ASA Trailerable Multihull Standard

Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat (101)

ASA 113 may be taught in conjunction with Basic Coastal Cruising (103) on a multihull sailboat or as an additional course after Basic Coastal Cruising (103) has been accomplished on a monohull. In either case, ALL MATERIAL IN BOTH STANDARDS (103 & 113) MUST BE TAUGHT AND/OR TESTED BEFORE 113 CAN BE AWARDED.

General Description: Certified sailors are able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary multihull sailboat of about 20-30 feet in length, in moderate wind conditions. The standard includes those skills different and/or unique to a multihull, either catamaran or trimaran including folding and trailering.

SAILING KNOWLEDGE

A Certified Sailor has successfully demonstrated his or her ability to:
  1. Identify and describe the following hardware/terms:
    Ama Aka Bridgedeck
    Cabin Bridle-line Catamaran
    Crossbeams Float Full wing deck
    Open wing deck Partial wing deck Hull(s)
    Main hull Safety nets Seagull striker
    Stability Stability Curves Three point rig
    Trimaran Wing deck
  2. Describe the weight carrying characteristics of small cruising multihulls and how weight distribution affects safety and performance.
  3. Describe the differences in performance between multihullls and monohulls of about the same size.
  4. Describe the accommodations of a typical 20-30 foot multihull and how comfort and safety will differ from a monohull.
  5. Identify differences in ship's system between multihulls and monohulls.
  6. Describe shoal draft and its effect on planning and sailing.
  7. Describe the danger of capsizing, how to recognize the danger and how to prevent it.
  8. Discuss the characteristics of a multihull which determine windage and the effects of windage on course and speed.
  9. Discusss how multihull design affects turning radius.
  10. Describe a typical center/dagger board installation on a multihull and how they affect performance.
  11. Describe options for gear stowage and proper stowing procedures.
  12. Describe how and where a safety harness tether would attach to a multihull.
  13. Discuss the various sail cobinations and how they affect balance of a multihull.
  14. Discuss the differences of multihull heavy weather sailing practices (adventages and disadventages) including the following:
    • Lying ahull
    • Heaving-to
    • Speed controls
    • Running off and standing on.
  15. Describe and discuss the methods of rafting multihulls and the limitations involved.
  16. Describe trailering and launching characteristics and techniques of a multihull.

    SAILING SKILLS

  17. Demonstrate operation of all folding hull systems.
  18. Demonstrate operatin of all mass stepping procedures.
  19. Assure all folding/retracting systems are in the correct position and locked prior to departure.
  20. Assure all rigging is secured, all removable pins locked prior to sailing.

    Boat Handling Under Power

  21. Stop the bow of the boat within four feet of a marker while maneuvering under power. Perform the exercise upwind, downwind and with the wind across the bow.
  22. Maneuver the boat under power in a confined space, noting the effects of wind and current. If applicable, perform the same exercise in folded configuration as well.
  23. Maneuver the boat within 2 feet of, and parallel to a dick. Define and carry out a bail-out plan. If applicable, perform the same exercise in folded configuration as well.
  24. Turn the boat in the tightest possible circle to determine its turning radius.
  25. Repeat item 24 turning in the opposite direction and comparing the differences between both turns.
  26. Repeat items 24 and 25 while making stern way (going backwards).
  27. Steer a straight course of at least 10 boat lengths in reverse using moderate speed.

    Man Overboard

  28. Demonstrate a skipper's actions and commands while under power from the time a member of the crew falls overboard without warning until the crew is safely recovered.
  29. Describe at least two methods of getting a person out of the water and back on board a multihull.

    Boat Handling Under Sail

    Points of Sail

  30. Function as helmsman and crew giving correct commands and proper responses while demonstrating the proper techniques of close hauled sailing, reaching (all three points), running, tacking and gybing, heading up, bearing away and luffing. Note the differences and likenesses of sailing a multihull vs. monohull.
  31. Sail an ordered compass ccourse for 5 minutes without varying more than 10 degrees from the heading.
  32. Sail a figure 8 course between two buoys noting acceleration/deceleration times and momentum during turns.

    Man Overboard

  33. Demonstrate a skipper's actions and commands while under sail from the time a member of the crew falls overboard without warning until the crew is safely recovered. The quick-stop method is suggested.

    Heavy Weather

    Reefing/heaving-to

  34. Reduce sail by reefing and shake out a reef while keeping the wessel under control and on course.
  35. Heave-to and get underway again, noting the vessel's motion at different angles to the wind.

    Anchoring

  36. Use proper anchoring techniques to anchor using the following methods:
    • Single bow anchor and bridle
    • Single bow anchor and stern to the beach (Med style)
    • Beaching with consideration of daggerboard/centerboard, rudder and hull mounted electronics. (optional)

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