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Embark on a transformative journey in Marina del Rey with the ASA 101, 103, 104 Combo Course—learn to skipper modern keelboats and sail to Catalina Island under expert guidance. Discover why this comprehensive program is Southern California’s top choice for sailing instruction.
Embark on a transformative journey in Marina del Rey with the ASA 101, 103, 104 Combo Course—learn to skipper modern keelboats and sail to Catalina Island under expert guidance. Discover why this comprehensive program is Southern California’s top choice for sailing instruction.
Book with Naos Yachts
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Operated by Naos Yachts · Marina del Rey, California
Located in the bustling coastal enclave of Marina del Rey, California, the ASA 101, 103, 104 Combo Course offers an unparalleled gateway to sailing mastery framed by the sparkling waters of Santa Monica Bay. This comprehensive program is designed for aspiring sailors seeking hands-on experience and confident command on the water, taught aboard a modern fleet of Beneteau monohulls and Lagoon catamarans. Marina del Rey itself is celebrated for its expansive marina—the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America—making it the perfect launching point for these progressive sailing courses that culminate in an adventurous cruise to Catalina Island.
The course is broken down into three escalating levels that build both skill and confidence. ASA 101 focuses on basic keelboat sailing with intimate classes limited to three students, ensuring personalized attention as you learn the essentials: sail trim, points of sail, helm commands, and critical navigation rules to remain safe amidst bay traffic. Next, ASA 103 steps up the challenge, teaching coastal cruising aboard larger keelboats while introducing engine operations, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, anchoring techniques, and weather interpretation. The class size here caps at four, maintaining a tight-knit learning environment with expert US Coast Guard licensed and ASA certified instructors.
The crowning achievement is ASA 104, a three-day bareboat cruising expedition to Catalina Island’s renowned anchorages like Two Harbors and Emerald Bay. Here, students put theory into practice, mastering advanced navigation, provisioning, emergency protocols, and sailing under moderate to heavy sea conditions. This real-world experience aboard a 38 to 45-foot sloop-rigged vessel transforms classroom knowledge into seamless sea command. Each course includes all necessary textbook materials, safety gear, fuel, insurance, and amenities such as bedding, fresh towels, and a fully equipped galley—complete with a refrigerator, stove, and oven so you can prepare meals right onboard.
What makes this program unique is the blend of top-tier instruction, fully outfitted modern boats, and the stunning backdrop of Southern California’s coastline. The instructors’ commitment to small student groups ensures each participant receives customized support, a rarity among sailing schools. By completing this combo, you not only gain multiple ASA certifications but also unlock the freedom and confidence to navigate open waters on your own terms.
Marina del Rey’s vibrant marina ecosystem, combined with the pristine cruising grounds off Catalina Island, create an immersive classroom for sailing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore keelboat basics or an experienced sailor craving bareboat independence, this course stands out as the definitive way to hone your skills in Southern California’s premier sailing hub.
moderate.
7 days.
Participants should have moderate fitness to manage boat maneuvers and spend extended hours on deck, including occasional physical tasks like docking and line handling.
No prior experience is required; ASA 101 teaches basic keelboat skills, making it perfect for beginners.
No, provisioning the boat is part of the ASA 104 course curriculum, allowing students to learn planning and logistics.
ASA 101 and 104 are limited to 3-4 students; ASA 103 is limited to 4, ensuring personalized attention.
Yes, all instructors hold US Coast Guard licenses and ASA certifications.
Classes use modern Beneteau monohulls and Lagoon catamarans ranging from 22 to 45 feet in length.
The ASA 104 cruise sails from Marina del Rey to Catalina Island, visiting anchorages such as Two Harbors and Emerald Bay.
Marina del Rey, completed in 1965, is the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America, supporting a decades-long maritime culture.
The school emphasizes responsible boating practices to protect local marine ecosystems and promotes sustainable sailing techniques to minimize environmental 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