ASA 103: Coastal Cruising
Intermediate Sailing Class
Intermediate Sailing Lessons
Expand your sailing knowledge and take command with ASA 103: Coastal Cruising. This intermediate-level course teaches you how to confidently skipper a 25'–35' sloop-rigged keelboat with an inboard or outboard engine in moderate coastal conditions. Perfect for sailors ready to move beyond protected waters, this class introduces essential techniques for daytime cruising, navigation, and boat systems.
Whether you're preparing for overnight trips or building toward ASA 104 certification, ASA 103 gives you the hands-on experience and navigational knowledge to sail with confidence.
$750
Class Schedule
Two consecutive days from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for classes held in Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Intermediate-level sail trim and handling
Docking and anchoring in coastal conditions
Engine operation and troubleshooting
Navigation rules and route planning
Sailing Skills You’ll Learn
Coastal navigation (charts, plotting, bearings)
Weather interpretation and seamanship fundamentals
Boat systems overview and safety procedures
2-day immersive sailing course
ASA “Coastal Cruising Made Easy” textbook (shipping not included)
What’s Included
Online prep course: Coastal Cruising
ASA 103 registration and certification fees
Prerequisites
ASA 101 Certification
Completion of the online Coastal Cruising prep course and textbook review
Recommended: Minimum 24 hours of on-the-water sailing experience
If you earned your ASA 101 certification outside of PSSI, please contact our office to confirm eligibility.
Recommended: A minimum of 24 hours of on the water sailing prior to taking ASA 103.
Why Take This Sailing Class?
ASA 103 is where you move from learning how to sail to truly becoming a sailor.
This class bridges the gap between calm, protected waters and the dynamic conditions of coastal cruising. You'll gain real world experience charting routes, interpreting weather patterns, and managing the systems of a larger keelboat, giving you the confidence to take your sailing to the next level.
At Puget Sound Sailing Institute, our ASA 103 course is designed not just to meet certification standards, but to prepare you for the realities of open-water cruising across Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and beyond. You'll develop the decision making skills, boat handling techniques, and coastal navigation abilities that experienced sailors rely on.
Whether you're working toward ASA 104 and bareboat chartering or planning your first overnight adventure, ASA 103 gives you the foundation to sail smarter, safer, and farther.
By the end of this course, you won’t just be practicing, you’ll be captaining.
Club Members, please contact the office to register for classes to obtain your club level discount.
ASA 103: Coastal Cruising FAQs
These are the most common questions students ask about our ASA 103 Coastal Cruising class, including prerequisites, skills covered, and how this certification prepares you for independent coastal sailing and ASA 104.
What is ASA 103: Coastal Cruising?
ASA 103: Coastal Cruising is an intermediate American Sailing certification that teaches you how to confidently skipper a 25’–35’ sloop-rigged keelboat with an auxiliary engine in moderate coastal conditions beyond protected waters. The course focuses on real-world sailing, navigation, seamanship, and skipper responsibility.
Who should take ASA 103?
ASA 103 is designed for sailors who have completed ASA 101 and are ready to move beyond basic boat handling. It’s ideal for students preparing for coastal cruising, longer day sails, joining a sailing club, and progressing toward ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising.
What will I learn in the ASA 103 course?
In ASA 103 at Puget Sound Sailing Institute, you’ll build true skipper-level confidence through hands-on coastal sailing. Training includes:
- Intermediate sail trim and boat handling
- Docking and anchoring in unfamiliar harbors
- Coastal navigation using charts, plotting, and bearings
- Navigation rules, route planning, and seamanship
- Auxiliary engine operation and basic troubleshooting
- Weather interpretation and risk awareness
How long is the ASA 103 course?
ASA 103 is a two-day immersive sailing course. From March through October, classes run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During winter months (January, February, November, and December), classes run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What’s included in the ASA 103 class?
Tuition includes ASA 103 registration and certification fees, access to the online Coastal Cruising prep course, the ASA “Coastal Cruising Made Easy” textbook (shipping not included), and all required safety gear during class.
Where are ASA 103 classes offered?
ASA 103 classes are offered at multiple Puget Sound Sailing Institute locations, including Tacoma, Seattle, Des Moines, and Anacortes. Each location provides real coastal sailing environments ideal for intermediate training.
Do I need prior sailing experience?
Yes. ASA 101 certification is required before taking ASA 103. We also recommend a minimum of 24 hours of on-the-water sailing experience so you can fully benefit from the intermediate-level instruction.
What comes after ASA 103?
Most students continue on to ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising. ASA 103 also prepares you to confidently join a sailing club, skipper longer coastal sails, and build real-world experience as captain.
Do sailing club members receive a discount?
Yes. Sailing Club members should contact the PSSI office directly to register for ASA 103 and ensure their club-level discount is applied.