Sailing School/ASA 105 Coastal Navigation

ASA 105 · Coastal Navigation

Coastal Navigation

Essential knowledge for any sailor venturing beyond familiar waters. A full day of classroom instruction covering charts, GPS, compass, dead reckoning, aids to navigation, and the skills to navigate confidently along the coast.

Apply for ASA 105
1 day classroom Up to 8 students GLSC Offices No on-water requirement ASA certification

About this course

ASA 105 is a classroom-based course covering the theory and practice of coastal navigation. It is designed for sailors who want to develop a systematic approach to planning and executing passages along coastal and inland waters — using charts, GPS, compass, and traditional navigation techniques.

The course is held at the GLSC offices in Traverse City and runs as a full day of instruction, 9am to 4pm. No on-water time is required for this certification. ASA 105 is also available as an online course — see the sailing school homepage for details.

What you'll learn

Charts & publications

Chart types & scales Chart symbols & soundings Depth contours Compass rose Tide tables Coast Pilot & Light List

Position & plotting

Latitude & longitude Plotting a position Dead reckoning Course over ground Speed, time, distance Fix by bearing

Compass & direction

True vs. magnetic Variation & deviation Compass correction Bearing & heading

GPS & electronics

How GPS works Waypoints & routes Chart plotters Cross-track error Backup navigation

Passage planning

Plan a coastal passage from departure to arrival — selecting waypoints, accounting for weather, identifying hazards, and filing a float plan.

Add-ons

Sleep Aboard — $200 per cabin (if available)

If a class boat is available the evening before or after the course, Sleep Aboard may be arranged. Contact the office to check availability. Linens $25/person.

Ready to navigate with confidence?

Call 231.941.0535 to check dates, or apply online.

Apply for ASA 105

Classes run mid-May through early October. Also available as an online course — see the sailing school homepage. Contact the office to confirm availability.