This certification course is normally scheduled over a 4 day weekend; Thur, Fri, Sat and, Sun. The class combines the curriculum of the ASA 103 and ASA 104 classes over a three night four day time period. We begin in the classroom for a 1.5 - 2 hour review of ASA 101 materials and then move into the ASA 103 materials. The class moves to our Hunter 31' around 11:00. Provision are stowed for our 4-day trip. We usually depart Corpus around 1200 - 1300. We arrive back in Corpus Christi late afternoon on the last day. Students normally on their way home by 5:00.

Day One
Instruction begins on Friday morning at 9:00 with introductions and a quick review of ASA 101 skills and knowledge. The class then moves into a review of the Basic Coastal Cruising elements. The days assigned navigation is completed by a student while in the classroom. We'll take a quick break and meet at our boat, probably a 31' Hunter. A quick introduction to your new home for 4 days accompanied by a review of the sailing lexicon and storing the provisions will take us up to a lunch break. Most students prefer to eat this meal at a local restaurant, some want to delay it and then prepare lunch while we are underway, majority rules. We depart Corpus Christi around 12:00 or 13:00 using the navigation charted by a student while we were in the classroom. The afternoon is filled with sailing exercises, navigation and short reviews of the ASA 103 materials. Once we arrive at our destination, (1500 or 1600), we'll have one more review then take the first half of the ASA 103 written test. This is followed by a dinner cooked by the class, or perhaps a meal at a local marina restaurant. Typically we stay up and talk a little sailor talk before retiring for the evening.

Day Two
Class prepares breakfast at 0800, then a short review and another student charts our next destination. Class departs around 11:00 for another day of exercises, drills and reviews. Lunch is prepared on-board while underway. This second day is spent primarily ensuring that the basic ASA 103 standards are met. That evening we have another review then complete the ASA 103 written exam.

Day Three
We'll grade the 103 test in the morning along with a short ASA 104 lecture. The appointed skipper will oversee getting the boat ready to sail; weather checks, engine checks, sheets, moorings etc while the days navigator charts a course to the next destination. We will take the first half of the ASA 104 written exam that morning prior to our departure. That evening we will complete the ASA 104 written test. All written testing is now complete.

Day Four
Last day, all written testing has been completed. The class participates in a hands on basic engine maintenance review. How to find fuel filters, lift pumps, Raycors etc. The class jointly charts our course home. That navigation is translated to a log sheet that we'll use to track our progress. We'll rotate skippers every hour and helm watch every 30 minutes. As we sail back to Corpus we work on confidence building and taking command of the boat. A boat is not a democracy, there will be someone in charge, you! We try to instill the self-reliance necessary to anticipate problems and make good informed, and safe decisions while your underway with family and guests. We'll arrive back in Corpus around 1600. Wash the boat down, and sign log books.

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