Become a certified ASA 204 Bareboat Chartering Instructor in just one day with expert training from Starboard Sailing in Middle River, Maryland. Discover how this immersive course can advance your sailing skills and teaching credentials.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition with the ability to move safely on deck and manage sails and rigging.
Wildlife
History
Middle River has a rich maritime history tied to shipbuilding and Chesapeake Bay commercial fishing dating back to the 19th century.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on maintaining water quality in the Chesapeake Bay to protect aquatic habitats critical to the region’s ecosystem.
Starboard Sailing
Become a certified ASA 204 Bareboat Chartering Instructor in just one day with expert training from Starboard Sailing in Middle River, Maryland. Discover how this immersive course can advance your sailing skills and teaching credentials.
Starboard Sailing operates from Annapolis, Maryland, offering a full range of ASA-certified sailing courses and instructor clinics. Using 25'–45' vessels, the program includes multi-day liveaboard courses and one-day clinics designed for both new sailors and experienced skippers seeking formal certification.
Courses include Coastal Cruising (ASA 103/104/IPC), Advanced Coastal Cruising and Navigation (ASA 105/106), Cruising Catamaran training (ASA 114), docking and boat handling (ASA 118), and a series of Instructor Qualification Clinics (ASA 203, ASA 204, ASA 214 and full Instructor Qualification Clinic). Liveaboard courses focus on practical seamanship: sail trim, emergency procedures, navigation (traditional and electronic), anchoring, and skipper decision-making in coastal conditions.
Instructor clinics equip candidates to teach on 30'–45' cruisers and 25'–35' keelboats, and include certified training materials and evaluation for qualification. The docking course is a concentrated day clinic with hands-on practice and an ASA 118 certificate. Starboard Sailing emphasizes safety, standardized ASA curriculum, experienced instructor evaluators, and clear certification outcomes that prepare students for chartering and advanced cruising.
Starboard Sailing builds credibility through ASA-aligned syllabi, structured IQCs, liveaboard experience, and practical skills training—making it a reliable choice for sailors who want measurable progress, certified credentials, and real-world coastal cruising experience.
Base Location
Annapolis, MD
Chesapeake Bay departure point
Certifications
ASA Certifications
Instructor and student courses available
Course Lengths
1–4.5 days
Short clinics and multi-day liveaboards
Tours Offered
10 courses
Beginner to advanced class range
Check available dates for ASA courses and instructor clinics—book a liveaboard or day clinic and advance sailing skills from Annapolis.
Arrive Early to Prepare
Arriving 30 minutes before the course starts ensures you have time to get familiar with the boat and safety briefings.
Stay Hydrated Throughout
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your day on the water, especially in the warmer months.
Dress in Layers
Weather on the Chesapeake Bay can change quickly; wear layers to stay comfortable during varying conditions.
Review Basic Sailing Skills Ahead
Brushing up on basic sailing and navigation can help you get the most from the intensive training day.
Non-Slip Deck Shoes
Provides safety and stability on wet boat surfaces throughout the training.
Sailing Gloves
Protects hands when handling lines and rigging during active sailing.
UV Protection Sunglasses
Reduces glare and protects eyes from strong sunlight on the Chesapeake Bay.
spring
Waterproof Layered Clothing
Keeps you dry and warm in cooler, potentially wet conditions typical during fall courses.
fall