7 Day Catamaran ASA Sailing Class in San Diego

A Hands-On 7-Day Sailing Adventure in San Diego: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever dreamed of steering a boat through sparkling coastal waters, this 7-Day Catamaran ASA Sailing Class in San Diego might just be your ticket. Led by award-winning instructors with decades of seamanship experience, this program combines professional instruction, certification, and the thrill of liveaboard sailing from La Jolla to Catalina Island. For $4,200 per person, you get a full week of immersive learning aboard a sleek, modern catamaran, with plenty of practical skills and coastal adventures along the way.

Two features we particularly appreciate are the small class sizes, which guarantee personalized coaching and close attention from instructors—even in a busy classroom setting. Plus, the opportunity to earn multiple certifications (ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114) in just seven days means you’ll be well on your way to confidently sailing around the world. A potential downside? The price might seem steep, but when you consider the quality of instruction, all gear, and real-world experience included, the value starts to make sense.

This tour suits those who want more than just a sightseeing cruise; it’s perfect for aspiring sailors eager to learn in a real cruising environment. Whether you’re looking to gain certifications or simply enjoy a week aboard a sailing vessel, you’ll find the balance of instruction and adventure appealing.

Key Points

• Hands-On Learning: The program emphasizes practical skills with liveaboard offshore passages.
• Certification Focus: Earn ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 certifications—an impressive accomplishment in just a week.
• Personalized Coaching: Small groups ensure tailored instruction from experienced, award-winning sailors.
• All-Inclusive Price: The fee covers meals, linens, provisions, fuel, and fees—no hidden costs.
• Ideal for Aspiring Sailors: Best suited for those with at least moderate physical fitness and a desire to learn thoroughly.
• Beautiful Coastal Experience: The journey from San Diego to Catalina offers stunning views and authentic sailing adventures.

The Experience in Detail

Location and Meeting Details

The adventure kicks off at 955 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, a convenient spot close to the city’s waterfront and public transportation. You’ll meet at 9:00 am, ready to start a week full of learning and coastal exploration. The program ends right back at the starting point, ensuring easy logistics for travelers.

What’s Included

The package is quite comprehensive. It covers meals, certifications, logbook, linens, provisions, fuel, and the necessary fees for ports and marinas. This means you’re paying for a fully equipped experience—you won’t need to worry about extra costs for gear or food.

What’s Not Included

The only notable omission is the ASA books—these are your learning materials, which you’ll need to purchase separately if you want to study in advance.

Itinerary Breakdown and Highlights

Day 1: San Diego to Catalina Island
After orientation and safety briefings, you’ll set sail towards Catalina, a favorite for sailors and land-lovers alike. The first day involves familiarizing yourself with the boat, learning basic sailing techniques, and getting comfortable with the vessel’s systems.

Day 2-4: Onboard Skills and Certification Training
Over these days, you’ll focus on mastering various skills—coastal navigation, boat handling, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. The small class sizes mean plenty of one-on-one coaching, making complex concepts much more digestible. The instructors aim to blend the ASA curriculum with real-world sailing experience, meaning you’ll not only learn in theory but also practice in actual offshore conditions.

Day 5-6: Offshore Passage and Coastal Navigating
The true value here is in hands-on offshore experience. You’ll get to skipper the vessel under supervision, handle anchorages, and refine your seamanship. The instructors, who have won awards for their teaching, will guide you through real sailing scenarios, helping build confidence and competence.

Day 7: Return to San Diego
The final day offers reflection, review, and celebration of your newfound skills. You’ll leave with certifications and, more importantly, with the confidence to sail solo or with friends.

Authentic Experience

Many reviews highlight the liveaboard nature of this program as a major plus. Living aboard the boat for a week is an authentic sailing experience, not just a classroom. Expect to share space, handle provisioning, and learn the ins and outs of daily life at sea, which sharpens seamanship and builds camaraderie.

The Crew and Instruction

The instructors are praised for their exceptional teaching and practical seamanship. One reviewer mentions, “They’re patient, knowledgeable, and make complex skills feel manageable.” The small group size (max six travelers) ensures personalized feedback, which can be invaluable when tackling new skills.

Additional Considerations

While the program is rich in hands-on sailing, it requires moderate physical fitness—you’ll be actively handling lines, standing for extended periods, and sometimes working in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The itinerary’s focus on offshore passages means you should be comfortable with the idea of being at sea for several hours at a stretch.

The Value Proposition

When you compare the $4,200 price tag to the all-inclusive nature—certifications, boat, accommodations, meals, and experienced instructors—it’s a solid investment for anyone serious about sailing. The certifications alone can open doors for future sailing adventures and even professional pursuits, making this more than just a fun trip.

Beyond certification, you’ll gain practical skills that can serve you for a lifetime of sailing. The real-world offshore experience, especially on a modern cruising catamaran, is a rare opportunity for beginners and intermediates alike.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This program is ideal for aspiring sailors who want to learn by doing, not just watching. It’s perfect for those with a moderate fitness level willing to get their hands dirty and spend time on a boat. If you prefer a structured, thorough approach to learning sailing with the goal of earning certifications, this will suit you well.

It also suits those who enjoy coastal scenery and want to combine learning with the adventure of passing through beautiful waters around Catalina Island. If you’re excited about living aboard and gaining offshore experience, this course offers a genuine, practical introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed to teach fundamental sailing skills from the ground up, earning you multiple ASA certifications along the way.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the instructor, boat, certifications, logbook, linens, provisions, fuel, taxes, port & marina fees, and meals.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals available?
Yes, special meal options are available upon request, ensuring dietary needs are accommodated.

What is the maximum group size?
The maximum number of travelers is six, which allows for personalized instruction and close oversight.

Do I need to bring my own books?
No, but ASA textbooks are not included in the price, so you may want to purchase or prepare separately if you prefer studying in advance.

What kind of boat will I be sailing on?
You’ll train aboard an impeccably maintained, modern cruising catamaran, known for stability and comfort.

Is prior sailing experience necessary?
No, this course is suitable for beginners and those looking to formalize their skills.

What is the weather policy?
The course is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

How physically demanding is the program?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness, as sailing involves handling lines, moving around the boat, and sometimes dealing with less-than-ideal conditions.

Will I learn coastal navigation?
Absolutely. The program includes training in coastal navigation, essential for safe, independent sailing.

This 7-Day Catamaran ASA Sailing Class in San Diego offers a well-rounded, practical approach to sailing, blending certification, offshore experience, and scenic coastal adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of sailing around the world or just want to gain real skills in a beautiful setting, this program provides a solid foundation and a memorable week on the water.