Cruising can range from day sails to living aboard longer trips of several days or more, to extended sails with offshore passages. NESC developed the seven day Accelerated Bareboat Certification (ABC) course so that motivated students complete a fast track program that advances them from beginner to bareboat certification through our comprehensive course that combines all of the skill requirements for the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat, ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising and ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certifications.
This course is structured as a combination of classroom and on the water training. You will learn on a J22 for the Basic Keelboat training and a Beneteau 39 cruising yacht for the Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising courses. The accelerated pace supports an immersion into the sport of sailing.
The first two days will cover sailing fundamentals and skills for Basic Keelboat with the option for ASA Basic Keelboat certification. Days three and four will cover the skills for Basic Cruising with the option for ASA Basic Cruising certification. The final three days will cover the skills for Bareboat Cruising with the option for ASA Bareboat Cruising certification. Completion of your training will qualify you to sail a cruising yacht up to 54 feet. Testing for the ASA Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Cruising certifications will provide you with International recognition of your qualifications.
We have a maximum of four students in our group courses. Private lessons are also available for individuals, couples and families.
Please visit our course and certification information page for more information on pricing. Contact us to check course availability and to schedule your course.
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There are no prerequisite certifications required. The only requisite is your desire to immerse yourself in learning to sail.
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat, ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising and ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certification fees are included.
Curriculum includes parts of boat, terminology, personal floatation devices and safety gear, safety at sea including right of way and commands, knots, points of sail, tacks and jibes, basic sail shape and trim, sail raising and controls, dock leaving and return, and proper boat put down. The course also includes a review of terminology and sailing techniques relative to a mid-size auxiliary cruising sailboat followed by on the water training. Cruising topics covered include auxiliary cruising sailboat systems, maneuvering under power and sail, basic coastal navigation and coarse plotting, reefing, anchoring, crew overboard, safety at sea, radio operation, weather forecast interpretation, and heavy weather techniques.
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards. Auxiliary power operation is not required.
PRACTICAL SKILLS
Basic Sailing Terminology
Maneuvers & Points of Sail
Navigation Rules
Aids to Navigation
Safety Gear & Procedures
Safety Equipment
Sailing
Crew Overboard
Return & Secure
Knots
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (inboard or outboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet length by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather interpretation, safety and seamanship.
PRACTICAL SKILLS
Cruising Sailboat Terminology
Safety Equipment & Procedures
Navigation & Weather
Sail Plan
Seamanship
Emergencies
Preliminaries
Navigation
Under Power
Under Sail
Return to Dock/Slip
Knots
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered keelboat of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of provisioning, galley operations, boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, routine maintenance procedures, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation including basic chart plotting and GPS operation, multiple-anchor mooring, docking, health & safety, emergency operations, weather interpretation, and dinghy/tender operation.
PRACTICAL SKILLS
Cruise Planning
Systems
Emergencies
Seamanship
Navigation & Weather
Systems
Under Power
Under Sail
Navigation & Weather
Knots
