Earn your ASA Sailing Instructor certification in just three days with Starboard Sailing near Middle River, MD. Gain essential skills and internationally recognized credentials while training on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition to handle active sailing maneuvers and endurance on the water for several hours daily.
Wildlife
History
Middle River has a rich maritime heritage linked to the Chesapeake Bay's shipbuilding and fishing industries.
Conservation
Efforts around Chesapeake Bay focus on water quality improvement and protecting native aquatic habitats essential for sustainable sailing.
Starboard Sailing
Earn your ASA Sailing Instructor certification in just three days with Starboard Sailing near Middle River, MD. Gain essential skills and internationally recognized credentials while training on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.
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 with Basic Sailing Proficiency
Ensure you have solid sailing skills as this clinic builds on prior experience to focus on instruction techniques.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Decks can be slippery when wet, so shoes with good grip help maintain safety during on-water sessions.
Bring a Waterproof Notebook
Taking notes during classroom and on-water training will aid retention and future teaching reference.
Prepare for Variable Weather
Chesapeake Bay weather can change quickly; dress in layers and waterproof gear to stay comfortable.
Windbreaker or Waterproof Jacket
Protects against wind and rain during variable spring weather on the water.
spring
Sailing Gloves
Helps prevent blisters and provides better grip while handling lines and sails.
Hat with Sun Protection
Shields your face and neck from strong sun exposure during longer summer days.
summer
Non-Slip Deck Shoes
Essential for safety and stability on wet and slippery boat decks.