refresher, we recommend that you take ASA’s Online Intro To Sailing course. In this fun and interactive course, you will learn sailboat basics, including sailing terminology, commands used at the helm, and how the sails move the boat forward.
ASA 103: Coastal Cruising:
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered keelboat in moderate sea conditions and winds (up to 20 knots). Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather interpretation, safety, and seamanship.
Prerequisite: ASA 101 and the ability to demonstrate competencies in all knowledge and skills elements of that course.
ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising:
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered keelboat during a multi-day cruise in the San Juan Islands in moderate to heavy sea conditions and winds (up to 30 knots). Learn about provisioning, galley operations, boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, routine maintenance procedures, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation including basic chart plotting and GPS operation, multiple-anchor mooring, docking, health and safety, emergency operations, weather interpretation, and dinghy/tender operation.
Prerequisite: ASA 103 and the ability to demonstrate competencies in all knowledge and skills elements of that course.
American Sailing Association certifications are internationally recognized and ensure you receive a proven curriculum in a professional, supportive learning environment under the direction of a certified instructor.
4-Day Course Includes:
- 4-days of sailing instruction
- 3-days of cruising in the San Juan Islands
- 3-nights of accommodation onboard the vessel
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day, and one dinner on the night spent at anchor. Dinners are on your own when in port.
4-Day Course Schedule
Our 4-day courses are held from Thursday 9am to Sunday 4pm.
Course instruction begins on Day 1 with a half-day classroom session of ASA 101 and quickly progresses to your assigned sailboat for “hands-on” skills for the balance of the day.
Day 2 through Day 4 continue your training on your floating classroom for ASA 103 and ASA 104 certifications aboard a 30-40′ sailboat with ‘hands-on’ skill building. Gain sailing experience as you explore the San Juan Islands with one night spent at the marina in Friday Harbor, and one night ‘on the hook’ in an inlet or cove appropriate for conditions.
2025 Dates
| Month | Dates |
| April | 10-13, 17-20, 24-27 |
| May | 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-Jun 1 |
| June | 5-8, 12-15 |
| Sept | 18-21, 25-28 |
| Oct | 2-5, 9-12 |
Group Class: Bring a group of 3 or more students and we will make every effort to schedule a class to meet your needs.
Course Fee
$1,900 per person, plus $20 per ASA certificate and a required $39 ASA fee.
Note:
Cancellation Policy: We will be unable to offer refunds for any reason if cancellations occur within 45 days prior to class. For cancellations outside 45 days, 50% of the total amount will be forfeited.
Each class has a maximum of 4 students, and a minimum of 2 students is required. AYC reserves the right to cancel or change a class schedule or availability due to minimum enrollment requirements. Prices subject to change without notice.
Required Course Materials
Required Material: Sailing Made Easy, $30; Coastal Cruising Made Easy, $35; Bareboat Cruising Made Easy, $45 (plus S&H), plus study materials provided by AYC.
Looking for more? Our team has created five ways to help you gain the knowledge and experience to confidently and safely skipper a bareboat charter yacht.