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Spend seven days earning ASA 103, 104 and 114 on an Excess 11 catamaran while transiting reef passes, atolls, and volcanic channels. Small groups, real passages, and expert coaching make this a fast, practical path from classroom to confident island cruising.
Spend seven days earning ASA 103, 104 and 114 on an Excess 11 catamaran while transiting reef passes, atolls, and volcanic channels. Small groups, real passages, and expert coaching make this a fast, practical path from classroom to confident island cruising.
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Operated by Naos Yachts · Papeete, Windward Islands
Onboard an Excess 11 performance cruising catamaran, the Learn to Sail Vacation — Tahiti ASA 103, 104 and 114 turns classroom lessons into sea legs across one of the Pacific's most navigationally demanding and beautiful cruising grounds. Based in Papeete, Windward Islands, French Polynesia, this seven-day course combines ASA 103, 104 and 114 certifications with real-world passages between coral atolls, reef passes, and volcanic islands. The meeting point is Sail Tahiti, Vaima Shopping Center, BP40603, Bd de la Reine Pomare IV, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia.
Small groups of three to six students learn on an Excess 11 catamaran, practicing catamaran handling, advanced sail trim, auxiliary engine operation, and docking under sail and power. The syllabus covers provisioning and galley operations, boat systems and routine maintenance, coastal navigation and basic chart plotting, GPS use, dinghy and tender operation, health and safety, weather interpretation, heavy-weather seamanship, and emergency response. Prerequisite: ASA 101.
The itinerary reads like an island sampler: a gentle refresher in Matavai Bay; an exploration of Tetiaroa's bird island and coral shelf; downwind miles to Cook's Bay and Oponohu; sandy anchorages among coral heads in Haapiti; and a channel crossing back into stronger winds to Tapuna Pass and Papeete. Key natural features include expansive coral lagoons, narrow reef passes that demand precise timing and boat control, and Moorea's steep volcanic ridges rising from near-shore water. Tetiaroa offers an opportunity to study seabird colonies and lagoon ecology in a relatively undisturbed atoll setting.
This course stands out because instruction happens while executing true passages rather than in sheltered bays only; you'll practice real entrance and exit techniques for passes, anchoring on coral shelves, and fuel and provisioning maneuvers at Taina Marina. The program balances safety and audacity: you'll gain credentials useful for bareboat chartering while absorbing island-cruising habits—how to read reef patterns, time tidal flows, and provision for multi-day legs.
Practical details include recommended arrival in Papeete a day early, soft luggage for limited locker space, and awareness that weather dictates final routing. Tuition is $4,900 per student with a 50% companion discount for shared cabins. For sailors seeking certified training where classroom meets open water and Pacific scenery, this Tahiti course compresses essential skills into a week of purposeful, beautiful instruction.
The teaching team keeps groups intentionally small so students rotate through helming, trimming, and navigational roles; instructors provide one-on-one coaching during critical maneuvers. Expect to practice channel timing, reef pass entries at varying tidal states, and anchoring on coral bottoms—skills that translate to confidence on any bluewater catamaran. Recommended background is basic coastal experience and ASA 101 completion; novices with that prerequisite can leave the week with credentials and the practical judgment to plan safe island passages. Book early.
challenging.
7 days.
Moderate fitness helpful: be comfortable moving on a moving deck, climbing companionways, and spending hours on watch.
Yes — successful completion awards ASA 103, 104 and 114 as described in the course syllabus.
Meeting point: Sail Tahiti, Vaima Shopping Center, BP40603, Bd de la Reine Pomare IV, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia.
Lodging ashore is not included; arrive in Papeete the day before and bring soft luggage for onboard stowage.
Tuition is $4,900 per student; there is a 50% discount for a companion sharing the same cabin as noted in pricing.
Prerequisite: ASA 101. The course assumes basic coastal sailing knowledge and builds to offshore catamaran operations.
Groups are intentionally small: three to six students to ensure hands-on coaching and rotation through key roles.
Pacific island route knowledge reflects centuries of Polynesian voyaging; modern cruising routes still follow those safe channels and tidal windows.
Reefs are sensitive—use mooring buoys where available, avoid anchoring on live coral, and follow instructor guidance to minimize impact.
Naos Yachts is a Marina del Rey-based charter and sailing school offering a range of day sails, sunset cruises, powerboating courses, and ASA certification classes. The company operates a mixed fleet that includes monohulls, catamarans, Beneteau models, Lagoon catamarans, and specialized boats like the Beneteau First 14 for single- or two-person sailing experiences. Trips available include three-hour daysails and sunset sails, extended day sails, instructor-led ASA courses such as ASA 104/114 combo to Catalina, coastal navigation (ASA 105), docking and maneuvering (ASA 118), dinghy handling (ASA 116), plus beginning and advanced powerboating (AB101/AB103). All instruction is delivered by US Coast Guard licensed instructors or USCG-trained captains, and courses emphasize hands-on learning, safety, and small-group attention — advanced and beginning powerboating classes limit enrollment to three students per session. Vessel types and on-water routes focus on Santa Monica Bay and Marina del Rey harbor, providing scenic coastal sailing and practical seamanship training. Naos Yachts serves private charters and public classes for families, friends, and aspiring boaters seeking certification or skill-building. Booking options include hiring a trained USCG captain for relaxed cruises or self-skippered outings for experienced sailors. Equipment and vessels used in courses are modern and purpose-suited for their curriculum, from dinghy towing and beach landings to coastal navigation and overnight passage training. The business combines a large local fleet, certified instructors, and structured ASA curriculum to deliver reliable experiences on Southern California waters. Reservation and scheduling are available through Marina del Rey booking channels and online reservation platforms nationwide inquiries.
Book with Naos Yachts