Description
Prerequisites
Bareboat Cruising (ASA 104): This certification is a prerequisite for our course and ensures that students have a basic understanding of cruising on multi-day trips, managing boat operations and crew responsibilities, and prerequisite knowlege of chartering.
- Minimum of 6 days charter experience, as skipper, aboard a 30ft (or greater) sailing vessel in winds ujup to 3okts: This experience requirement ensures that students have a good understanding of sailing in real-world conditions and have experience as the skipper of a vessel.
- Minimum of 3 nights at anchor, as skipper, aboard a 30ft (or greater) sailing vessel: This experience requirement ensures that students have experience with anchoring and the necessary skills to safely anchor a vessel.
Learn the difference between Monohull Sailing and Cruising Catamarans
ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran is a comprehensive course that covers the unique aspects of sailing and managing a cruising catamaran. This certification focuses on the specialized knowledge and skills required to safely and confidently skipper a 30-50 foot cruising catamaran in coastal waters, taking into account the distinctive characteristics and performance of these multi-hull vessels. You’ll learn about the distinct components of catamarans, including hull design, rigging, and onboard systems. The course emphasizes safety, from the proper use of jacklines to understanding capsizing risks and recovery. You’ll practice essential sailing maneuvers under both sail and power, including handling twin engines, navigating tight spaces, and performing man-overboard recoveries. This course will help you master the nuances of multihull performance, making you a confident and capable catamaran sailor ready for coastal and offshore cruising.
What you’ll learn!
| Catamaran Terminology | Catamaran Features and Performance | Catamaran Systems |
| Seamanship | Heavy Weather Operations | Emergency Response |
| Cruise Planning | Maneuvering with Twin Engines | Docking and Mooring |
| Anchoring | Man Overboard Procedure | Catamaran Sail Trim |
| Catamaran Rigging Adjustments | Sailing Maneuvers | Onboard Systems Management |
| Navigation Skills | Vessel Inspections | Safety Equipment |
| Dinghy Handling | Gear Stowage | Understanding Capsizing Risks |
Private lessons
These Lessons are taught on a private basis to ensure a solid foundation. We allow a maximum of two students per boat. However, this is a live-aboard course and is somewhat like a vacation. You are welcome to invite up to two guests to share this unique experience with you for no additional charge. Your guest will act as crew and will not receive certification.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive the ASA Bareboat Cruising Catamaran Certificate (ASA 114).


