ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing
ASA Class Description
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards. Auxiliary power operation is not required.
Cost
$725 + $59 ASA Fee
Prerequisites
None. If you are completely new to boating, we offer an Introduction to Sailing class that you may find helpful before starting your Level I ASA 101 training. Please contact us for scheduling and details.
ASA Recommendations
Before taking ASA 101, American Sailing recommends that you complete their Online Intro To Sailing course. In this interactive course, you will learn sailboat basics, including sailing terminology, commands used at the helm, and how the sails move the boat forward. This online course is included in your study materials when you sign up for this class with Outbound Sailing.
Class Duration
You should plan to spend 6–8 hours studying the materials before the class. On the water training sessions are 2 days, with most of each day on the water.
Class Outline
The class runs from 9 AM to around 5 PM each day with a short “working” lunch. Please bring food and drinks — soft coolers only, if needed.
Please note that while we follow a general schedule, we take our time — some activities may run longer or shorter as needed.
Before Class
After registering, you’ll receive a personalized link to our online app with step-by-step instructions to help you prepare. Before your first day, please complete the online video course and read the ASA 101 textbook Sailing Made Easy in full. Most students spend about 6–8 hours on this prep, and it makes a big difference — allowing us to focus on hands-on learning and real sailing once we’re on the water.
| Day 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 - 09:15 | Meet at picnic table, introductions, expectations, and class overview. | |
| 09:15 - 09:45 | Overview of sailboats, terms, and vocabulary. | |
| 09:45 - 10:15 | Safety demonstrations, briefings, and prepare boat for departure. | |
| 10:15 - 04:00 | Underway learning and practicing skills. Working lunch aboard while underway. | |
| 04:00 - 05:00 | Return to dock, practice docking, receive homework assignment. | |
| Day 2 | ||
| 09:00 - 09:15 | Meet at the boats, review homework. | |
| 09:15 - 10:30 | Written exam - 100 multiple choice questions. | |
| 10:30 - 11:15 | Knot School - learn to tie knots on the boat. | |
| 11:30 - 04:00 | Underway learning and practicing remaining skills. Working lunch aboard while underway. | |
| 04:00 - 05:00 | Return to dock, practice docking, update sailing resume, and receive certification. | |
Additional days may be scheduled by your instructor as needed to ensure skill proficiency, adjust for weather, or accommodate unforeseen circumstances.
Days 3 - 10
Your third through tenth day on the water is with our OS Community Sailing Events. Your first OS Community Sailing Event is included in your ASA 101 registration and provides you with additional time to practice your skills with other Alumni working through the OS Sailing Pathways. Each additional event is $25 per person per event.
OS Sailing Pathways Curriculum
ASA 101 is the foundational (Level I) class for all OS Sailing Pathways. Once you complete the knowledge / theory materials, written exam, and the required on the water training, we sign your logbook, and you receive the ASA 101 certification.
However, we require our students to complete an additional 20 hours of on the water practice as crew before they can start the on the water training for ASA 103. This can be through our community sail events, sailing with friends, other alumni, or your local yacht club on any sized vessel. This additional on the water time reinforces these fundamental skills to better prepare you for the next class.
Next Class After ASA 101