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Learn to navigate over the Winter! Take ANSA's Coastal Navigation class and earn ASA 105 certification. Get a Fix, plot a course, dead reckon, understand set and drift, leeway, and plan accordingly. Understand the impact of tides and currents and when it matters on the Chesapeake Bay. Where are Bloody Point, Love Point, Cinnabar shoal? Avoid shoals and locate anchorages. Use local charts generated with the new NOAA Custom Charts application!
Included: How to use your instrumentation and chart plotter and understand AWA, TWS, STW vs SOG, WPT ETA, VMG, Laylines (optional)
We are planning two Saturday all day work sessions and three optional introductory Zooms.
The fee for this class is $350.
There are no ASA course prerequisites for this class, however it is helpful if you have some sailing or motoring experience. In addition students must have a current ANSA membership ($55 - $75), renewed as of Jan 1, 2026. Become a member.
Zoom 1 - Jan 20 19:00 - Intro, basic topics, compass, math, plotting tools
Zoom 2 - Jan 21 19:00 - follow up, definitions, tides/currents
Saturday 1 - Jan 24 - chart work, symbology, plotting, problem solving, practical navigation
Zoom 3 - Jan 28 - Q&A, additional topics as needed
Saturday 2 - Jan 31 - plotting and problem solving review, afternoon - written exam
Zoom sessions are optional and will be used to provide an introduction for new navigators and tips on math and necessary computations, as well as definitions of variation, deviation, tides, currents, etc. Access to ANSA's previous navigation topic videos will also be provided in case you miss anything.
Following registration, ANSA will provide our training materials that provide a complete tutorial and guide to all of the navigation skills and requirements, practice problems, and links to previous class videos.
Zoom 1 - Feb 25 19:00 - Intro, basic topics, compass, math, plotting tools
Zoom 2 - Feb 26 19:00 - follow up, definitions, tides/currents
Saturday 1 - Feb 28 - chart work, symbology, plotting, problem solving, practical navigation
Zoom 3 - Mar 4 - Q&A, additional topics as needed
Saturday 2 - Mar 7 - plotting and problem solving review, afternoon - written exam
Zoom sessions are optional and will be used to provide an introduction for new navigators and tips on math and necessary computations, as well as definitions of variation, deviation, tides, currents, etc.. Access to ANSA's previous navigation topic videos will also be provided in case you miss anything.
Basic Coastal Cruising
ASA 103 is an intermediate sailing course provided over 3 days on a 30' keelboat with a wheel helm. We sail in the West River and Chesapeake Bay.
ASA 101 is a prerequisite as well as at least 24 hours additional sailing time.
Class Fee: $475
Please purchase the textbook in advance of the class so that you can begin studying and doing the exercises.
Refer to the full class description here and policies and procedures to view prerequisites and requirements.
You must be a member of ANSA to take a class. Membership fees range from $55 to $75 depending on selected level. Please join ANSA after your successful registration for this class.
Keelboat 1 - Basic Keelboat Sailing
ASA 101 is an introductory sailing course provided over 3 days on a 30' keelboat with a wheel helm. We sail in the West River and Chesapeake Bay.
Class Fee: $495
Veteran/Active Duty: $445
Keelboat 2 - Sail Trim
ASA 102 covers more advanced sailing skills and sail trim and is provided over 2 days on a 30' keelboat with a wheel helm sailing on the West River and Chesapeake Bay.
This class is available to all sailors with 101 and some sailing experience. You should be comfortable with basic sailing before taking this class, know your points of sail and how to tack and gybe. This is an opportunity to fine tune those sails, refine your tacks and gybes, grind and ease, read the tell tales, sail faster upwind and downwind, adjust the jib sheet cars, the mainsheet traveler, understand draft and twist. Refresh your sailing skills and enjoy two beautiful days on the Bay!
Class Fee: $295
Close Quarters Maneuvering (Docking)
Learn to dock a wheel helm 30' vessel with prop wash and prop walk (no bowthruster) in a variety of conditions and locations.
This is a two day class. Class fee is $315.
You should have the equivalent training and experience of ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising, as a prerequisite. Additional class details and requirements HERE.
Please purchase the textbook for this class in advance and read the book to get the most out of the class time.
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