ASA 106 or crew

[Hoosiersailor]

I have been sailing on and off for 20 years. The last 12 I have been stuck in Indiana so my time on the water sailing has been limited to once a year charters in the BVI and the big lakes. I have ASA certifications thru 105 and 114 and I am considering taking the 106 course. But for the cost including airfare looks like it might run anywhere from $1200 - $2500. Is it worth it? I am really just looking for extended passages on the water. Would I be just as well off to crew for someone doing a 2-4 day delivery?

If the ASA 106 course is the best route to get the experience I want, does anyone have any experience with Flagship Sailing School | Learn to Sail in Tampa Bay, FL - St. Petersburg Sailing Lessons, Sailing Club, and Sailing Charters or St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay - Sailing Yacht, Catamaran & Fishing Charters Both are pretty reasonable cost for the 106 course and easy for me to get to.

Thanks,

Jim

[sck5]

No. Not worth it. Instead, sign up with Offshore Passage Opportunities. Way cheaper and will give you good experience. There are always skippers looking for crew to move boats. Usual deal is that you pay to get to and from the boat and the skipper pays for on-board expenses. Sounds like you have some good experience already and so should have no trouble getting spots on boats going to interesting places.

[Hoosiersailor]

Thanks sck5. That's really what I have been thinking.

[LTDsailing]

I would say that it depends on what experience you are looking for. I have done a lot of deliveries and while crewing on a delivery is a great experience, I am generally just looking for someone who can stand a watch on a delivery. What you would learn on a 106 course is much more in depth. You will learn about heavy weather sailing, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation underway (putting all the things you learned in 105 to use), Night sailing and navigation.

I think that our students who have done 106 with us would tell you that the experience was well worth the price. But - it just depends on what you are looking for. If I can answer any questions about ASA 106 or any of our other courses - feel free to contact me either through CF, our website or directly at Chris@LTDsailing.com