Sailing certification success

Spent the last few days on a sailboat attaining my American Sailing Association certifications 103 and 104. I had completed the initial 101 certification back in 2008 in Fernandina Beach, but never followed through on additional courses. This latest combo course required a 2 night stay on the sailboat anchored in open water or docked at a marina.

Started the class on Sunday morning. Though the weather was great, the wind was very light most of the day, so focused mostly on maneuvering under auxiliary power rather than sailing. Headed home around 5pm, since the overnight portion didn’t start until Monday.

Monday’s weather changed significantly with 20 knot winds out of the northeast and mostly cloudy. Provisioned in the morning at Publix for cooking on the boat. Was able to get in a decent amount of sailing just offshore. Plan was to head back inshore and anchor overnight in the banana river, but the lock at port canaveral was under construction so we couldn’t pass thru until 6pm. Decided to dock at a marina instead.

Tuesday was a steady but light east wind with overcast skies. Made our way through the barge canal towards the Indian river lagoon, where we sailed south to anchor near a restaurant that evening. Excelled on the first written test during the afternoon sail. Enjoyed a tasty fish dinner and headed back to the boat via a dinghy.

Enjoyed a glassy evening anchored out on Tuesday night and woke up on Wednesday to decent southeast winds and some sunshine. Made quick work of the 12 mile sail back to the harbor and did well on the second written test too.

Glad to have these new certifications in my sailing resume, plus learning some new maneuvers and techniques during the class!