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FAQs & What to Expect

General

Where is Afterguard Sailing Academy located?

We are located at 1285 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606, along the Oakland Estuary. Our docks and classrooms are just minutes from Jack London Square and the Park Street Bridge.

What types of sailing programs do you offer?

We offer a full range of programs from beginner sailing lessons to advanced offshore certifications. This includes ASA-certified courses, youth sailing, private instruction, and skippered or bareboat charters.

Is Afterguard ASA certified?

Yes, we are an official ASA (American Sailing Association) school and offer courses from ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat Sailing) to ASA 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising), as well as Catamaran, Docking, and Weather specialty courses.

Do I need prior sailing experience?

Not at all. Many of our students are brand new to sailing. We tailor our instruction to your experience level and goals.

Are there bathroom facilities available?

Yes. Restrooms are available onshore at the main facility. Most boats used for full-day courses and charters are also equipped with marine toilets (heads), but access may be limited while underway.

Courses and Sailing Experience

What should I bring?

Dress in layers, wear closed-toe, non-marking shoes, bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and snacks or a lunch depending on the course length. For full-day courses, please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, you’ll be out on the water for several hours. We provide all necessary safety gear.

What’s the typical class size?

Our classes are small to ensure personal attention, usually 2 to 4 students per instructor, depending on the course.

Are courses held year-round?

Yes. We sail year-round thanks to the mild Bay Area climate. Fog, sun, wind, we train you in real conditions.

Do I need to be physically fit?

You should be in good general health and able to move around the boat safely. Let us know about any limitations ahead of time and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Can I challenge an ASA course instead of taking the full class?

Yes. Experienced sailors who already meet the requirements can challenge most ASA certifications. Each challenge includes a written test and on-the-water evaluation, and typically takes one full day. Contact us to discuss your eligibility and schedule a challenge. View our course pricing for cost.

Will I get certified?

Courses from ASA 101 and up include official ASA certifications, pending successful completion of the written and on-the-water exams.

Booking and Payment

How do I book a course or charter?

You can book online through our website, by calling the office at (510) 535-1954, or by emailing info@afterguard.net.

What is your charter refund and rescheduling policy?

  • 30+ days’ notice: Full refund (minus processing fees) or free rescheduling.

  • 14–29 days’ notice: 50% refund or free rescheduling.

  • 7–13 days’ notice: No refund, but you may reschedule with reimbursement of prep costs.

  • Less than 7 days’ notice or no notice: No refund or rescheduling available.

What is your course cancellation policy?

We require 7 days’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations within 7 days of the course start date are non-refundable. Weather-related postponements are rescheduled at no cost.

What is your Pre-paid Course Policy?

All prepaid courses are non-refundable. However, the dollar value of your purchase does not expire. The course cost you paid will remain valid for up to one year, even if you delay scheduling.
You may:
    •    Apply the value toward a different course or charter
    •    Gift your purchased course to someone else
    •    Use prepaid credits at member rates (requires an active membership)

If your membership has lapsed, it must be renewed to schedule at member pricing. After one year, a small price adjustment may be required to match current course rates.

Do you offer group or corporate packages?

Yes. We offer customizable group experiences, corporate team-building events, and private charters. Contact us to create a tailored experience.

What are the requirements to charter a boat?

  • Boat US Towing Insurance that covers saltwater operations

  • A valid California Boater Card

  • ASA 103 certification allows:

    • Day sails south of the Bay Bridge

    • Charter of boats 31 feet and under

  • ASA 104 certification allows:

    • Sailing anywhere inside the San Francisco Bay

    • Overnight and weekend charters on any size boat (must complete a Skipper’s Orientation before using a new vessel)

  • ASA 106 certification enables you to:

    • Flotilla to Half Moon Bay (subject to weather and vessel approval)

 

Contact us if you’re unsure which certifications apply to your sailing goals, we’re happy to guide you through the process.

Membership

What are the benefits of becoming an Afterguard member?

Membership provides access to exclusive member events, discounts on classes and charters, priority registration for popular programs, and opportunities to participate in practice sales and volunteer programs.

What are the different membership levels?

We offer four membership tiers:

  • Charter Member – Ideal for casual sailing, with access to club sails, discounts, and social events.

  • Chief Member – A good option for developing sailors, offering prepaid sailing days, mentoring, and access to smaller boats.

  • Skipper Member – Designed for experienced sailors who want access to larger boats, multiple membership tiers, and skill refreshers.

  • Captain Member – Best for advanced sailors focused on long-range cruising, improving navigation skills, and overnight sailing.

Is membership required to take classes?

No, classes are open to the public. However, members enjoy discounted rates and earlier access to sign-up for limited-capacity courses.

How much does it cost to join?

A one-time $575 initiation fee is required to join as a member.

  • This fee is waived if you enroll in three or more courses at the time of joining.

  • First-year dues must be paid in advance: pay for 11 months and get the 12th month free.

  • After the first year, dues may be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Annual renewals continue to include one free month.

How long does a membership last?

Memberships are valid for one calendar year from the date of registration.

Can I upgrade my membership tier mid-year?

Yes! You can upgrade your membership anytime. The cost difference will be prorated based on the remaining term.

Can I share my membership with family or friends?

Standard memberships are individual and non-transferable, though all membership levels offer a Duo option that allows two named individuals to share the benefits for co-chartering together. Duo members can rent independently of their member partner when chartering with a qualified first mate.

How do I renew my membership?

You will receive a renewal reminder via email one month before your membership expires. Renewal can be done online, by phone, or in person at the Afterguard office.

Can I cancel or pause my membership?

Annual memberships are non-refundable but may be paused under certain circumstances (e.g., relocation, medical). If you’ll be away from the area for more than a month, you can contact the office by phone or email to pause up to three practice sails. These paused sails can be used when you return, either by sailing multiple times in a month or by bringing a friend or family member to use them with you.

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If your membership is canceled and later reactivated, a reinstatement fee plus three months’ dues will apply.

How are membership fees used?

Membership dues help support fleet maintenance, educational programming, and community events.

I still have questions, who can I contact?

For membership-related inquiries, email us at info@afterguard.net or call our office during business hours at (510) 535-1954.

Destination Charters

Key Information

    •    Pricing is per stateroom (double occupancy or single, same price).
    •    You can charter your own boat and still join the flotilla.
    •    Discount: Take 33% off ASA classes taken during a destination flotilla, if you meet prerequisites.

Requirements

    •    All participants must have basic sailing skills, minimum of BK1 (Basic Keelboat 1) and two sails as active crew, or pass the BK1 test and a check sail.
    •    It’s strongly recommended that all participants have ASA 101 to fully engage in the onboard experience.
    •    First mates and skippers must hold ASA 104. If aboard a catamaran, ASA 114 may also be required.
    •    All captains and first mates must hold an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).

Additional Info

    •    Members receive first priority for cabin selection.
    •    Advanced reservations for ASA courses during flotillas may determine which skippers participate and how boats are assigned

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