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ASA 114:
Cruising Catamarans
Multi-Hulls are a very popular choice for sailing vacations! Multi-hulls heel less and can sail a bit faster than the average mono-hull, but must stick to a close reach vs going hard to weather. Learn about the differences in how they handle under sail and engine power. Get used to the wide hulls in docking and how to bridle for anchor. It can also be combined with 104 by request.
Learn to sail catamarans on Afterguard's 35' x 19' Fountaine Pajot: 'Angel'
1 Evening Lecture, or 2-3 full sailing days.
Prerequisites:
ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Made Easy
The 3 day class, as well as providing additional coverage of course material, includes Bay Area sailing sign-off allowing Catamaran rental use in the entire bay (inside Golden Gate Bridge).
ASA 114 Course Description
Learn to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of catamaran structure, components and features, performance under sail and power, boat systems, seamanship and safety, heavy weather operation, and emergency response.
Before the Course
Purchase the ASA 114 textbook, Cruising Catamarans Made Easy. Available through our office or on the ASA website as an ebook or hardcopy.
Read the book and complete the quizzes throughout to prepare you for the course and the terminology used.
What's Included
ASA 114 Multiple Choice Test
After successfully demonstrating 100% of the required on-the-water skills, you’ll take a written exam, which requires a minimum score of 85% to pass.
If you do not pass either the on-the-water or written evaluations, you’ll be invited to repeat the necessary portions.
Life Jacket and Safety Equipment
We can loan you a personal flotation device (PFD), also known as a lifejacket, along with other safety equipment. PFDs must be worn at all times when outside the cabin while the boat is underway. For your safety, put it on before the boat starts moving, especially when departing from or returning to the dock.
ASA Certification
Once you’ve passed the course, ASA will mail you a certification sticker to add to your logbook.
What to Expect
Schedule and Crew Information:
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Meeting Location: Afterguard Sailing Academy, 1285 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
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Course Duration: This is a three-day weekend course, starting on Friday with a lecture from 6pm-8pm. Classes on Saturday and Sunday run from 9:30am to 4:30pm and are spent mostly on the boat on the water sailing.
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Exam: The written exam takes place at the end of the second day of class. Students must demonstrate proficiency in hands-on skills before being permitted to sit for the written test.
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Crew Limit: Maximum of four students per boat with one instructor.
What to wear:
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Layers! Look up the weather for that weekend or weekday series. Dress in layers according to the weather predictions. Vests are a good under/over layer. Use a base layer per the weather and add to it up to a wind-breaker. If raining - bring a waterproof over layer for top and bottom.
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Footwear: Soft soled shoes for traction on the deck. Non-marking required or will be scrubbing decks of black marks dark soles leave behind. No bare-feet, open toed or flip-flops. Broken toes are painful and your responsibility. This is a sincere warning.
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Headware: Recommend a brimmed hat with a keeper that will not blow off your head, for your time on the water. If cold - bring a warm hat or perhaps a warm ear covering headband.
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Hands: Garden gloves with rubberized palms and without finger tips are a plus. If cold warm gloves as well.
What else to bring:
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Bring a lunch for both Saturday and Sunday, including water or other liquids to stay hydrated. If you bring a refillable bottle, please make sure you take it with you at the end of your course. Next to sunglasses, they are the most popular item in our Lost&Found pile!
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Always bring sunscreen, chapstick and sunglasses. Keepers for glasses and hats can save you lots of money.
Additional info:
There are bathrooms at our facility and on the boats. Please make sure to check in with your teacher about how to use the 'head 'on the boat, before leaving the docks!
When You Complete this Course:
Passing this course allows you to rent/charter Angel. ASA 103 is also required to sail outside the Estuary in open Bay waters.
Graduation Bonus:
1st Bareboat Cat Charter =25% discount