The American Sailing Association’s curriculum of internationally recognized certifications was created to provide recreational sailors with uniform standards of training. We offer a series of courses that will take a complete beginner through the steps necessary to become a competent sailor. Each course offered is a prerequisite for the next. Students benefit immensely from the program of study designed and routinely modified by a worldwide network of sailing schools, professional yachtsmen, and charter companies. There is a combination of classroom presentation, on-water training, written and practical testing associated at each level of certification. Theory is taught shore side, practiced underway, then reinforced with testing on the water and in the classroom. It is our objective to teach students how to sail with confidence, as we advance methodically from one course to the next.
Class times are from 9:30am-5:30pm daily (with some exception for wind, weather, & tides). There will be an hour lunch break around noon daily. Students are encouraged to pack a lunch or venture next door to the restaurant on site. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, and feel free to bring your own snacks or refreshments. Come prepared to be outside the majority of the time; Sun, wind and rain protection are key. Don’t forget your camera!
The Basic Keelboat Sailing Class is designed to get the new sailor off on the right track. You will learn basic sailing through a proven combination of classroom and on-the-water instruction. There will be 16 hours of instruction over two days. Areas of instruction include sailing theory and extensive practice, terminology, sail trim, points of sail, rudder control & commands, rigging for sail, docking and undocking, basic seamanship, knots, crew coordination, safety skills including rules of the road, federal equipment, lights, crew overboard prevention and recovery techniques.
Our cruising class opens up a new sailing opportunity. You will be able to cruise safely in coastal waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary powered sailboat of 30- 35 feet in length. Classes include 16 hours of classroom and on-the-water instruction over two days. Areas of instruction include advanced sail trim; intermediate boat handling at buoys, docks and slips; anchors and anchoring; small craft warnings and heavy weather sailing; reefing; fog conditions; crew coordination; gasoline outboard and diesel inboard engine operation; fuels & refueling procedures; boat systems; operation of tiller and wheel; compass and chart reading; VHF operation; emergency procedures, flare usage and hypothermia treatment.
