Docking Endorsement

Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat (ASA 101) and Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103)

Starting Dates: We normally run our docking practicals on Saturday mornings at Chatfield. Theory can be done anytime online. 

Description: Getting that big boat into a little slip can be a daunting challenge, even for experienced sailors. But it’s an important skill, like learning to take-off and to land an airplane if you’re a pilot. To dock competently and without injury or property damage requires an understanding of the forces that act on a boat, how you can control them, and lots of practice.

Though docking and mooring is taught and practiced in all ASA’s on-the-water courses, the vast majority of students feel that they can benefit from additional, focused practice in this crucial area of their sailing skills. Even students who can competently dock a particular sailboat in their local waters appreciate the chance to learn skills that will come in handy in different locations and circumstances, such as those that would be experienced when strong currents and tricky crosswinds are present, or when Mediterranean mooring or tight, close-quarters maneuvering is required. Upon successfully completing this course, the student will experience a significant increase in enjoyment in all of their sailing ventures because they will no longer fear docking at the end of the day. Spouses particularly enjoy mastering these skills because it helps them to become more proficient and confident as crew members.

The course is 9 hours in length. It consists of 1 three hour Theory Session and 2 three hour Practical Sessions on the water on our J/30. The J/30 has an inboard diesel engine that will be the standard equipment on any larger vessel that you may charter.

The calendar below shows what classes are available (some may already be full). Students will NOT be able to schedule until after checkout. Please do all scheduling inside the member dashboard.