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 two different boats in real marina conditions until docking feels second nature.

Apply for ASA 118
2 days Up to 4 students Day 1: Perception · Hunter 38 Day 2: Water Bear · Sun Odyssey 380 Recommended: ASA 103 ASA endorsement

About this course

ASA 118 is the docking endorsement that separates sailors who can sail from sailors who can also handle a boat in a marina. Docking — not open water sailing — is where the vast majority of damage occurs. Crosswinds, currents, prop walk, and tight spaces create situations that experience alone doesn't always prepare you for.

GLSC's ASA 118 is unique in that it runs across two different boats over two days. Day one is aboard the Perception, a Hunter 38 with a traditional single-rudder configuration. Day two is aboard Water Bear, a Sun Odyssey 380 with twin rudders and noticeably different handling characteristics. You leave with the skills and confidence to dock virtually any auxiliary-powered sailboat in almost any condition.

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 returning to the water after time away.

Schedule & format

Day 1 — Aboard the Perception (Hunter 38). Single-rudder docking theory and hands-on practice. Focus on prop walk, spring lines, wind effects, and controlled approaches in the slip.

Day 2 — Aboard Water Bear (Sun Odyssey 380). Twin-rudder handling, comparing docking behavior between boat types, and building confidence across a variety of marina scenarios.

Both days run 9am to 4pm. Up to 4 students with 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

Single vs. twin rudder handling

Understand how twin-rudder boats behave differently under power — better low-speed maneuverability, different prop walk, and more responsive steering at close quarters.

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.