Do I need previous sailing experience?

No. The ASA 104 course is designed for beginners and experienced sailors; instructors start with basics and progress to practical maneuvers.

What is the maximum group size?

Private lessons accommodate one to six guests aboard Epiphany; the catamaran can be chartered privately for up to 13 guests.

How much does a private lesson cost?

Lessons start at $895 for one to six guests. Amusement tax and crew gratuity are added on.

What is the meeting point and check-in procedure?

Meet at Harbour Inn, 101 N. Harbor Rd, St. Michaels, MD 21663. Arrive at the dock 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

What is the weather or cancellation policy?

Weather can alter plans for safety. Contact the operator ahead of time for specific cancellation and rescheduling rules.

Are life jackets and gear provided?

Operators typically provide life jackets and basic safety equipment; bring personal items like sunglasses, layers, and motion-sickness remedies.

Sail a 44-Foot Catamaran in St. Michaels: ASA 104 Bareboat Course on Epiphany | Sailing | Private

Adventure Brief

Learn sail handling, steering, knots and tacking aboard a modern 44-foot Leopard catamaran in St. Michaels. This two-hour private ASA 104 lesson on Epiphany is built for focused, hands-on learning in sheltered Chesapeake waters—perfect for first-timers and sailors sharpening skills.

2 hours

moderate

From $2,562.65

On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, St. Michaels sits on the sheltered edges of the Chesapeake Bay, and it's here that the ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Course on Epiphany teaches you to sail a modern catamaran. The meeting point is Harbour Inn, 101 N. Harbor Rd, St. Michaels, MD 21663; the lesson departs from the marina and asks guests to arrive at the dock 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Aboard a 44-foot Leopard catamaran called Epiphany, this focused two-hour private lesson blends hands-on practice with clear explanation. Instructors lead small groups, private sessions for one to six students, through line handling, raising and trimming sails, steering, points of sail, knotwork, and practiced tacks. The platform is stable and responsive, which shortens the learning curve and leaves time to feel the wind rather than worry about balance. The local scene is a maritime classroom. Low marsh grasses, oyster reefs, and tidal creeks lace the shoreline; osprey quarter the sky and blue crabs paddle the shallows. These sheltered waters make St. Michaels an ideal place to practice maneuvers before pushing into wider Chesapeake fetches. The course teaches the physics of sail and the rules of the road alongside practical boat handling, so you come away with skills you can use on any keel or hull. St. Michaels itself carries a compact maritime history, its shipyards and waterfront played roles through the 19th century and the War of 1812, so every course launch feels like part of a longer seafaring story. The town's marina, restaurants, and museums make for an easy overnight before or after a lesson, and the instructors' local knowledge often includes safe anchorages and quiet creeks to explore once you're comfortable. Why this experience stands out is the combination of a modern catamaran platform and intensive private instruction. A Leopard catamaran's dual hulls offer a forgiving ride and clear sightlines for learning sail trim and helm feel, and the small group size means the instructor tailors drills to your pace. For sailors who want to progress toward a bareboat certificate or simply skip the intimidation of crowded group classes, this two-hour session is both efficient and confidence-building. Bring a wind-ready attitude, layers for spray and sun, and a curious mind. Whether you're preparing to charter a boat of your own or just want a spirited afternoon on Chesapeake waters, the ASA 104 on Epiphany is a direct, practical path from landlubber to active crew. Expect hands-on correction, concise theory, and time at the helm; privacy keeps the pace brisk. The course fee covers instruction but not taxes or gratuity; lessons start at $895 for one to six guests, and experienced instructors can advise follow-up courses and local charter options to keep you sailing after the lesson.