Become a Confident, Independent Sailor

The Only 10-Day ASA 101 Training Pathway in Austin

Designed to take you from zero experience… to skipper-ready
Start Your Sailing Journey
In two days, you can learn the vocabulary.
In ten days, you can learn to sail confidently.
125+ 5-Star Reviews
 
Small Class Sizes
 
ASA Accredited
 

Most ASA 101 Classes Take 2 Days

We take 10 because that’s what it actually takes to sail confidently.
Most schools rush through ASA 101 in a weekend.
You walk away with a certificate… but not the confidence to take a boat out with your friends and family.
Outbound Sailing was built around a different belief:
If your dream is to truly skipper your own boat, you need real time on the water not a crash course.
That’s why we created the Inland/Lakes Skipper: ASA 101 Training Pathway - a 10-day, immersive training experience combining structured instruction and guided real-world practice.
No rushing. No shortcuts.
Just experience, repetition, and confidence.
And no these aren’t 10 days in a row. You’ll do your 2 core class days first, then join Community Sails on evenings or weekends whenever they fit your schedule.

Inland/Lakes Skipper: ASA 101 Training Pathway

10 Days | 48+ Hours | $900
Small groups. Big results. Real confidence.
You’ll get:
Two Days of Formal ASA 101 Instruction
Your complete ASA 101 course. Structured, small-group, and certification-focused.
Eight Instructor-Guided Community Sails
Hands-on, real-world practice sails (4–5 hours each) led by an instructor. Scheduled weekly by Outbound Sailing. Join any sessions that fit your calendar.
Total Training Time: ~48+ Hours
ASA 101 Certification Included
Pass your written exam on Day 2 and demonstrate on-the-water skills during your formal training days.
A Proven Path to Becoming a Confident Skipper
Everything in this program is designed to help you sail safely and independently.
Not 10 Days in a Row
You’ll do your 2 core class days first, then join Community Sails on evenings or weekends whenever they fit your schedule.
Reserve Your Spot

How It Works

Clear, simple, and built around your real life.
1. Choose Your Two ASA 101 Training Days at Checkout
During registration, you select the two-day ASA 101 training class that fits your schedule.
Your registration includes:
  • 2 full days of ASA 101 instruction
  • Your first Community Sail (a 4–5 hour practice session)
  • ASA certification fee
Total Due at Registration: $784
($725 program tuition + $59 ASA fee)
Pre-Class Prep (6–8 Hours)
Before class, you’ll complete:
  • Online learning modules
  • The ASA 101 Sailing Made Easy textbook
This ensures your on-the-water time is hands-on and active.
2. Join Your First Community Sail (Included)
After your ASA 101 course, you’ll attend your first Community Sail, included in your registration.
This session is your first practice day - a chance to apply what you learned in real conditions with an instructor on board.
3. Continue Your Training Pathway (7 More Sails at $25 Each)
To complete your 10-day training journey, you’ll continue joining Community Sails at your own pace.
Each additional Community Sail costs just $25, and you can join whenever you’re ready.
  • Community Sails run once per week
  • Each session is 4-5 hours
  • Instructor on board
  • Attend as often or as occasionally as you want
Most students participate every 2-6 weeks, progressing comfortably through their 10-day pathway.
Total Training Program Cost
$725 base + 7 Community Sails at $25 each = $900
4. Finish With Real Skill and Real Confidence
By the end, you’ll have over 48 hours of real on-the-water experience - far more than a weekend course - and the ability to take the helm on your own on inland lakes and waterways.
Reserve Your Spot

Why 10 Days? Because Confidence Takes Time.

In two days, you can learn vocabulary. In ten days, you can confidently:
  • Trim sails in variable wind conditions
  • Understand points of sail instinctively
  • Dock safely
  • Recover a crew overboard
  • Handle unexpected gusts
  • React calmly in real conditions
  • Work as an effective crew member
  • Take command when needed
Your Community Sails are where the magic happens.
Each one builds repetitions, instincts, and muscle memory - the things you cannot get in a 2-day course.
Most ASA 101 programs teach you the basics. Ours teaches you independence!

Transparent Pricing. Unmatched Value.

Most ASA 101 classes run for 2 days and cost $500–$600.
Outbound Sailing’s Inland/Lakes Skipper Pathway includes 10 days of training for $900.
Here’s what that actually means:
Cost Comparison
  • Typical ASA 101: $550 for 16 hours → ≈ $34/hour
  • Outbound Sailing: $900 for 48+ hours → ≈ $19/hour
It does cost more than a weekend class, but with over 48 hours of training, the cost per hour is actually less.
And more importantly:
  • The outcome is not even comparable.
  • Most schools teach you the basics.
  • We teach you to sail confidently on your own.

What You'll Learn

Sailing Fundamentals

  • Points of sail
  • Tacking, jibing, & heaving-to
  • Sail trim for power & control
  • Helming in light & moderate wind

Boat Handling

  • Departing & returning to the dock
  • Crew communication & roles
  • COB recovery
  • Electrical systems

Seamanship & Safety

  • Terminology
  • Knots & line handling
  • Stand-on & give-way rules
  • Mindset, leadership, & safety

Navigation & Situational Awareness

  • Reading wind & conditions
  • Lake-specific hazards
  • Basic chart awareness
  • Real-world decision-making
This is not a cram session. It’s real training.
Become a Skipper

Join a Community of Sailors

Because learning to sail is just the beginning.
When you train with Outbound Sailing, you’re not just taking a class you’re joining a welcoming community of people who love being on the water.
Sailing is a skill you develop over time, and our community is built to help you grow safely, confidently, and alongside others who share your passion.
You’ll train and sail on our fleet of full size cruising sailboats - built for comfort, stability, and hands-on learning.
Stay involved. Keep learning. Sail with others.
After your first two days of training, you’ll be welcomed into our active sailing community, with opportunities to:
  • Join weekly Community Sails
  • Meet other local sailors
  • Practice your skills in a supportive environment
  • Stay connected to the water year-round
  • Join OS Alumni Flotillas and special events
Outbound Sailing isn’t just a school. It’s a place to grow as a sailor, long after your first class is done.

