FAQ’s: ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran

What will you get out of the Cruising Catamaran course?

You will be able to competently skipper a cruising catamaran of 30-45 feet in length in moderate to strong winds, both in coastal and inland waters.

Multihulls are faster but having less hull below the water than monohulls will skid sideways (leeway) faster than monohulls. There are a number of differences in the way you sail them too.

However, they are frequently far more comfortable than a single hulled yacht of equivalent length so you can enjoy fast, comfortable cruising. Once you know the differences in handling and performance then you can enjoy your catamaran to the full. 

How much will this course cost including exam fees?

Expect to pay up to USD $915* for the course if you are doing it alone. If you are a member of a couple or group doing the course, you will pay less per person.

* Approx. UK £600 or 815 EUROS

What are your limits on passing the ASA 114 course?

You will be able to sail a catamaran in most conditions that an experienced coastal sailor would go out in. Over confidence is a major killer, but equally you will be able to read the weather and weather synopsis to make your judgement.

The emphasis of the course is on vessels of up to 45ft, and coastal sailing is generally within sight of the shore – or no more than 20 miles offshore. If you’re planning on doing a Trans Pac or Bermuda race then consider more training beyond this.

Is it a theory or practical course?

As with so much of seafaring knowledge there will be a considerable amount of theory to be learned. The course however will be conducted on a yacht with no work done in a classroom ashore.

Where can you take it?

You can do this course anywhere in the world accredited by the ASA to teach it.

What level of experience do you need before you begin?

You should have completed ASA 101, 103 and 104 of the ASA syllabus, and can demonstrate the knowledge from your previous learning.

How long do the courses take?

If you have already completed ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising prior to this course it should only take three days.

What does the ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran course involve?

A full explanation of the course can be found on the ASA website here. Essentially you will learn the benefits and limitations of multihull sailing and how to best operate one within these.

How do you progress after completing it?

The next course you should do is the ASA 105 Coastal Navigation course.

Does it give you international accreditation?

Not by formally governments, but charter companies and marine safety organisations around the world accept this as a qualification, and you will be able to charter a yacht as a bareboat skipper almost anywhere in the world.

Where can I learn more about the ASA Cruising Catamaran course?

Further Resources:

The official ASA webpage can be found here.

A more definite course outline can be found here.