ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising
Advanced Sailing Class
Advanced Sailing Lessons
Step into the role of a true skipper with ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising. This intensive, multi-day liveaboard course is designed for experienced sailors ready to take full responsibility for their vessel and crew in a wide range of coastal conditions. From advanced navigation to emergency procedures, you’ll develop the confidence and competence needed to lead safe and successful voyages—even in heavy weather and strong seas.
This class offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world practice, helping you refine your decision-making skills while building advanced proficiency in vessel handling and coastal passage planning.
$1,595
Class Schedule
Three consecutive days and two nights aboard
Location
Departures from Tacoma/Chinook Landing or Tyee Marina
Advanced sail trim and reefing under pressure
Command of a 30'–50' sloop in varied coastal conditions
Heavy weather preparation and seamanship
Precision navigation using electronic and paper charts
Sailing Skills You’ll Learn
Advanced docking, anchoring, and maneuvering techniques
Crew communication, safety, and emergency response
Online pre-course study
ASA 106 registration and certification fees
All required safety gear
3-day, 2-night liveaboard course
ASA “Advanced Coastal Cruising” textbook (shipping not included)
What’s Included
Prerequisites
You must have completed the following ASA certifications:
ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing
ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising
ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising
ASA 105: Coastal Navigation
If you did not complete your prerequisites through PSSI, contact the office to verify certification by providing your ASA member number.
Why Take This Class
ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising is where experienced sailors become true offshore ready skippers. This advanced sailing course is designed for sailors who want to confidently lead multi-day coastal passages, manage crew and vessel systems under pressure, and make sound decisions in challenging conditions.
In ASA 106, you move beyond fair weather sailing and daytime passages. You’ll apply the coastal navigation skills learned in ASA 105 to real world scenarios, including night sailing, reduced visibility, heavy weather preparation, and complex coastal route planning. You’ll refine advanced sail trim and reefing techniques, practice storm tactics, and learn how to maintain control of a 30'–50' cruising sailboat when conditions change quickly.
At Puget Sound Sailing Institute, ASA 106 is taught in the demanding and dynamic waters of Puget Sound, preparing you for real cruising destinations like the San Juan Islands, the Canadian Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound. You’ll gain hands on experience managing risk, leading a crew, and executing safe coastal passages beyond familiar day sailing routes.
If your goal is serious coastal cruising, international sailing adventures, or becoming a confident skipper capable of handling night operations, rough weather, and longer offshore legs, ASA 106 is the course that bridges advanced training with real world coastal exploration.
Club Members, please contact the office to register for classes to obtain your club level discount.
ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising FAQs
These are the most common questions students ask about our ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising class, including prerequisites, liveaboard expectations, and what it takes to skipper safely in challenging coastal conditions.
What is ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising?
ASA 106: Advanced Coastal Cruising is an advanced American Sailing certification focused on skipper-level leadership during extended coastal passages. You’ll learn how to command a 30’–50’ cruising sailboat in a wide range of conditions, including night operations, heavy weather, and complex navigation scenarios.
Who should take ASA 106?
ASA 106 is designed for experienced sailors who want to move beyond fair-weather cruising and develop the skills required for serious coastal exploration. It’s ideal for sailors preparing for destinations like the San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands, or Desolation Sound.
What will I learn in ASA 106 at PSSI?
ASA 106 focuses on advanced decision-making and skipper responsibility in real-world coastal conditions. Training includes:
- Advanced sail trim, reefing, and heavy weather techniques
- Night sailing and reduced-visibility navigation
- Coastal passage planning using paper charts and electronics
- Advanced docking, anchoring, and maneuvering
- Crew leadership, communication, and safety management
- Emergency response and risk assessment
How long is the ASA 106 course?
ASA 106 is a three-day, two-night liveaboard sailing course. The multi-day format allows you to practice advanced cruising skills, night operations, and skipper-level decision making in real coastal environments.
Where do ASA 106 classes depart from?
ASA 106 courses typically depart from Tacoma locations including Chinook Landing Marina or Tyee Marina, providing direct access to challenging Puget Sound sailing conditions ideal for advanced training.
What are the prerequisites for ASA 106?
ASA 106 requires completion of ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising), ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising), and ASA 105 (Coastal Navigation). These prerequisites ensure you have the sailing, navigation, and cruising foundation needed for advanced skipper responsibilities.
If you completed any prerequisites with another sailing school, contact our office with your ASA member number to verify eligibility.
Does ASA 106 include night sailing?
Yes. Night sailing is a core component of ASA 106. You’ll practice navigation, watch management, and decision making after dark, building confidence for real-world coastal passages.
What’s included in the ASA 106 class?
Your ASA 106 course includes a 3-day, 2-night liveaboard experience, ASA 106 registration and certification fees, required safety gear, online pre-course study, and the ASA “Advanced Coastal Cruising” textbook (shipping not included).
What comes after ASA 106?
After ASA 106, many sailors continue toward offshore and specialty training such as ASA 107 (Celestial Navigation), ASA 108 (Offshore Passagemaking), or advanced endorsements like radar and marine weather. ASA 106 also prepares you for confident coastal cruising throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.