Why Outbound Sailing Is Different

  Outbound Sailing Typical ASA School
Program Price $900 $450-$600+
Total Training Time 48+ hours 12–16 hours
Cost Per Hour ≈$19/hour ~$30-$45+/hour
Class Size 2–3 students 4–6
Community Practice Sails 8 included None
Pathway to Independence Yes Limited
Access to Full Sized Training Boats Yes No
Confidence to Skipper High Low–Medium
Choose the Smarter Way to Learn

Why Students Choose Outbound Sailing

  • Highest-rated sailing school in Austin
  • Personalized coaching
  • Real-world, hands-on training
  • Community-centered learning
  • Flexible scheduling
  • A culture of encouragement, not pressure
  • A proven pathway to skippering your own boat
At Outbound Sailing, we don’t rush you through a certification. We help you become the kind of sailor people trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t you offer ASA 101 as a 2-day weekend course like other schools?
Because two days is enough to teach terminology but not enough to build confidence. Our 10-day program gives you the real time on the water you need to actually feel ready to sail on your own, not just pass a test.
Is this 10 days in a row?
No. Only your first two training days are consecutive. The remaining training happens during weekly Community Sails you join over time.
Do I need any experience?
No. The Inland/Lakes Skipper Pathway is designed for complete beginners.
Can I start with the 10-day program instead of Intro to Sailing?
Yes. Most students go straight into the pathway.
How long does the pathway take?
Most students complete the 10 days over 3-10 months, depending on their schedule.
Is the ASA 101 certification included?
Yes. You will take the ASA 101 exam on the second day of your class and earn your ASA 101 certification.
What if I’m not confident after the 10 days?
You can continue attending Community Sails until you are confident.
Is this really enough to skipper on my own?
Yes. Once you complete the program and log your 10 days as skipper, you’ll have the skills and confidence needed for inland/lake sailing.

Ready to Start Your Sailing Journey?

Join the most comprehensive, confidence-building ASA 101 program in Austin.
Inland/Lakes Skipper: ASA 101 Training Pathway
10 Days |48+ Hours | $900
Reserve Your Spot →
Still unsure? Try our 3-Hour Intro to Sailing Experience

Have questions or just want to talk sailing?

I’d love to hear about your sailing goals and help you figure out the best next step — even if that means suggesting a different program or school.
Call or text me anytime — I’m always happy to help.
Jason Burns
Instructor | General Manager
(512) 222-7245

Class Schedules

The calendar shows when each class is offered and the number of spaces currently available. Tap on a class to register. Classes grayed out are full.
ASA 101 / 103 classes run from 9a - 5p and limited to a maximum of 3 students. A minimum of 2 students required to form a class.
Please contact us with questions or specific scheduling needs.

What Other Sailors Have To Say

Read Over 100 5-Star Reviews From Google, Yelp, and Facebook

Perfect Birthday Gift & Amazing Sailing Experience! My partner surprised me with an intro to sailing class with Outbound Sailing for my birthday, and it was an incredible experience! Jason was an excellent instructor — knowledgeable, patient, and made learning fun and easy. The class was the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. I left feeling confident and inspired to continue sailing. Highly recommend Outbound Sailing to anyone looking for a unique gift idea or unforgettable day on the water!

Dean Blanchard 10/23/25 via Google Reviews

Fantastic experience, and great learning environment. Jason is both thorough and able to make it fun, knows when to intervene and when to let you figure it out on your own, and you always feel like he is going to let you learn but in extremis he is always this calm presence there to keep you from wrecking the boat (my private fear)! I would highly recommend but would also recommend doing your work and studying what Jason tells you to study before showing up at the dock. Biggest unexpected plus is the cool people you will meet in your class. What a great time.

George Schools 10/10/25 via Google Reviews

Jason is a great teacher. Very good environment for learning with support, but also gives you enough rope to make mistakes & learn which really helps reinforce lessons.

Chris LeBlanc 09/28/25 via Google Reviews
Read All Our Reviews
Outbound Sailing

About Us

For over 15 years, we have been an ASA-certified sailing school in Austin, TX, committed to delivering high-quality sailing education. Our classes offer both foundational and advanced skills for all levels of sailing enthusiasts.
We emphasize the importance of continued on-the-water practice after certification. To support this, we provide a variety of sailing programs, including community sailing events, adventure learning vacations, and alumni flotillas. These programs are designed to create a safe and fun environment where students and alumni can enhance their skills, gain experience, and build confidence on the water.
To learn more about the dedicated team behind our exceptional sailing programs, please visit our Meet the Team page.
American Sailing (ASA)

About American Sailing

American Sailing (ASA) has been in operation for more than 40 years. With over 400 sailing schools worldwide and more than half a million certified students, it is the largest and most widely recognized sailing certification body in the world.
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