ASA Sailing Schools in Marina del Rey
2025-11-20
Sailing Schools in Marina del Rey
Hands-On Training With World-Class Instructors, Modern Boats, and a Complete Pathway From Beginner to Advanced Certification
If you're searching for sailing schools in Marina del Rey, Naos Yachts stands out as the region's premier destination for professional, safety-focused, and adventure-driven sailing education. With deep roots in Southern California's maritime community, we provide the most comprehensive and student-centered learning environment in the area. Our focus is simple: empower every student—from first-time sailors to advanced mariners—to gain confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for the water.
Why Naos Yachts Is a Leader Among Sailing Schools in Southern California
Founded in 2009 in Los Angeles by renowned offshore racer Charles-Etienne ("Charly") Devanneaux, Naos Yachts has grown into one of the most respected and credentialed sailing schools in Southern California. Naos Yachts began as a premier dealership dedicated to helping people discover the right boat for their sailing ambitions. As we grew, we recognized that truly supporting our customers meant offering more than exceptional boats—it meant giving them the skills and confidence to enjoy them fully.
Over the years, we have expanded into a full-service sailing hub—offering instruction, boat sales, charters, community events, and a highly experienced team of American Sailing and American Boating certified instructors. Our deep industry roots, combined with a reputation for technical precision and exceptional seamanship, set us apart from other sailing schools in the region.
A Fully Certified American Sailing and American Boating Training Center
As an American Sailing (formerly ASA) and American Boating (AB) certified school, we meet the highest national and international standards for sailing education. American Sailing and American Boating courses are recognized globally, ensuring your certifications travel with you wherever you sail. Whether you're pursuing a professional pathway, preparing for a charter, or refining advanced navigation skills, our structured curriculum ensures you receive the most credible and respected training available.
What You'll Learn at Naos Yachts
Whether you're new to sailing or advancing through higher-level American Sailing certifications, students at Naos Yachts gain a comprehensive foundation in seamanship, safety, and real-world boat handling skills.
Key skills you'll develop include:
- Understanding sailing terminology, points of sail, and essential theory
- Rigging, sail trim, tacking, jibing, and boat handling under various wind conditions
- Docking, undocking, anchoring, mooring, line handling, and maneuvering in marinas
- Coastal cruising techniques including trip planning, provisioning, and crew leadership
- Use of navigation tools, chart plotting, tides, currents, and buoyage systems
- Multihull handling and performance characteristics (catamaran-specific courses)
- Operating outboard motors, dinghies, and small-craft handling
- Weather interpretation, radar use, and advanced situational awareness
- Safety procedures, man-overboard recovery, and emergency response
- First Aid and CPR skills through Red Cross–certified training
- Confidence to charter and skipper monohulls, catamarans, and powerboats
- Seamanship mindset, best practices, and real-world decision-making on the water
Throughout your training, you will learn how to operate vessels confidently in a range of conditions while mastering navigation, crew management, and essential onboard systems.
Certification Courses We Offer at Our Sailing School
Below is an overview of the full range of courses offered at Naos Yachts. Each program is designed to build confidence and competency step-by-step under the guidance of certified instructors.
ASA 101 – Basic Keelboat Sailing
ASA 101 teaches new sailors foundational keelboat skills, including sailing terminology, essential safety procedures, tacking, jibing, and basic sail trim. This ASA course equips students with the ability to confidently skipper a small keelboat in light to moderate conditions.
ASA 103 – Basic Coastal Cruising
ASA 103 builds on the fundamentals learned in ASA 101 by introducing docking, anchoring, sail shape refinement, and coastal cruising techniques. Students develop stronger seamanship and gain experience handling mid-sized sailboats.
ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising
ASA 104 prepares students to charter and skipper cruising sailboats up to 45 feet. This ASA course covers provisioning, navigation, multi-day trip planning, and effective crew leadership for confident bareboat cruising.
ASA 114 – Cruising Catamaran
ASA 114 provides hands-on training in catamaran-specific handling, focusing on maneuvering, docking, system management, and safe cruising practices. This ASA multihull certification helps sailors transition smoothly from monohulls to twin-hull vessels.
ASA 116 – Dinghy & Outboard Endorsement
ASA 116 teaches the fundamentals of small-craft and outboard motor operation, including launching, retrieval, and safe handling. This ASA endorsement is ideal for sailors who want confidence operating tenders and auxiliary vessels.
