Certification
Get your ASA certification
All ASA sailing certifications offered by Sailing Virgins.
Your Path to Sailing Freedom
ASA Sailing Certifications
From complete beginner to confident captain. The American Sailing Association certification system, delivered in paradise.
What ASA Certifications Can You Earn?
Each certification builds on the last, taking you from your first sail to confident captain.
ASA 101Beginner
Basic Keelboat Sailing
Your sailing journey starts here. Learn fundamental sailing skills with zero experience required.
7 daysNo prerequisites
ASA 102Beginner
Keelboat Sailing 2
The follow-on to ASA 101 on a keelboat: sail trim, boat handling and every crew position.
7 daysASA 101
ASA 103Intermediate
Basic Coastal Cruising
Navigate your first coastal adventures. Learn chart reading, navigation, and seamanship.
7 daysASA 101
ASA 104Intermediate
Bareboat Cruising
Unlock yacht charters worldwide. The certification that lets you skipper your own adventures.
7 daysASA 101
ASA 105Advanced
Coastal Navigation
Master the art of navigation. Chart work, position fixing, and passage planning.
Self-studyASA 104
ASA 106Advanced
Advanced Coastal Cruising
Night sailing, heavy weather, offshore passages. Become the captain you were born to be.
7 daysASA 104
ASA 114Endorsement
Cruising Catamaran
Master multihull sailing. Essential for chartering catamarans worldwide.
Catamaran weeksWith 103+104 or 105+106
Why Choose ASA Certifications?
Globally Recognized
ASA certifications are accepted by charter companies worldwide. From the Caribbean to Croatia to Thailand, your certification travels with you.
Practical Learning
ASA courses are hands-on, not theoretical. You learn by doing — on the water, at the helm, in real conditions.
Progressive System
Build skills step by step. Each certification prepares you for the next, creating a clear path from beginner to expert.
Charter Ready
With ASA 104, you can charter bareboat yachts worldwide. No more hiring skippers — you ARE the skipper.
Where Can You Earn Your ASA Certification?
British Virgin Islands
Caribbean sailing paradise with perfect conditions
- •Steady trade winds
- •Line of sight sailing
- •100+ anchorages
Available Certifications:
Croatia
Mediterranean sailing with stunning coastline and islands
- •1000+ islands
- •Crystal clear water
- •Historic ports
Available Certifications:
Tahiti
Exotic Pacific sailing in French Polynesia
- •Turquoise lagoons
- •Volcanic islands
- •Polynesian culture
Available Certifications:
St. Martin
Dual-nation Caribbean island with French and Dutch culture
- •Two cultures
- •Gourmet dining
- •Protected bays
Available Certifications:
Madeira
Atlantic island sailing with dramatic landscapes
- •Offshore sailing
- •Volcanic cliffs
- •Year-round sailing
Available Certifications:
Which ASA Certification Level Is Right for You?
ASA 101
Basic Keelboat Sailing certification
Duration: 7 days
Level: beginner
Prerequisites: none
Beginner Week (ASA 101 + 102 from 2027)
Our Beginner week: ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing + ASA 102 Keelboat Sailing 2 on weeks from 1 January 2027 (weeks in 2026 award ASA 101 + 103).
Duration: 7 days
Prerequisites: None
ASA 103
Basic Coastal Cruising certification
Duration: 7 days
Level: intermediate
Prerequisites: ASA 101 (or pass the ASA 101 test)
ASA 104
Bareboat Cruising certification
Duration: 7 days
Level: intermediate
Prerequisites: ASA 101 (ASA 103 is taught in the same Intermediate week)
ASA 114
Cruising Catamaran certification
Duration: 7 days
Level: intermediate
Prerequisites: Taken with our Intermediate (needs ASA 101) or Advanced (needs ASA 104) week on a catamaran
Intermediate Catamaran (ASA 103 + 104 + 114)
Our Intermediate week on a catamaran: ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising, ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising and the ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran endorsement.
Duration: 7 days
Prerequisites: ASA 101 (or pass the ASA 101 test)
RYA Day Skipper
European sailing certification
Duration: 7 days
Level: intermediate
Prerequisites: Basic sailing knowledge
Girls Only ASA 101
Women-only beginner sailing course
Duration: 7 days
Level: beginner
Prerequisites: none
ASA 105 + 106
Coastal Navigation + Advanced Coastal Cruising – the advanced track.
Duration: 7 days
Prerequisites: ASA 104
Why Choose Sailing Virgins for Your Certification?
With over 12 years of experience and thousands of satisfied students, Sailing Virgins offers the perfect blend of professional instruction and adventure. Our small class sizes (maximum 6 students) ensure personalized attention while our stunning locations provide the ideal learning environment.
International Recognition
We offer both ASA (American Sailing Association) and RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certifications, recognized worldwide. Whether you plan to charter in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Pacific, our certifications open doors globally.
All-Inclusive Experience
Our courses include accommodation aboard comfortable yachts, expert instruction, certification fees, and the adventure of a lifetime. Focus on learning while we handle the logistics.
Explore destinations and course types
Certification
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat course
Start your sailing journey with the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat course.
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