Sea of Cortez Cruising Catamaran Certification

(ASA 114) ASA 114 is an accepted educational standard for charter operations worldwide, and your instruction will take place on modern cruising catamarans identical to those found in many charter programs (including BPY charters!).

Class Length2 DaysStudentsMax 4PrerequisitesASA 101, 103, 104Location(s)Islands of Loreto National Marine Park and Baja Peninsula

Covers ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran Certification

ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran is the key to unlocking the unique pleasures and challenges of multihull sailing. Catamarans are increasingly popular for their speed, stability, and spaciousness, making them perfect for both leisurely coastal cruising and adventurous bluewater passages. This course is designed for sailors who want to expand their skills and take full advantage of what catamarans offer. You’ll learn about the distinct components of catamarans, including hull design, rigging, and onboard systems. The course emphasizes safety, from the proper use of jacklines to understanding capsizing risks and recovery. You’ll practice essential sailing maneuvers under both sail and power, including handling twin engines, navigating tight spaces, and performing man-overboard recoveries. Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway or a longer cruise, ASA 114 equips you with the specialized skills needed to cruise confidently on a catamaran.

This class is a two day liveaboard experience to assure you get plenty of boat time. We only use full-sized catamarans for ASA 114, an important feature that distinguishes us from some of our competitors. Most charter boat companies require bareboaters to be either experienced, or trained, on boats similar to what the charter company offers, which are typically large catamarans with beam of 20+ feet.

NOTE: Bareboat charter qualification with BPY and most charter companies worldwide require ASA 104/114 certification in addition to an approved sailing résumé verifying sea time as skipper and/or crew on a vessel of comparable size in similar waters. For those without a sailing résumé, ASA 114 offers a strong foundation to begin logging sea time and developing practical experience. Additional sea time and skill refinement can be gained through BPY refresher courses and docking clinics, as well as club sailing opportunities.

Check out this video testimonial regarding the class that takes place on catamarans to and from Catalina, to give you a feel for the experience:

This same class is also available at our San Diego location »

Price: $2,400/person

Including all taxes and fees*
Including food/provisions

Save $200/person double occupancy

Book now!

Don't See Dates That Work For You?

Pull together a friend or two (or three!) and we can schedule a private class nearly any time at your convenience. Contact Us »

Details, Terms and Conditions – Please Read

FOCUSED ATTENTION

In order to provide the best experience for our students, we limit our class size to four students with a minimum of three students. If we have less than three students, we will need to reschedule your class. We offer non-participants the opportunity to share a cabin and enjoy the adventure with our students for half price. We also offer the opportunity for our students to book the whole boat with family and friends for a private class.

COME PREPARED

It is required that you purchase and review the course materials prior to the start of your class. This will greatly enhance your experience and confidence once you are onboard the boats. You will be expected to complete a written exam in addition to the onboard skills test while onboard. It is highly recommended you complete the practice tests in the course materials to best prepare you for the journey ahead.

You can purchase the ASA Course Materials here: https://asa.com/textbooks/

NO HASSLES

A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, and tuition will be paid in full prior to the beginning of class. BPY will charge the balance to the credit card on file 60 days prior to the first day of your scheduled class, or you can pay the balance online.

Detailed Payment/Cancellation Policy Here »

If you book online, a 6% fee will be added by the third-party provider of this reservation service. This fee is not collected by BPY, and in most cases is non-refundable. Prices are subject to change without notice.

BECAUSE STUFF HAPPENS

Please understand that your change/rescheduling affects all other enrolled students, some of whom may have already purchased airfare, hotel accommodations, and taken time off work to attend this class. Your changes also affect your instructor’s schedule, as well as boat scheduling, having made the boat unavailable for charter during the scheduled class time.

If you must reschedule, you can request alternate dates up to 60 days prior to the start of your scheduled class. There are no refunds offered if you cancel within 60 days of your class. However, you may reschedule your class with a 20% rescheduling fee, allowing you to book another date up to one year from your original class start date.

Detailed BPY Cancellation Policy [PDF] »

Typically Amazing Weather in the Sea of Cortez…. But

While weather is generally benign and reliable in the middle Sea of Cortez, there are seasonal storms and weather anomalies that may pose some risk. BPY will, on rare occasions, have to postpone a class due to inclement weather. This decision is made at the discretion of the sailing instructor and management of BPY Sailing School. If a decision to postpone a class is made, it is done so with the safety and comfort of of our clients in mind. If foul weather is forecast we urge you to contact us for an update.

EXPERIENCE LIVEABOARD LIFE

Any overnight multi-day class includes overnights onboard our beautifully maintained and charter-ready catamarans. We provide bedding, linens, galley supplies, and provisions so all you have to bring is your duffel!

Menu and Food Options

Enjoy Our Location

Our ASA Students have access to the beautiful amenities at Marina Puerto Escondido at the Loreto location, including restaurant, market, free wifi, outdoor deck/lounge area with plunge pool, pickleball court and laundry. Shuttle/cab can be arranged for trips into historic Loreto, just 15 miles north.

Sea of Cortez Class Guide/FAQs