ASA 106 · Advanced Coastal Cruising
Our most advanced on-water course. Six days aboard a ~40' cruising yacht covering extended offshore passages, night sailing, watch-keeping, heavy weather seamanship, and the judgment to handle whatever Lake Michigan puts in front of you.
Apply for ASA 106ASA 106 is the capstone of the ASA keelboat certification program — the course that transforms a competent coastal sailor into a confident offshore cruiser. Conducted over six days aboard a ~40' cruising yacht, the course covers extended passage-making, night watches, heavy weather tactics, and the seamanship to make sound decisions far from port.
Accommodation aboard is available in two private cabins (up to 2 students per cabin) and one settee/saloon berth (non-private, limit 1 student). Students booking the settee berth receive a $200 discount.
Six consecutive days, 9am to 4pm (with night sailing on appropriate evenings), aboard a ~40' cruising yacht. Up to 4 students with a USCG-licensed instructor. Linens available for $25 per person.
2027 dates are for the combined ASA 105/106 course: seven days, Saturday through Friday.
Plan and execute multi-day coastal passages including weather routing, watch schedules, provisions, and contingency planning.
Navigate and sail effectively after dark, maintain a proper watch, use navigation lights, and manage crew fatigue on extended passages.
Manage the vessel in strong winds and steep seas — reefing, heaving-to, storm tactics, and knowing when to stay in port.
Coastal navigation in reduced visibility, GPS and chart plotter proficiency, position fixing by multiple methods, and navigating through traffic separation schemes.
Comprehensive emergency seamanship for offshore conditions — fire, flooding, medical, man overboard, distress signals, and abandon ship procedures.
Bedding package for live-aboard students.
Call 231.941.0535 to check dates, or apply online.
Classes run mid-May through early October. Prerequisites: ASA 104 and ASA 105. Contact the office to confirm availability and reserve your spot.