Certification
Advanced coastal cruising course
Take your sailing to the next level with ASA 106.
Advanced Course7 Days • From $3,790
ASA 105: Coastal Navigation
Read the chart like a local, plot courses like a pro, and navigate with confidence in any conditions. The navigator's certification.
Master NavigationFrom $3,790 per person
5.0 / 217 Reviews
ASA Certified
4-6 Students Max
5 Destinations
Prerequisites: ASA 103 + 104 (Intermediate Course)
Duration: 7 Days
Available: Year Round
Deep dive into professional navigation skillsTraditional AND electronic navigation masterySelf-study flexibility with on-board examinationBundled with ASA 106 in Advanced courses
GPS can fail. Electronics can die. Weather can close in. When they do, the navigator who understands the fundamentals will still know where they are. ASA 105 Coastal Navigation gives you those fundamentals.
This is primarily a self-study certification — you'll work through the course material at home and take the exam onboard during your sailing course. But the knowledge is anything but theoretical. You'll learn to read charts like a seasoned captain, convert between true and magnetic bearings instantly, and plan passages that account for tides, currents, and conditions.
At Sailing Virgins, we bundle ASA 105 with ASA 106 in our Advanced courses. The theory you learn in ASA 105 directly supports the practical skills you'll demonstrate in ASA 106. Together, they prepare you for professional-level sailing.
The navigator doesn't just know where the boat is. They know where it's been, where it's going, and what lies between. That's ASA 105.
What You'll Master in ASA 105
Nautical Chart Mastery
Understand every symbol, color, and notation on a nautical chart. Read the water before you see it.
Aids to Navigation
Decode the US lateral system of buoys, beacons, day markers, and lights. Know what they mean at a glance.
Bearing Conversions
Convert between true, magnetic, and compass bearings with confidence. Variation and deviation demystified.
Dead Reckoning
Track your position using course, speed, time, and adjustments for current, wind, and leeway.
Position Fixing
Determine your location using bearings, ranges, depth soundings, and celestial observation.
Tides & Currents
Use tide tables and current predictions to plan safe passages and optimal routes.
Route Planning
Plot multi-leg coastal passages with course changes, waypoints, and contingency plans.
Navigation Publications
Navigate the Light List, Coast Pilot, Notice to Mariners, and other essential references.
Ready to Start Your ASA 105 Adventure?
Join thousands of students who have transformed their lives through sailing.
Courses year-round
5 destinations
ASA certified
Starting from $3,790 • Accommodations & meals included
Your ASA 105 Journey
Here's what a week of transformation looks like, day by day. Click to explore each day's adventure.
Morning
Study: Chart symbols, colors, and abbreviations
Afternoon
Study: Latitude, longitude, and geographic coordinates
Evening
Practice exercises: Chart reading and identification
Skills:Chart interpretationCoordinate systemsSymbol recognition
See ASA 105 in Action
An introduction to the navigation skills you'll master in ASA 105.
Navigation Fundamentals
Tripadvisor Reviews
What Our Students Say
5.0
(217+ reviews)
The best sailing school around!
I attended the BVI Sailing week and had a blast! I took several ASA courses and added onto my sailing skill set! James is an incredible teacher and instructor and could cater to each student's learning style!
B
Bluewater Breeze Co
Nov 2024 • Solo
Young, Fun, Educational
SV offers an effective methodology to train their students. The training is practice-oriented and aims to encourage people to become self-sufficient, either as crew members or as skippers.
S
Stef
Nov 2024 • Solo
Meet Your Captains
Our instructors aren't just certified — they're seasoned sailors who have logged thousands of miles and trained hundreds of students.
What's Included in Your Course
Included in Your Fee
- Complete ASA 105 course materials and study guide
- Navigation tools (parallel rulers, dividers, plotting sheets)
- ASA 105 certification exam and processing
- Integration with ASA 106 practical course
- On-board theory sessions with instructor
- Digital navigation resources and reference materials
Plan for Separately
- Accommodation (included with bundled ASA 106 course)
- Meals (included with bundled course)
- Transportation to/from course location
- Personal travel insurance (required)
Budget Tip
Most students budget an additional $300-500 for shore meals, drinks, and personal expenses. Flights vary by destination and origin.
The True Value of Your Investment
~$1,500
7 Nights Yacht Accommodation
~$800
ASA Certifications & Exams
~$1,000
Professional Instruction
Priceless
Skills, Friends, Memories
Your Price
From $3,790
per person, all-inclusive
Is ASA 105 Right for You?
We want to make sure this course is a perfect fit. Here's who thrives in our programs — and who might prefer something different.
This Course is Perfect If You...
- ASA 104 graduates pursuing professional sailing
- Sailors who want deep navigation knowledge
- Those preparing for ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising
- Skippers who sail in challenging or unfamiliar waters
- Anyone who wants backup skills when GPS fails
- Future sailing instructors building credentials
This Might Not Be for You If...
- Beginners (ASA 104 required)
- Those only interested in casual day sailing
- Sailors who prefer to rely solely on electronics
Looking for something different? We offer private charters for groups who want a customized experience, or can recommend other options if our courses aren't the right fit.
Real Talk
We Get It. Booking Can Feel Scary.
Every week, students arrive with the same worries. Here's the honest truth about what to expect.
The Solo Traveler Manifesto
Here's a secret: most people who book with us are solo travelers. They come alone but leave with lifelong friends. Living on a boat for a week creates bonds that typical vacations never could.
By day two, you'll forget you arrived alone. You'll be laughing over breakfast, cheering each other on during sail training, and sharing stories under the stars. Our small crew size (4-6 students) means everyone connects.
Many of our students have traveled the world solo—but they say a Sailing Virgins trip is where they've made their deepest friendships. There's something about the sea that strips away pretense.
82%
arrive solo
94%
stay in touch with crew
67%
have sailed together again
“I was terrified to show up alone. By day three, I was planning our reunion trip.”
— Sarah K., ASA 101 Graduate
Still have questions? We're happy to chat. Email us anytime.
ASA Certified School
5.0 / 217 Reviews
Flexible Booking
Your Sailing Certification Journey
See where Coastal Navigation fits in your path to becoming a confident captain.
Ready for the Next Level?
Great news — our Advanced Course bundles ASA 105 with ASA 106! The navigation theory you learn in 105 directly supports the practical skills in 106. Complete both for professional-level sailing competency.
Complete ASA 106Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ASA 105
Yes, ASA 105 is primarily self-study. You'll work through the course materials at home before your sailing course. The exam is taken onboard, and your instructor will help integrate the theory with practical application.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
View all FAQsWhere You Can Take ASA 105
Life on an ASA 105 Course
Your ASA 105 Journey Awaits
Don't let another year slip by wondering “what if.”
Take the helm of your sailing story today.
Questions? Email us at [email protected]
Where to earn it, and what pairs with it
Certification
Sailing certifications with Sailing Virgins
All ASA sailing certifications offered by Sailing Virgins.
Guide
ASA 105 + 106 summer dates and pricing
ASA 105 + 106 advanced combo summer 2027 dates, pricing and availability.
Course Type
sailing courses for experienced crew
Offshore passage skills, navigation and advanced coastal cruising.