Do I need previous sailing experience?

Basic sailing knowledge helps, but this course is designed for sailors looking to improve their docking skills.

What should I wear on the day of the class?

Wear layered, quick-drying clothing, and bring sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Participants should be at least 14 years old.

Are meals provided during the course?

No, but there are nearby cafes and restaurants for breaks.

What if I get seasick?

The boat is close to shore, and natural conditions are manageable; bring seasickness remedies if needed.

Can I bring a guest to watch?

Spectators are welcome to observe from the dock.

ASA 118: Advanced Docking | Sailing in Barrington | Workshop, Water Activities, Marina | Sailing | Workshop

Narragansett, Rhode Island, is a renowned hub for sailing enthusiasts and maritime adventures, thanks to its accessible harbor and vibrant boating culture. ASA 118: Advanced Docking offers sailors the chance to refine their boat handling skills amid this picturesque coastal setting. This unique training focuses on tackling the most challenging docking scenarios, making it a must-try for sailors looking to boost confidence and precision.

Over a transformative day, participants learn advanced boat control techniques on a 30' sailboat. From backing up skills to managing lines in windy conditions, the course emphasizes real-world scenarios that sailors encounter in busy harbors and crowded docks. The experienced instructors excel at providing personalized feedback, ensuring each sailor leaves with improved confidence and stronger maneuvering capabilities.

What sets this program apart is its practical, hands-on approach in a lively maritime environment. Narragansett’s bustling marina presents the perfect classroom, offering a variety of docking situations and natural conditions to learn from. The course is ideal for intermediate sailors seeking to elevate their skills or seasoned boaters who want to fine-tune their technique. The small class sizes enable personalized coaching in a dynamic setting, while the ocean breeze and salty air make the learning experience invigorating.

If you're looking to become a more confident and competent sailor, ASA 118 is a fantastic investment. It’s especially valuable for those navigating busy harbors or participating in coastal cruising. Whether you're preparing for longer voyages or simply want to master common harbor maneuvers, this class helps you gain control and mastery on the water.

Set in the heart of Narragansett’s sailing scene, this course combines expert instruction with the natural beauty of Rhode Island’s coastline. It’s more than just a class — it’s a chance to elevate your seamanship in an authentic, energetic maritime environment.

About Narragansett Sailing

Narragansett Sailing is a Barrington, Rhode Island sailing school and charter operator focused on hands-on instruction and guided cruises on Narragansett Bay. The organization offers a comprehensive range of ASA courses, including ASA 101 progression classes, ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising, ASA 104 Women Only, ASA 105 Coastal Navigation, and ASA 105 classroom instruction designed for safe coastal passages.

Instructor clinics available—ASA 201 and ASA 203—prepare qualified sailors to teach ASA 101 and ASA 103 classes. Short experiences include Discover Sailing practice sessions and a two-hour Sunset Cruise aboard the 42-foot Bavaria Soli Deo Gloria. Technical workshops cover Marine Electrical systems, Diesel maintenance with a women-only diesel course, and a Winterization of Engine and Plumbing workshop that uses actual charter boats for hands-on practice. Classes and cruises are instructor-led and emphasize practical skills such as navigation, anchoring, engine winterization, battery and wiring fundamentals, and diesel troubleshooting.

Narragansett Sailing operates from Barrington with direct access to Narragansett Bay waters, delivering a mix of certification courses, skill clinics, and leisure sails. The program structure—certified ASA course numbering, documented instructor clinics, and hands-on technical workshops—clarifies learning outcomes and certification pathways for students pursuing cruising competence or instructor qualifications. Whether seeking a single-session introduction, multi-day certification, or specialized technical training, visitors can choose from classroom courses, liveaboard trips, and short guided sails tailored to skill level and sailing goals. Scheduling accommodates weekend and weekday sessions, and certification courses align with ASA standards for consistent credentialing and clear next steps toward chartering in Narragansett Bay region.