ASA/US Sailing

[jpswoope]

Excellent discussion, folks! Particularly for those of us 'once sailors' who plan to return to the sea! Thanks to the experienced sailors who endorsed the instruction!

[Little Otter]

Hi all I finished my ASA Basic Keel Boat certification on the 5th I beleive was the date at 16 years old, the first day we had 2'-3' chop and some very gusty winds up to 27 knots is the official NOAA report and I had a great time, like it was said before, it all depends on when and where you take the course.

[nautical62]

After learning the basics mostly on my own, I took the ASA keelboat/coastal cruising/bareboat course as a liveaboard course in St. Martin. I repeated it a year later as a review. The cost was less than chartering.

Ten years later I took the ASA Instructors courses. Most of what these courses covered, I knew, but I did come out with a few new things relating to teaching and technique. How to affectively use neutral and prop walk when reversing among them.

For anyone who wants to cruise, I really recommend taking a live-aboard bareboat course instead of a land based one. I'm a firm believer in experiental learning and what you will learn actually anchored out each night is very differnet than what you will learn sleeing in a motel room. I also think if you are going to spend the money for a week long live-aboard experience, consider spending a little more to travel to a wonderful destination like the Caribbean.