Looking for advice for comprehensive ASA 101-114 courses

[LuckyCanuk]

Hi All,

Am located in Toronto - looking to get a week long fully comprehensive live aboard certification process (on a cat) for my wife and I.

Am looking for Caribbean or Florida suggestions (accessible) with value orientation (cheap) as critical conditions.

2 years ago, on this forum, I had identified a link that gave some interesting experiences that is now no longer active... so am looking for suggestions to get us onto a course by late Fall this year.

Here's the link that is no longer active - http://desperateattempts.com/2012/06...ailing-school/

Many thanks, in advance, for all advice.

Lucky

[SailWhiteStar]

You can check out Bluewater Sailing School bwss.com. I don't know much about them. I'm also looking for a place to take lessons.


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[New Life Couple]

Good Evening, I hope I can be of help. I have spent hours upon hours upon days upon weeks searching! ASA 101-104 is all you need unless chartering or you feel like you want more. ASA 105-106 are separate classes.

You are not required these classes in Florida. However, I am in the process of finding schools, just for learning. The waters are very different in Florida; shoals and shallows hurt many beginners. I have spoken twice with Blue Water and they never seem to have a berth available, I do not know this for sure but it seemed like it may be a negative choice...There is a lady in St. Augustine that has been ever so helpful and runs a school. St. Augustine is a lovely place to visit in Northern Florida.
I will be attending this school as well; Carol is the Lady with whom I've spoken. I pulled this information from my answering machine! :-) Good Luck maybe we'll meet in class!

St. Augustine Sailing School
1-(904)829-0648
Hours:Monday-Saturday 9:00AM- 4:30PM

[New Life Couple]

Originally Posted by SailWhiteStar

You can check out Bluewater Sailing School bwss.com. I don't know much about them. I'm also looking for a place to take lessons.


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Check out:

St. Augustine Sailing School
1-(904)829-0648
Hours:Monday-Saturday 9:00AM- 4:30P

[belizesailor]

LuckyCanuk, ASA 101 - 114 is a huge amount to absorb in one training series. Ive delivered this entire series in combination many times, but this is not the ideal way to learn. It is exhausting for both instructor and students. My suggestion is to complete your training in smaller combinations and develop on the water experience beteween each series of classes. For example, 101-103 is a good starting combination. Complete that then practice these skills until they are second nature before the next series. Next, 104-114 is a natural combination. Then maybe 105-106 (Coastal Navigation, Advanced Coastal).

(ASA Instructor Evaluator and former school owner)

[LTDsailing]

We would be happy to help you with your sail training! Belize has a good point about splitting up the training. I think that getting 101 on a small boat is especially helpful. We do offer the full package in either a seven or ten day format - so if that is what you are set on, take a look at our website and let me know if you have any questions.

[Cottontop]

Do 101 locally on a small boat. A small boat let's you get a "feel" for things.

Then you can do the rest in a week on a larger cat.

[Mirage35]

And check with your local schools - I know of Ottawa and Kingston schools that run winter courses in the South, there are probably some in Toronto that do the same. (And if you're lucky they'll charge in $CDN.)

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by LTDsailing

.... I think that getting 101 on a small boat is especially helpful...

Originally Posted by Cottontop

Do 101 locally on a small boat. A small boat let's you get a "feel" for things.

...

Absolutely, and it is also a requirement of the standard. Some schools, especially those associated with charter companies, will deliver 101 on larger boats, not only is it in conflict with the standard, but it is short changing the students.

Be sure and ask what boat will be used for 101 and only book 101 with schools that use an appropriate boat (mono, 20 something feet). If they do put you on an inappropriate boat, please report that to ASA.