ASA 103 & 104
adventure sailing
charter classes
on the sea of cortez
book now while this limited opportunity lasts!
Join this amazing opportunity to gain your ASA 103 & 104 certifications while sailing the beautiful waters of The Sea of Cortez.
upcoming limited availability adventure vacation classes
Boarding March 14th, 2026 @ 1600hrs
Deboarding March 20st, 2026 @ 1000hrs
Each stateroom has a double bed and access to a head and shower.
If booking as a single the cost is $3250
Non refundable deposit required to book your stateroom is $1625
If booking as a double for two people the cost is $5525, which is a 15% discount
Non refundable deposit required to book your stateroom for two is $2763
Non-refundable balance payments will be due a minimum of 61 days prior to boarding: (January 14th, 2026)
I N T R O D U C T I O N T O C R U I S I N G
(American Sailing 103 - Basic Coastal Cruising)
Earning your American Sailing 103 certification on a monohull with Island Sailing in the breathtaking Sea of Cortez offers a unique combination of education and adventure. This certification enhances your sailing skills, focusing on coastal cruising techniques, navigation, and boat handling, all while exploring one of the world's most beautiful sailing destinations. The Sea of Cortez provides calm waters, stunning islands, and diverse marine life, creating the perfect classroom for hands-on learning. With expert instruction and unforgettable scenery, this experience not only builds your confidence as a sailor but also creates memories to last a lifetime.
B A R E B O A T C H A R T E R I N G
(American Sailing 104)
Further advance your sailing skills with American Sailing 104 certification on a monohull with Island Sailing in the idyllic Sea of Cortez. This course takes your expertise to the next level by teaching advanced techniques in provisioning, passage planning, and anchoring in remote locations, while mastering skills like diesel engine troubleshooting and overnight cruising. The Sea of Cortez offers real-world opportunities to practice navigation in tidal currents, monitor weather patterns, and enjoy serene nights under the stars at secluded anchorages. With the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge to skipper multi-day cruises, all while immersed in the beauty of this remarkable sailing destination.
Prerequisites: ASA 101
Upon Completion: You will receive the official ASA 103 & 104 Certifications opening up the world of Bare Boat chartering for you.
FAQs
will i be certified to skipper my own MONOHULL charters after this trip?
YES! Not only will you be learning all of the aspects of preparing for, planning for, and running a trip like this - you will actually be doing exactly that! This is a fully hands on participation based trip and class.
You will also be developing your “resume” (sailing log) which the charter companies look at together with your certifications. Furthermore, you will be able to reference this trip directly with SunSail for your next charter as they will recognize you’re having not only achieved your ASA Certifications but also have done so on one of their boats!
Does everyone who’s coming have to certify?
Not at all. If coming aboard as a couple and one of you is seeking certification and the other is simply looking forward to a wonderful personalized adventure sailing vacation, both of you will have a great experience. While the “students” aboard will be focused on their learning goals and the Instructor / Captain will be working with them throughout the trip, those coming along for the vacation experience will also have every opportunity to participate relative to their level of desire and to relax and enjoy the trip to every extent they wish.
IS THE CERTIFICATION INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Yes. This is a fully certified ASA course and upon completion you will be given formal certification from the American Sailing Association. This and all curriculum materials are included in the cost of the class.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THEse adventure class trips?
Each charter class is very unique and pricing is based on several factors including the boat being chartered; the location and area being sailed; the season the charter is being booked; and the duration of the charter.
Therefore pricing will be reflected in the specific charter listing. At times we may be listing charters and pricing will still be to be determined. Of course you can contact our school at anytime to discuss the possibilities and ask any questions you may have.
WHAT is included in the cost?
The boat; fuel; boat associated costs (moorings, etc) are included as well as all of your certifications and curriculum for your American Sailing Classes. Provisioning for breakfasts and lunches and all dinners aboard (as well as non-alcoholic beverages) is also included.
What’s not included are your travel costs; any ashore activities you should choose to partake in; and any specialized personally desired provisioning such as special snacks and or adult beverages of your choosing you would like to have aboard (for the evenings when safely on a mooring of course!). Provisioning will also be extra and will vary based on location and duration of the charter.
WHEN CAN WE GO?!!!
