Sailing School/ASA 118 Docking Endorsement

ASA 118 · Docking Endorsement

Docking Endorsement

Docking is where most damage happens — and where most sailors feel the least confident. This two-day course puts you at the helm of a Hunter 31 in real marina conditions until docking feels second nature.

Apply for ASA 118
2 days Up to 4 students Hunter 31 Recommended: ASA 103 ASA endorsement

About this course

ASA 118 is the docking endorsement designed to build practical skills and confidence maneuvering an auxiliary-powered sailboat in a marina. Docking is one of the most challenging parts of boat handling, where wind, prop walk, tight spaces, and changing conditions can all affect how a vessel responds.

GLSC’s ASA 118 is a two-day, hands-on course taught aboard a Hunter 31. Students spend extensive time at the helm practicing docking techniques and learning how to anticipate and control the boat’s movement in a variety of marina situations.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop a better understanding of prop walk, wind effects, spring lines, boat momentum, crew communication, and controlled approaches and departures. The goal is to give you repeatable techniques that can be applied when handling other auxiliary-powered sailboats.

There are no prerequisites for ASA 118, though we recommend completing at least ASA 103 before enrolling. This course is also an excellent refresher for experienced sailors looking to strengthen their docking and close-quarters maneuvering skills.

Schedule & format

Day 1 — Docking fundamentals and boat-handling theory followed by hands-on practice aboard the Hunter 31. Focus on prop walk, wind effects, spring lines, crew communication, and controlled approaches and departures.

Day 2 — Build on the techniques from Day 1 with additional hands-on practice and more challenging docking and marina scenarios. The focus is on repetition, anticipating the boat’s movement, and developing confidence at the helm.

Both days run from 9am to 4pm, with up to 4 students and a USCG-licensed instructor.

What you'll learn

Forces acting on the boat

Prop walk (single screw) Wind effect Current effect Momentum management Steering under power

Docking techniques

Straight-in slip docking Stern-to (Med moor) Side-tie approaches Single-handed docking Springing off bow/stern Backing into a slip

Lines & fenders

Proper fender placement, dock line configuration, and crew communication for efficient, damage-free docking.

Bow & stern lines Spring lines Breast lines Fender positioning Throwing a line

Difficult conditions

Docking with a strong crosswind, in a tight marina, alongside a fuel dock in current, and managing crew in high-stress docking situations.

Time to master the marina.

Call 231.941.0535 to check dates, or apply online.

Apply for ASA 118

Classes run mid-May through early October. No prerequisites required. ASA 103 recommended. Contact the office to confirm availability.