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Learn to skipper a keelboat with a private three-day Coastal Cruising ASA 103 course in Middle River, Maryland. Build hands-on experience sailing Chesapeake Bay and boost your confidence on the water.
Learn to skipper a keelboat with a private three-day Coastal Cruising ASA 103 course in Middle River, Maryland. Build hands-on experience sailing Chesapeake Bay and boost your confidence on the water.
Book with Starboard Sailing
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Operated by Starboard Sailing · Middle River, Maryland
Set sail on a transformative three-day Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) adventure with Starboard Sailing in Middle River, Maryland. This private course is designed for aspiring skippers ready to take their sailing skills to the next level on a sloop-rigged keelboat. Throughout the immersive experience, you’ll build essential knowledge in navigation, sail trim, docking, and safety procedures under the guidance of expert instructors. The hands-on learning environment ensures you gain confidence in intermediate coastal cruising techniques across scenic Chesapeake Bay waters. Beyond skill acquisition, you’ll experience the captivating beauty of Maryland’s coastline, from tranquil coves to open water passages. Whether you’re aiming for certification or simply want a rewarding sailing challenge, this course offers the perfect blend of education, adventure, and stunning seascapes. Each day balances practical lessons with time on the water, preparing you to skipper similar vessels independently and enhancing your overall sailing proficiency.
moderate.
3 days.
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle basic boat maneuvers and occasional physical tasks onboard.
Basic sailing knowledge is recommended but not required; the course is designed to teach intermediate skills with hands-on guidance.
Completing this course certifies you as an ASA 103 Coastal Cruiser, capable of skippers a sloop-rigged keelboat on coastal waters.
The three-day course includes hands-on sailing instruction, navigation training, safety drills, and certification testing.
Some participants may experience seasickness; bringing sea bands or medication can help prevent discomfort.
Meals are not provided, so participants should bring snacks and water for each day.
Private lessons are typically one-on-one or for very small groups to ensure personalized instruction.
Middle River has a rich maritime heritage tied to Chesapeake Bay fishing and shipbuilding traditions.
Efforts focus on protecting Chesapeake Bay’s delicate ecosystems through pollution reduction and habitat restoration.
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.
Book with Starboard Sailing