how necessary are lessons?

[MarkSF]

Another reason to do ASA101 and 103 - they were fun! Each time I took a week off work and did the course during 4 days. Had a great but exhausting time. They were like mini-vacations for me. Welcome change of pace from work.

Looking forward to doing 104 next summer maybe.

[cb32863]

I tend to agree with the lesson folks here. 101 & 103 are great but, 105 is Coastal Navigation, that is a good one to have under your belt as well. My 2 cents of a year and a half of knowledge suggests, 101, 103, & 105. 104 can be fun too. I took 103 & 104 together in the Apostle Islands last year. Was a great time. I agree with MarkSF, they are like mini vacations.

[MarkSF]

I just did the Coastal Nav, 105 over the winter. That's a good one to do while the weather's bad and there's no sailing. Although I found that a bit difficult.. passed & well, but it made me sweat a little during the exam!