Advanced Learn-n-Cruise

Coastal Navigation (ASA 105) and Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106)

The goal of this course is to achieve ASA Advanced Coastal Cruising competence by skippering at night as well as during the day, in all weather conditions suitable for sailing. This offshore preparatory class is intense, challenging, and rewarding! Topics covered on this cruise include standing night watch, use of radar and chart plotters, weather analysis, handling emergency situations, night navigation and piloting, spinnaker rigging and use, advanced anchoring techniques, performance tuning, reefing and heavy-weather sailing.

Coastal Navigation certification (ASA105) covers detailed aids to navigation, fog procedures, and calculating current, leeway, set and drift and is a book study course, to be fully prepared for prior to arrival. (Note: We strongly recommend that you study/practice roughly 30-60 hours in the two or three months before your course to develop the skills needed to pass this exam.) The ASA105 exam is given on the first day of the course and the skills put into practice during the course. ASA105 is a prerequisite to achieve Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106).

Weeklong Advanced Learn-n-Cruise

(8:30 AM Saturday through 11 AM Friday)

Board your boat in Bellingham for this one-week round-trip class and explore beyond the San Juan Islands while taking advantage of the many advanced cruising experiences found in the waters of the "greater" Pacific Northwest. Your course cruise plan will be determined by weather and to maximize learning opportunities. Classes start Saturdays (8:30AM), return Fridays (11AM).

10-Day Advanced Learn-n-Cruise

(8:30 AM Saturday - 11 AM Monday or 8:30 AM Wednesday - 11 AM Friday)

Board your boat in Bellingham for this 10-day round-trip class and explore beyond the San Juan Islands while taking advantage of the many more advanced cruising experiences found in the waters of the "greater" Pacific Northwest, with a possibility of offshore sailing on the west coast of Vancouver Island toward Barkley Sound before returning to Bellingham. Offshore weather conditions may cause us to re-route to safer waters with Straits of Georgia (Nanaimo), Desolation Sound or Princess Louisa Inlet as possible alternatives*. The destination is secondary to finding the best wind and weather conditions suitable for learning. This course is offered in the spring and late fall.

Please contact San Juan Sailing School by e-mail or at 360-671-8339 to register for your course and to confirm course date availability. Advanced weeklong courses require a minimum of three students, maximum four students for confirmation. These are non-smoking/non-vaping courses. For courses traveling to Canada, be sure to pack your passport to clear customs.*

Visit the following links for more information:

* Be aware that anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI conviction) will most likely be prohibited entry into Canada. If you are unsure if you will be allowed into Canada, please contact your nearest Canadian Customs Clearance Office or Canadian Embassy for clarification.