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Master the essential skill of docking boats safely with Starboard Sailing’s ASA 118 course in Middle River, Maryland. Gain hands-on experience and earn certification in one immersive day!
Master the essential skill of docking boats safely with Starboard Sailing’s ASA 118 course in Middle River, Maryland. Gain hands-on experience and earn certification in one immersive day!
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Operated by Starboard Sailing · Middle River, Maryland
If you've ever wanted to confidently dock a boat, the Docking (ASA 118) course with Starboard Sailing in Middle River, Maryland, is an ideal choice. This advanced training, running from 9 am to 4 pm, focuses on hands-on techniques to safely dock and undock boats equipped with either inboard or outboard engines. Whether you're a beginner or already somewhat familiar with boating, this course requires no prior experience and provides you with the textbook you need to follow along and retain key practices. By the end of the day, you'll earn your ASA 118 certification, a credential that enhances your boating credentials and confidence on the water. Set on the scenic Middle River, you’ll learn to navigate varied docking scenarios in real-time under expert guidance. Beyond just technical skills, this experience highlights safety protocols and critical situational awareness, making it perfect for anyone looking to expand their boating abilities. Plus, the focus on private instruction means you get personalized attention tailored to your pace and needs. Middle River’s calm waters create the perfect learning environment, ensuring you get the most out of your training while enjoying the outdoors.
moderate.
7 hours.
Participants should have basic physical mobility to move safely on deck and perform light tasks.
No prior experience is required; the course is designed for beginners and progressing boaters alike.
You will learn docking techniques for boats with both inboard and outboard engines.
Yes, the ASA 118 certification is widely recognized and respected across the United States.
Yes, each participant receives a textbook to support learning during and after the course.
Private courses are personalized, typically with just you and an instructor for focused training.
Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet and non-slip shoes for safety on the boat.
Middle River has a rich maritime history tied to Maryland’s shipbuilding and bay trading heritage.
Efforts are ongoing locally to protect the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, emphasizing sustainable boating practices.
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