ASA Challenge
Fast track to earn ASA certifications
ASA has a set of ‘standards’ for each course that should be met. When someone can show a school they possess the skill and knowledge to meet the standards of a course, they can be awarded the certification without taking the course itself.
- You need to be an experienced sailor
- You can challenge ASA 101, 103 and 104
- Half-day at the school per challenge
- Pass the written tests to demonstrate your knowledge
- Pass the skill tests on the water with an instructor.
Who Challenges ASA certifications?
- Sailors who sail regularly as skipper or crew
- Intermediate sailor who can challenge ASA 101 and start ASA 103 right away
- Experience sailor who needs ASA104 to charter a boat in Europe or the Carriebans
- Anyone who wants to be certified
Our advise: Start Slow With ASA 101 Alone
Now what if you have some skill but are not sure where you stand? Then you can sign you for an ASA 101 Challenge and see how it goes. We’ll give you the written test, then ask you to do the various sailing pieces of 101 (like tack, jibe, sail a triangular course, do a man-overboard procedure, heave-to, and pick up a mooring under sail).
In this scenario, we assume a little instruction will be appropriate and give an hour’s instruction as part of a challenge. For what it is worth, we have not had a single challenge yet that has not needed some fine tuning and instruction! Everyone can always improve.
What happens if you fail the ASA Challenge?
If you do well, you have passed that part. If you are close but need a bit more instruction, we can work with you to schedule a private lesson. If it is clear you should take the full course, we credit half of the challenge tuition towards the course itself. Our goal is to produce a competent sailor.
- COURSE OVERVIEW -
ASA Challenge
Challenge ASA 101 to ASA 104
On the water skills demonstration
Knowledge tests in classroom
Starting at $350
Package Option
ASA 103 Basic Cruising
Starting at: $990
ASA 104 Intermediate Cruising
Starting at: $1495
Related Courses
ASA 103 Basic Cruising
30’ boat with a wheel
4 students max per instructor
Women only courses available
3 Days - 9am to 5pm
Starting at: $990
ASA 104 Intermediate Cruising
35’ or 42’ boat with a wheel
4 students max per instructor
Women only courses available
3 Days - 2 nights on board
Starting at: $1495
ASA 101, 103, 104 Package
30’, 35’ or 42’ boat with a wheel
4 students max per instructor
15% discount included
9 Days - 2 nights on board
Starting at: $2925
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I “challenge” an ASA course instead of taking the full class?
Sometimes, yes. If you already have strong sailing experience, you may be able to test out by completing a skills evaluation on the water and a written exam that matches the ASA standard for that level.
Which ASA levels can be challenged?
You can challenge ASA 101, 103, and 104. Higher-level courses (like 105/106) are less often challenged because they include more advanced decision-making, planning, and offshore-focused training.
What do I need to do to challenge an ASA certification?
Typically you’ll need to: Pass the ASA written test for that level, demonstrate the required on-the-water skills (maneuvers, safety, sail trim, docking, man over board, etc.), show safe judgment and proper terminology during the evaluation
How long does a challenge evaluation take?
Most challenge evaluations take half a day to a full day, depending on the certification level and your experience. The goal is not speed—it’s verifying that you can perform the required skills safely and consistently.
Who is a good candidate to challenge a class?
Challenging is best for sailors who sail regularly as skipper or crew, are comfortable with boat handling, safety, and rules of the road. You must be able to demonstrate skills smoothly (not just “I’ve done it once”). If you’re unsure, a short skills assessment first can help decide.
If I don’t pass the challenge, what happens?
No problem—we will recommend the right course level or offer targeted training to close the gaps. Many experienced sailors discover a few missing pieces (docking technique, sail trim, man-overboard procedure, terminology, navigation basics), and it’s better to fix them than rush the certification.