ASA 114 CERTIFICATION

CRUISING CATAMARAN - ASA 114

Welcome to the ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran sailing course with St. Augustine Sailing! We are excited to have you join us for this specialized training designed to elevate your sailing expertise and confidence on catamarans. Throughout this course, you’ll learn the unique handling, maneuvering, and operational techniques specific to cruising catamarans, with the guidance of our experienced instructors. Set against the picturesque backdrop of St. Augustine’s historic waters, you’ll gain hands-on experience in navigation, sail trim, anchoring, and safety procedures, ensuring you are well-prepared to skipper a cruising catamaran in various conditions.

With St Augustine Sailing, you will gain the skills and confidence needed to navigate the waters safely and effectively. 

SUMMARY

The ASA 114 Catamaran Cruising Sailing Course is designed to prepare sailors to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran, approximately 30 to 45 feet in length, during this two day on inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. The course covers a comprehensive understanding of catamaran structure, components, and unique features. Participants will learn about the performance characteristics of catamarans under both sail and power, and become proficient in managing boat systems. Key aspects of seamanship and safety are emphasized, including heavy weather operation and effective emergency response. Through hands-on experience and expert instruction, students will gain the skills and confidence needed to navigate and manage a cruising catamaran in various maritime conditions.

PREREQUISITES

ASA 114 Catamaran Cruising Sailing Course is completed entirely onsite at  St Augustine Sailing – 3074 Harbor Drive, Saint Augustine, Fl – on the water, on the docks, and in the classroom over 2 days.  Our sailing classes include textbook, training, testing, and certification. 

Our sailing course is confirmed with only 2 students and we have a maximum of 4 students per class. 

At St. Augustine Sailing, we offer ASA Sailing Combination Courses designed to save you both time and money while maximizing your learning experience. These courses bundle multiple ASA certifications, providing an efficient pathway to becoming a proficient sailor. Additionally, if you’re looking for an immersive liveaboard experience, we offer options to sleep aboard our well-equipped vessels. This unique opportunity allows you to practice your new skills in a real-world setting, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow sailors, and experience life on the water firsthand. With our combination courses, you’ll gain comprehensive sailing knowledge and hands-on experience, all while enjoying significant savings. 

CALENDAR

WHAT'S NEXT

After you have successfully completed ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran, which ASA Certifications should you take next? 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS COVERED - ASA 114 CRUISING CATAMARAN

RECOMMENDATION

Catamaran Terminology

    1. Identify and scribe the functions of the following terms and structural components:
      • Catamaran
      • Hull Nacelle
      • Full Bridgedeck
      • Partial Bridgedeck
      • D3ckhouse
      • Crossbeams
      • Fixed keel
      • Daggerboard
      • Escape hatch
      • Trampoline
      • Bridle
      • Twin engine
      • mainsail Roach
      • Dolphin Striker
      • Seagull Striker
    2. Identify and describe the functions of the following rigging terms and components:
      • Fractional rig
      • Tripod rig
      • Diamond stays
      • Spreaders
      • Shrouds
      • Forestay

Catamaran Features & Performance

    1. Describe the accommodations of a typical catamaran and their effect on comfort and safety. 
    2. Compare differences in operating and living aboard a monohull and catamaran of similar length. 
    3. Describe the impact that a catamaran’s deck structures may have on visibility from the helm.
    4. Describe stability differences between a ballast monohull keelboat and a catamaran. 
    5. Describe load-carrying characteristics of a catamaran and how weight distribution affects safety and performance. 
    6. Describe shoal draft keels on a catamaran and the impact on cruising planning and sailing.
    7. Describe the typical installation of daggerboards and how they affect performance. 
    8. Describe catamaran engine placement and the effect on performance and balance. 
    9. Describe maneuverability under power of a twin-engine catamaran. 
    10. Describe the effects of windage on close-quarters maneuverability under power. 
    11. Describe the effects of windage on sailing performance. 
    12. List differences in sailing performance between a monohull and a catamaran of similar size. 
    13. Describe how to use the jib to counteract the weather-vane effect of a catamaran’s mainsail when tacking.
    14. List various sail combinations utilized on a catamaran and how they affect the center of effort.
    15. List differences between the mainsails of a monohull keelboat and a catamaran. 
    16. Describe indicators for and conditions under which a catamaran’s sails should be reefed. 

Catamaran Systems

      1. List differences in the types of boat systems typically installed on monohulls verse catamarans. 
      2. Describe freshwater and fuel storage tank placement and precautions on a catamaran.
      3. Describe appropriate heavy weather precautions and describe battery-charging options, including alternators, shore power and generator, and how they affect twin-engine catamarans. 

