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ASA 101:
Basic Keelboat Sailing
Learning to sail seriously starts with ASA 101.
Learn to skipper a 20' - 27' sloop-rigged keelboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Get familiar with basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.
1 Evening Lecture + 2 Full Days
ASA 101 is a perfect place to start formal training for those with some sailing experience. If you've never sailed before, please consider our Learn to Sail BK1 class.
ASA 101 Course Description
In just two days, you’ll learn to skipper a 23’–26’ sloop-rigged keelboat in daylight hours, under light to moderate wind and sea conditions. ASA 101 is the first certification in the American Sailing Association program, and the perfect starting point for new sailors.
Through a combination of on-the-water practice and classroom instruction, you’ll build foundational sailing skills, including:
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Basic boat handling and sail trim
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Taking the helm and following skipper commands
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Understanding points of sail
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Identifying parts of the boat and how they function
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Navigating with the IALA-B lateral buoy system
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Seamanship and safety techniques, including quick stops and person-overboard recovery
Before the Course
Prerequisites:
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BK1 Class + Grad Sail
OR
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BK1 Challenge (consisting of written exam & knots demo) + free Grad Sail with enrollment in ASA 101
Prep:
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Before class, please purchase and study the ASA 101: Sailing Made Easy textbook, available at our office or through the ASA website in both ebook and print formats. Read the book thoroughly and complete the quizzes throughout. Familiarity with the key terms and concepts will help you follow onboard instruction, communicate effectively, and prepare you for the written exam at the end of the course.
Recommended:
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At least one half or full day practice sail
What's Included
ASA 101 Multiple Choice Test
After successfully demonstrating 100% of the required on-the-water skills, you’ll take a written exam, which requires a minimum score of 85% to pass.
If you do not pass either the on-the-water or written evaluations, you’ll be invited to repeat the necessary portions.
ASA Logbook
After passing both on the water and written skills tests your new ASA logbook is signed by your instructor. This logbook is your future passport to sailing adventures world-wide.
ASA Certification
Once you’ve passed the course, ASA will mail you a certification sticker to add to your logbook.
ASA Membership Trial
90 day free trial ASA membership (to be activated through the email-link received from ASA) can be continued for less than $50 per year with ASA after the trial period.
1 Free Practice Session
1 free practice session, joining the Group Sails that run Thursday and Sunday evenings. Sessions must be scheduled within 30 days of ASA 101 graduation.
Before taking ASA 103, we advise one to three practice outings.
Life Jacket and Safety Equipment
We can loan you a personal flotation device (PFD), also known as a lifejacket, along with other safety equipment. PFDs must be worn at all times when outside the cabin while the boat is underway. For your safety, put it on before the boat starts moving, especially when departing from or returning to the dock.
What to Expect
Schedule & Crew Information:
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Meeting Location: Afterguard Sailing Academy, 1285 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
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Course Duration: Three-day weekend course, with a lecture on Friday from 6pm to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday's class from 9:30am to 4:30pm is spend sailing on the water.
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Exam: The written exam takes place at the end of the second day of class. Students must demonstrate proficiency in hands-on skills before being permitted to sit for the written test.
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Crew Limit: Maximum of four students per boat with one instructor.
What Boats are Used:
Training typically takes place on one of our Ranger 23s. We have five in the fleet, all with outboard engines. Depending on the needs of the class, instruction may take place on a larger vessel, such as one of our two Cal 2-25s with inboard engines.
When You Complete this Course:
The ASA 101 international certification certifies the sailor is prepared for protected waters for vessels 25' and under on light to moderate winds and flat seas. Passing this course allows you to rent/charter the boats from our fleet for sailing in the Oakland Estuary.