Have you always wanted to learn how to sail? Have you also wanted to visit and vacation in San Diego? How about combining the two with a San Diego week-long sailing vacation?! A live-aboard sailing vacation is geared for the sailor who has limited time available but wants to complete an accelerated and comprehensive training program of the ASA curriculum.
San Diego Bay is the perfect instructional venue due to its year round protected waters, mild and predictable weather, and its pure beauty. Between you’re private floating condo (you’re boat!), easy access to beaches, restaurants and all major attractions, you’ll have it all in San Diego. We are located in the Harbor Island West Marina which is just a quick and cheap 5 minute ride from San Diego International Airport and Downtown San Diego (no rental car needed). Harbor Island is conveniently located in central San Diego Bay meaning we are equidistant from the Coronado Bridge and Point Loma which leads out into the Pacific Ocean.
During your sailing vacation you will be moved aboard a sailing yacht for the duration of your course which you can provision and stock as needed (think condo!). Typically the first two days of instruction is spent aboard a smaller boat (ASA 101) with the next 2-4 days of instruction taking place aboard your live aboard boat. Depending on your goals and prior experience, students will book 4-6 days of instruction covering multiple levels of ASA certification. Our most basic sailing vacation is a 4-5 day course that covers ASA 101 day 1 and 2, a break on day 3 to sail or explore San Diego, and then goes onto ASA 103 on days 4-5. Add two more days of instruction for ASA 104 or book the boat for a couple days of sailing on your own! It’s all possible with a customized learn to sail vacation with Harbor Sailboats.
Below is a quick description of each ASA level and students shall be prepared to spend 2 days on each classes level.
ASA Curriculum
ASA 101-Basic Sailing. Able to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.
ASA 103-Coastal Cruising. Able to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet length by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather interpretation, safety and seamanship.
ASA 104-Bareboat Chartering. Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30′-45′ sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.
View description of all sailing vacation courses or call our office for a customized quote. See you on the water!