These limited exclusive classes will be listed below as we continue to create the opportunities - so scroll down for the currently offered trips and stay tuned to this space for more to come!
HOW DO I BOOK A CLASS?
Give us a call at Island Sailing Club at (503) 285-7765 Since these are highly specialized and carefully developed adventure learning opportunities we prefer to discuss your goals and desires directly with you!
SAILING AND TRAVEL INFORMATION:
This is a great link to travel information for Mexico and La Paz, along with charter details and a sample itinerary. Our exact anchorages for the trip will vary based on the conditions as there are so many excellent options to choose from.
BOARDING INFORMATION:
You will be boarding the boat the evening before your charter begins at 1600hrs allowing everyone to settle in nicely and be prepared for cutting loose the next morning.
the waters: THE SEA OF CORTEZ - MEXICO
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Serene, wild and otherworldly are all apt descriptions for the dazzling display of nature that is found in the Sea of Cortez, otherwise known as the Gulf of California. If you’re a lover of nature, wildlife and off-the-grid adventure, sailing the Sea of Cortez may be just the paradise you’ve been dreaming about.
Located to the west of mainland Mexico, along the Baja Peninsula, the Sea of Cortez is a wonderland of contrasts. Electric blue waters sparkle against rugged red bluffs, dolphins and manta rays leap majestically against a backdrop of desert sands and the spectacular views while hiking are just as striking as the underwater playground found when snorkeling.
In this destination, tourist traps and crowds are far from sight, replaced by secluded beaches, stunning vistas and a stunning diverse marine ecosystem that’s guaranteed to deliver an up-close-and-personal wildlife experience. The deep, clear waters are home to countless species of whales and dolphins, as well as colonies of playful sea lions and marine turtles. Jacque Cousteau even famously referred to the Sea of Cortez as “the world’s aquarium”.
Upon sailing away from the Baja Peninsula mainland, you’ll experience an energizing “digital detox” like no other. Leave the internet and email behind in exchange for nature’s perfectly simple pleasures — lively sea breezes, fresh-caught fish on the grill, smiles from friendly locals and unrivaled nightly star-gazing.
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La Paz is located at the end of the Baja California Sur peninsula, separated from Mexico by the captivating Sea of Cortez, which is also known as the Gulf of California. The sea, which has legendary status among divers and sport fishers, is the ideal choice for an authentic, unspoiled sailing vacation.
You’ll find tranquil turquoise coves, pristine deserts and rugged mountain ranges on your La Paz yacht charter, as well as stunning remote anchorages across more than 100 miles of coastline.
Sail to Isla San Francisco, a popular anchorage in a crescent-shaped bay fringed with white sand beaches, red cliffs and crystal clear waters. This picture-perfect cove offers great hiking, snorkeling and fishing.
You also have the chance to go whale or dolphin watching, getting close to these beautiful creatures. Or swim with sea lions in the natural aquarium of Isla Espiritu Santo.
Our base for your sailing vacation is at the beautiful Marina Costa Baja in La Paz, where you’ll also find luxury resorts, golf courses, fine restaurants, museums, and restored colonial-era buildings. All of which make La Paz an unforgettable destination.
Your instructor: Captain Travis Johnson
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Travis is happy and available to discuss the details of the voyage with you directly to ensure this trip is going to be everything you expect (and more!) Don’t hesitate to let us at the club know you’re interested and we’ll connect you directly with Captain Travis Johnson.
• Sailing instructor for 5 years
• Active sailor on the Columbia River both cruising and racing
• PNW Offshore and Swiftsure Races 2022-2024
• Bareboat charter captain
• Exumas, Bahamas 2019
• US Virgin Islands 2021
• La Paz, Mexico 2021-2024
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• USCG Licensed Captain
• American Sailing Certified 101; 102; 103; 104; and 114 Instructor
• US Sailing Offshore Safety at Sea Training 2022
• Red Cross CPR and First Aid training 2023
VISUALIZE, PLAN, AND GO.
MAKE THIS “TRIP OF A LIFETIME” ONLY THE FIRST OF MANY FOR YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR FRIENDS AND CONTACT US TODAY TO SIGN UP WHILE THERE’S STILL CABINS AVAILABLE.