Seamanship

      1. Describe options for gear stowage and proper stowing procedures.
      2. Describe the features of a catamaran galley and methods of working safely in the galley.
      3. Compare options for hoisting, carrying and towing a dinghy.
      4. Describe methods of limitations of rafting a catamaran with other boats. 
      5. Describe the use of a bridle with a single bow anchor or fixed mooring. 
      6. Describe the following multiple-anchor mooring procedures on a catamaran and the circumstances under which they could be used:
        • Fore & Aft Moor
        • Bahamian Moor
        • Mediterranean Moor

Heavy Weather Operation & Emergency Response

    1. Describe conditions that may contribute to capsizing a catamaran and practices to avoid capsizing.
    2. Describe post-capsize response procedures.
    3. Describe where and how to attach jacklines and tethered safety harnesses on a catamaran.
    4. Describe how the structure and performance of a catamaran under both sail and power affects the recovery of a person in the water (aka. Man Overboard or MOB).
    5. Describe heavy weather sailing practices applied to a catamaran, including: 
      • Lying a-hull
      • Heaving-to
      • Downwind speed control
    6. Describe actions to be taken if one or both engines fail.
    7. Identify the emergency steering tiller and indicate where it attached to the controlling rudder post. 

Pre-Departure

    1. Located and check the condition of all required and ASA recommended equipment.
    2. Perform a routine vessel inspection, ensuring that all systems and equipment are in working order. 

Under-Power

    1. Depart safely from a dock when the approximate wind direction is (a) parallel to the dock and (b) perpendicular to the dock. 
    2. Demonstrate the proper use of spring lines to pivot the catamaran during dock departure and return. 
    3. Ensure vessel and crew readiness and use the auxiliary engines to bring the catamaran smoothly to a controlled stop next to a parallel dock or into a slip; then secure the vessel using a appropriate lines and fenders. 
    4. mark way ahead and turn the catamaran in a tight circle, comparing the turning radius between three different engine gear selections: 
      • Both engines in forward gear
      • One engine in forward, the other in neutral
      • One engine in forward, the other in reverse
    5. Make way astern and turn the catamaran in a tight circle.
    6. Steer a straight, controlled course astern for at least five boat lengths. 
    7. Approach a mark under power upwind, downwind, and wit  wind abeam, in each case stopping the catamaran within 10 feet of the mark. 
    8. Approach a mooring buoy (or suitable substitute if no mooring is available), attached to the mooring using a bridle, then cast off from the mooring and get underway. 
    9. Maneuver the catamaran under power in a confined space, compensating for wind and current effects. 
    10. Demonstrate the correct actions to be taken while under power to recover a MOB.
    11. Demonstrate two of the following anchor/mooring methods as appropriate to local conditions, using correct procedures including hand signals, safety in handling ground tackle, proper operations of windlass and use of a bridle.  Raise anchor(s) and get underway using correct procedures. 
      • Single bow anchor
      • Fore and aft moor
      • Bahamian Moor
      • Mediterranean Moor

Under-Sail

    1. Sail a steady compass course, varying the heading no more than +/- 10 degrees, with sails trimmed properly. 
    2. Demonstrate proper usage of all lines and sail controls (halyards, sheets, traveler, boom vang, outhaul, downhaul, etc.) that are available on the catamaran to obtain maximum performance and comfort. 
    3. Demonstrate proper combined usage of the mainsheet and traveler for upwind and downwind sailing. 
    4. Demonstrate how to get out of “irons”.
    5. Perform each of the following maneuvers separately and under control, giving appropriate commands and ensuring proper sail trim:
      • Head Up
      • Bear Away
      • Tack
      • Jibe
      • Heat-to
    6. Hold a steady course on each of the following points of sail, ensuring proper sail trim:
      • Close Hauled
      • Close Reach
      • Beam Reach
      • Broad Reach
    7. Luff sails while sailing on a close reach at maximum safe speed for the conditions, noting the length of time required for the catamaran to come to a stop.  Tre-trim sails and note the length of time required to accelerate to maximum safe speed. 
    8. Demonstrate the correct use of a jibe preventer.
    9. Demonstrate proper reefing procedures while under sail or hove-to.
    10. Demonstrate the proper actions to be taken while under sail to recover a MOB, using two different recovery methods. 

We recommend joining our Sailing Club Program since it as a valuable way to keep your  sailing skill current – LEARN MORE

Once you have passed your ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran you may find the following Endorsement Courses to be beneficial. 

  • ASA 118 Docking Endorsement (as a side note, if you join the Crew Program you will qualify under the direction of the instructor, this endorsement will provide you the opportunity to be dock the vessel.)
  • ASA 119 Marine Weather Endorsement
  • ASA 120 Radar Endorsement

ASA 114 STUDY MATERIALS

CRUISING CATAMARAN TEXTBOOK
NAVIGATION RULES & REGULATIONS

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