ASA 118 – Docking Endorsement
ASA 118 delivers focused instruction on docking, undocking, line handling, and maneuvering larger vessels in tight marina spaces. This ASA endorsement sharpens precision boat-handling skills essential for real-world sailing.
ASA 104/114 Combined Course
This combined ASA 104/114 program provides an efficient path to becoming charter-ready on both monohulls and catamarans. Students complete two core ASA cruising certifications through a streamlined, immersive training experience.
American Boating (AB) 101
AB 101 is the ideal introductory course for students preparing for powerboating or cross-training between sail and power. This American Boating certification builds essential boating safety and handling fundamentals.
ASA 105 & ASA 106 – Coastal and Advanced Coastal Cruising
ASA 105 and ASA 106 together provide a complete navigation and advanced cruising skill set for sailors preparing to operate confidently beyond familiar waters. ASA 105 focuses on coastal navigation theory—including chart plotting, tides, currents, piloting, and safe route planning—while ASA 106 builds on that foundation with advanced seamanship, heavy-weather techniques, nighttime sailing, and the handling of larger cruising vessels.
Red Cross First Aid Training
Our Red Cross First Aid course equips sailors with essential safety knowledge, including CPR, wound care, and emergency response. This training complements American Sailing certifications by preparing students to manage onboard medical situations.
Online ASA Courses
For maximum flexibility, several ASA modules can be completed online:
- ASA 105 – Coastal Navigation
- ASA 107 – Celestial Navigation
- ASA 119 – Marine Weather Endorsement
- ASA 120 – Radar Endorsement
These self-paced courses allow students to complete theory coursework from home before returning for practical, hands-on instruction.
Expert Instructors with Professional Credentials
Our teaching team consists exclusively of US Coast Guard–licensed captains and ASA/AB certified instructors. Beyond certifications, they bring thousands of hours of real-world sailing experience—from ocean crossings to regattas to coastal cruising. Students consistently praise our instructors for their patience, clarity, and ability to tailor instruction to different learning styles.
A Modern, Premium Fleet for Training
Naos Yachts trains students on a state-of-the-art fleet of Beneteau sailboats and powerboats, as well as Lagoon catamarans. All vessels are less than two years old, meticulously maintained, and designed for safe, responsive handling. Students can expect boats that are at least 30 feet for sailing courses and 27 feet for powerboating—larger and more comfortable than the vessels used by most other sailing schools.
Package Pricing & Private Training Options
We offer customizable packages for students pursuing multiple certifications, along with private one-on-one instruction for individuals, families, or corporate groups. Whether you're preparing for a charter vacation or building a full certification pathway, we can tailor a plan that suits your schedule and goals.
Serving Los Angeles County
Naos Yachts proudly serves students throughout Los Angeles County, offering convenient access for anyone searching for professional 'sailing schools near me' in Southern California. Located in Marina del Rey, we make it easy for students across the Westside, the South Bay, and the San Fernando Valley to train with a trusted, accredited sailing school. Whether you're beginning your sailing journey or advancing your certification path, Naos Yachts delivers world-class instruction close to home.
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Start Your Sailing Journey with Naos Yachts
If you're looking for the most trusted, comprehensive, and modern sailing schools in Southern California, Naos Yachts in Marina del Rey is ready to welcome you aboard. Contact us today to book your first course or speak with our team about certification pathways, scheduling, or private instruction. Your next adventure starts here.
FAQs
What is your cancellation policy for sailing classes?
We do not offer refunds for class cancellations; however, the full amount paid can be applied as a credit toward any Naos Yachts service. This includes future classes, charters, memberships, and other offerings—and the credit may be used by you or transferred to friends or family. This flexible policy ensures your investment never goes to waste.
Can I rebook my class if my schedule changes?
Yes. Rebooking is free up to one week before your class start date, giving students ample flexibility in planning their training. If you need to reschedule within seven days of the class, a $100 rebooking fee applies. This helps us maintain fair scheduling and ensures availability for all students.
What ASA courses are available at Naos Yachts?
We offer a full lineup of in-person American Sailing classes, including ASA 101, 103, 104, 114, 116, 118, 105, and 106, as well as a combined 104/114 program. Students can also complete online modules such as ASA 105, 107, 119, and 120. This structure allows both beginners and experienced sailors to progress at a comfortable pace.
Will ASA certification allow me to charter a boat?
Yes. Certifications such as ASA 104 and ASA 114 are widely accepted by charter companies worldwide. Many students complete our 104/114 combination course specifically to prepare for international bareboat charters.