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.
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 8 - 10 hours studying the materials and 1 - 2 hours for the written exam. On the water training sessions are 2 days, with most of each day on the water.
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 15 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.
Not Included In ASA Standard That We Teach
Since all our ASA 101 and 103 classes are taught on full sized cruising boats, you will learn to operate complex systems like the head, DC/AC power, an inboard diesel engine, a steering wheel, navigation instruments, and other systems found on charter and cruising boats.
Next Class After ASA 101