Aventura Sailing Academy
(949) 493-9493 | aventurasailing.com

Aventura Sailing Academy is Dana Point Harbor’s Premier Sailing Club and Academy. For over 44 years we have been successfully teaching students, from the beginner to the advanced. We are a West Coast leader in producing well trained Sailors.

USCG Master Class 100T Captain Ric Dahlin (Director of  Academy) is also a Collegiate level sailing instructor, and as a professional educator, Aventura’s classroom and lectures have been providing “best in class” sailing instruction with top results. All of our Certified ASA instructors are friendly and dedicated to your sailing instruction. Aventura Academy’s classes are challenging, fun and engaging but most importantly highly effective.

Your Basic Keel boat (ASA 101) begins on a 27’ to 30’ Sailboat equipped with wheel helm, roller furling jib, inboard diesel engine, and fixed keel. Aventura’s training sailboats provide our students practical experience and a direct pathway to skippering their personal Bareboat Charter.

We offer all of the American Sailing Association (ASA) Certificates, either in group settings or in private classes. Sailing courses for single certificates, combo certificates, and live aboard offshore classes provide a full menu of choices for our Students.

Dana Point Harbor is one of the West Coast’s best sailing harbors, minutes from slip to open ocean and known for year round favorable sailing weather. Conveniently located within a day’s sail to Catalina Island, Southern California’s top sailing destination, Aventura’s base location enables students and members easy access to the best of Southern California Sailing.

Whether you are just visiting and are interested in a sailing vacation with an ASA Certificate or a local resident looking for access to the sailing lifestyle, Aventura’s Sailing Club and ASA Academy can help you set sail on your adventure.

American Sailing Certifications Offered

ASA 101, Keelboat 1
ASA 101, Keelboat 1
Learn to skipper a 20' - 27' sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.
ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising
ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25'-35' keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising
Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30'-45' sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.
ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising
ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising
Learn to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions.
ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking
ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking
Learn to skipper a sailing vessel on extended offshore passages requiring celestial navigation. Knowledge of long-term passage planning, offshore vessel selection, sail repair, offshore first aid, watch-keeping, emergency procedures, abandon ship protocols, safety and seamanship.
ASA 110, Basic Small Boat Sailing
ASA 110, Basic Small Boat Sailing
Learn to sail a centerboard or multihull sailboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, sail trim, points of sail, crew responsibilities, seamanship and safety including capsize avoidance/recovery and navigation rules to avoid collisions.
ASA 113, Trailerable Multihull Standard
ASA 113, Trailerable Multihull Standard
The ASA 113 standard and certification have been retired in the U.S. Relevant content is now included in the recently refreshed ASA 110 Small Boat Sailing and ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran standards. There is a strong demand for the ASA 113 standard in China so it is still considered active there.
ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran
ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran
Learn to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30-45' feet in length during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions.
ASA 117, Basic Celestial Endorsement
ASA 117, Basic Celestial Endorsement
Learn to apply basic celestial navigation theory and practice to determine latitude and longitude at sea using a sextant and Nautical Almanac.
ASA 118, Docking Endorsement
ASA 118, Docking Endorsement
Learn basic docking skills for boats with single inboard or outboard engines. Discover the basic theory and hands-on techniques needed to dock and undock boats in an efficient manner and without damage or injury.
ASA 119, Marine Weather Endorsement
ASA 119, Marine Weather Endorsement
Learn to observe and forecast weather conditions using traditional maritime skills and modern technology. Knowledge of weather information for planning and adapting navigation during short duration and extended voyages.
ASA 120, Radar Endorsement
ASA 120, Radar Endorsement
Learn to properly use small-craft radar (or radar simulator) for piloting, navigation, and collision avoidance. Knowledge of radar principles and practical matters of radar operation.

Other Services Available

  • Private Courses
  • Weekday Courses
  • Weekend Courses
  • Day Sail Charters (public)
  • Day Sail Charters (member-only)
  • Sunset Cruises
  • Sailboat Cruises
  • Racing Courses

Contact Information

Aventura Sailing Academy

Address 24707 Dana Dr.Dana PointCA92629United States
Phone (949) 493-9493
Website aventurasailing.com

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