Is prior sailing experience required?

No, this course is designed for beginners as well as those looking to refresh their skills.

What should I bring on the first day?

Bring your identification, a notebook, and any personal navigation tools if you have them.

Will I get a certification?

Yes, upon successful completion, you'll receive an ASA 105 Coastal Navigation certificate.

Meals are not included; participants should bring snacks and refreshments.

Can I participate if I wear glasses or contacts?

Absolutely, just ensure you have your vision correction accessories.

What are the class sizes?

Classes typically range from 4 to 10 students to ensure personalized attention.

Coastal Navigation Course at Narragansett Sailing | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

Narragansett Sailing offers a hands-on, three-day Coastal Navigation course designed for those eager to sharpen their sailing skills and confidently navigate coastal waters. Situated along Rhode Island’s scenic coast, Narragansett is renowned for its rich maritime history and dynamic sailing environment. This classroom-based ASA 105 course provides an immersive experience, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned sailors alike.

Throughout the program, participants dive into navigational theory, including chart plotting, tide and current analysis, and collision avoidance. The course’s setting in Narragansett allows students to connect these skills with real-world scenarios on Rhode Island’s crystal-clear waters, famed for their vibrant marine life and historic lighthouses. The instructors bring years of experience sailing these waters, emphasizing safety and precision.

What makes this course stand out is its focus on empowering sailors to operate confidently in coastal environments. Whether you are planning a weekend escape or a longer voyage, mastering coastal navigation is essential. The beautifully rugged coastline offers stunning scenic views, while local legends like the Big Duck Lighthouse add cultural depth. The program is perfect for those who want to combine educational growth with outdoor adventure in a scenic maritime setting.

Participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of coastal navigation, ready to set sail with assurance. Plus, their expertise opens doors to more adventurous trips along the New England coastline, making Narragansett Sailing a key hub for aspiring sailors and experienced mariners alike. This course is a must for anyone looking to gain practical navigation skills amidst Rhode Island’s captivating maritime landscape.

About Narragansett Sailing

Narragansett Sailing is a Barrington, Rhode Island sailing school and charter operator focused on hands-on instruction and guided cruises on Narragansett Bay. The organization offers a comprehensive range of ASA courses, including ASA 101 progression classes, ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising, ASA 104 Women Only, ASA 105 Coastal Navigation, and ASA 105 classroom instruction designed for safe coastal passages.

Instructor clinics available—ASA 201 and ASA 203—prepare qualified sailors to teach ASA 101 and ASA 103 classes. Short experiences include Discover Sailing practice sessions and a two-hour Sunset Cruise aboard the 42-foot Bavaria Soli Deo Gloria. Technical workshops cover Marine Electrical systems, Diesel maintenance with a women-only diesel course, and a Winterization of Engine and Plumbing workshop that uses actual charter boats for hands-on practice. Classes and cruises are instructor-led and emphasize practical skills such as navigation, anchoring, engine winterization, battery and wiring fundamentals, and diesel troubleshooting.

Narragansett Sailing operates from Barrington with direct access to Narragansett Bay waters, delivering a mix of certification courses, skill clinics, and leisure sails. The program structure—certified ASA course numbering, documented instructor clinics, and hands-on technical workshops—clarifies learning outcomes and certification pathways for students pursuing cruising competence or instructor qualifications. Whether seeking a single-session introduction, multi-day certification, or specialized technical training, visitors can choose from classroom courses, liveaboard trips, and short guided sails tailored to skill level and sailing goals. Scheduling accommodates weekend and weekday sessions, and certification courses align with ASA standards for consistent credentialing and clear next steps toward chartering in Narragansett Bay region.