As the world changes, so do the ways we deliver instruction. Teachers, students, and schools are adopting more online/interactive media options, and ASA is evolving and celebrating online learning.
ASA has been offering various ways to learn online for years. From webinars to free videos on everything from knots to bite-sized lessons ASA has plenty of interactive media options for sailors. You can supplement your sailing education with online learning resources from the American Sailing Association.
Take a look at some of our free online courses here
Free Sailing Content from ASA
ASA schools offer various forms of online instruction. Take a look at the course offered here. Courses offered include ASA 105, ASA 107 and ASA 119.
Distance Learning with ASA
Is your sailing school operating at full capacity? Are you still on stay at home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Find a school and check on their online course offerings.
In this time when you cannot get to the ocean or classes are not being held, the online alternative is ideal. Learn a few skills and get some certifications during this time while you are being asked to stay home.
Why Take an Online Course With Starpath?
ASA and Starpath have teamed up to offer online instruction of sailing courses that do not require you to leave your home. As much as we enjoy being out on the water we understand that sometimes it is not possible. To date over 450 ASA members have utilized Starpath to expand their sailing education.
Starpath has over 40 years of experience in classroom teaching and 23 years of online training. They guarantee that you will learn the subject matter well, and enjoy doing it.
The courses cost $380 each and include an official ASA certification, textbooks, ebooks, additional study materials, software & online support. Also, instructors are standing by at all times to provide whatever help is needed.
The Online Sailing Courses Offered Through Starpath:
ASA 105, Coastal Navigation
ASA 107, Celestial Navigation
ASA 117, Basic Celestial Endorsement
ASA 119, Marine Weather Endorsement
ASA 120, Radar Endorsement
See what people are saying about Starpath Online Sailing Courses:
“I would like to also take the opportunity to thank you for the excellent textbooks, resources, and courses. It has been the perfect way to expand my skills and knowledge while being stuck at home these days, and I am looking forward to taking the Radar and CelNav courses next!” -Jeff Thomas
“… tell David that he is a great resource for sailors around the world, and of all the navigation courses I have been through, this was by far the most enjoyable. I am a retired Major General in the Marine Corps and we pride ourselves on Land Navigation training for all our officers and NCO’s. We do not teach this subject quite as well as Starpath. I plan on taking the Celestial Nav course next once this cert test is completed.” -Paul Kennedy
“…these two courses (Weather and CellNav) were exactly what I needed. In both courses, I was impressed at how much there was to know, how well it was presented, and (for CelNav) how well it was taught through worked examples and problems-with-answers.” -Harry George
“Thank you for creating a very good platform for online learning on the subject of Inland & Coastal Navigation, once I became familiar with the course format and resources that were provided learning became both fun and challenging. I would highly recommend this online program for its wealth of information and presentation of the material. Your response to questions and grading of the quizzes was outstanding.” -Dave Rommel
“I found the combination of the coursebook, workbook, and additional materials were really well done. The only comment I would have would be to make it a little more clear when to use the course provided reference tables vs. looking up the information online. The only time I got stuck on a question was looking for the current table from 1999 and spending a while looking for the correct historical table online before realizing that the correct table was provided in the course materials. Just a quick note in the question hint would be awesome. Other than that this course served as a great full course on coastal navigation. I have been sailing for most of my life and learned navigation from my father (navigator on lots of races on the east coast) and found your course filled in a few gaps in my knowledge. I learned a few new techniques that I had never used before.” -Ben Louttit
Check with your local school to see if they have online learning opportunities or see our online sailing school guide here.
Take a closer look at the online courses available through Starpath
Learn practical navigation on inland and coastal waters, including chart reading, piloting, rules of the road, tides and currents, and more. Includes both echart and paper chart training. This course is a prerequisite for ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising.
Learn practical celestial navigation and other aspects of safe ocean navigation. This course is a prerequisite for ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking (ASA 117 can replace it as well). This course covers how to find position at sea from timed sextant sights of the sun, moon, stars, and planets plus other routine and special procedures of safe, efficient offshore navigation. No previous navigation experience is required.
Learn to apply basic celestial navigation theory and practice to determine latitude and longitude at sea using a sextant and Nautical Almanac. This course covers the basic celestial navigation needed to make your way to safety across an ocean with no special aids except one small book, a watch, and a sextant. No previous navigation experience is required.
Learn to observe and forecast weather conditions using traditional maritime skills and modern technology. Knowledge of weather information for planning and adapting navigation during short duration and extended voyages.
Learn to properly use small-craft radar (or radar simulator) for piloting, navigation, and collision avoidance. Knowledge of radar principles and practical matters of radar operation. The course covers all aspects of practical radar usage that would be needed to get underway using your radar. It covers the topics of the textbook Radar For Mariners and fills in the details on radar functions and operations while honing your skills with more emphasis on evaluating risk of collision and subsequent maneuvers that might be called for.
Arabella Sweepstakes Win a luxury cruise of New England for two aboard Arabella. The tour explores Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cuttyhunk. It takes you to charming seaside towns and allows you to indulge in island life, New England style.
Secrets for a Successful Catamaran Charter In this online class, you'll learn about the experience and certifications needed to charter a catamaran, the best brands and models to charter, common pitfalls to avoid on your charter, favorite catamaran destinations, and top tips for your first charter on a catamaran.
Miami Sailing SchoolMiami, South East Florida Miami Sailing School, located in the picturesque neighborhood of Coconut Grove, Miami, stands out for its unparalleled sailing conditions, personalized instruction, and experienced instructors. Our school is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive and rewarding sailing education experience on the beautiful Biscayne Bay.
