ASA 101 CERTIFICATION
BASIC KEELBOAT SAILING COURSE - ASA 101
Join us for our ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Course where you will master the essentials of sailing aboard one of our well-equipped day-sailors: 2010 Hunter 216, 2011 Hunter 22 or our Pearson Ensign 22.5. Each day-sailor features a tiller and outboard motor, providing an ideal platform for learning. This comprehensive sailing course covers the fundamentals, including but not limited to terminology, safety procedures, points of sail, tacking, jibing, man overboard recovery, and docking techniques.
No prior sailing experience is required, making this the perfect opportunity for beginners to gain confidence and skill on the water. Join us and discover the thrill of freedom of sailing in the beautiful waters of Saint Augustine, Florida.
SUMMARY
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20-27 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.
Our traditional ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Course is completed entirely onsite at St Augustine Sailing – 3074 Harbor Drive, Saint Augustine, Fl – on the water, on the docks, and in the classroom over 2 days. Our sailing classes include textbook, logbook, training, testing, and certification.
At St. Augustine Sailing, we offer ASA Sailing Combination Courses designed to save you both time and money while maximizing your learning experience. These courses bundle multiple ASA certifications, providing an efficient pathway to becoming a proficient sailor. Additionally, if you’re looking for an immersive liveaboard experience, we offer options to sleep aboard our well-equipped vessels. This unique opportunity allows you to practice your new skills in a real-world setting, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow sailors, and experience life on the water firsthand. With our combination courses, you’ll gain comprehensive sailing knowledge and hands-on experience, all while enjoying significant savings.
CALENDAR
WHAT'S NEXT
After you have successfully completed ASA 101 Basic Keelboat, which ASA Certifications should you take next?
SAILING KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS COVERED - ASA 101 KEELBOAT SAILING
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- Describe and identify the following sailboat parts and their functions: Hull, Deck, Transom, Keel, Mast, Boom, Gooseneck, Bow, Stern, Helm, Tiller, Wheel, Rudder, Cockpit, Cabin, Standing Rigging, Shroud, Spreader, Chainplate, Headstay, Forestay, Backstay, Stanchion, Lifeline, Pulpit, Winch, Cleat, Block, Fairlead, Fender, and Dockline.
- Identify and describe the functions of the following sails, sail parts and sail controls: Mainsail, Jib, Genoa, Head, Tack, Clew, Floot Luff, Leech, Downhaul, Cunningham, Batten, Batten Pocket, Bolt rope, Hank, running Rigging, Halyard, Mainsheet, Jibsheets, Boom Topping Lift, boom Vang, Telltale, Outhaul, Traveler, Shackle, and Roller Furler
- Define the following terms: Port, Starboard, Forward, Aft, Beam, Ahead, Astern, Abeam, Windward, Leeward, Draft, Freeboard, Heel, Weather Helm, Skipper, Helmsman, and Crew
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- Explain and identify using diagrams the following maneuvers, points of sail, and other terms: Head-to-Wind, No-Sail Zone, Closed Hauled, Close Reach, Broad Reach, Run, Sailing-by-the_lee, In Irons, Luffing, Port Tack, Starboard Tack, Tacking, Jibing, Stand-on, and Give-way.
- Identify and describe the functions of the following sails, sail parts and sail controls: Mainsail, Jib, Genoa, Head, Tack, Clew, Floot Luff, Leech, Downhaul, Cunningham, Batten, Batten Pocket, Bolt rope, Hank, running Rigging, Halyard, Mainsheet, Jibsheets, Boom Topping Lift, boom Vang, Telltale, Outhaul, Traveler, Shackle, and Roller Furler
- Define the following terms: Port, Starboard, Forward, Aft, Beam, Ahead, Astern, Abeam, Windward, Leeward, Draft, Freeboard, Heel, Weather Helm, Skipper, Helmsman, and Crew
Navigation Rules
For items 6 through 12, describe, using diagrams as appropriate, the applicable rules for a 25-foot recreational sailing vessel, as found in the USCG Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook. Identify the “stand-on” and “give-way” vessel in each situation.
- Look-out, Rule 5
- Sailing vessels with the wind on different sides (starboard/ port), Rule 12(a)(ii)
- Sailing vessels with the wind on same side (leeward/windward), Rule 12(a)(ii)
- Sailing vessel on port tack cannot determine windward sailing vessel’s tack, Rule 12(a)(iii)
- Overtaking, Rule 13
- Power-driven vessels approaching each other head-on, Rule 14
- Power-driven vessel with another power-driven vessel on starboard side, Rule 15
- Describe appropriate actions to be taken when sailing in the vicinity of commercial traffic, including responding t a danger signal.
Aids to Navigation
- Identify and state the purpose of lateral aids to navigation by color, shape & numbering, including preferred channel markers.
- Identify safe water, information and regulatory markers.
Safety Gear & Procedures
- List the federally required equipment for a recreational sailboat of 25-feet in length.
- Identify the location and color of navigation lights used by a recreational vessel of 25-fee in length.
- Describe the purpose of a Float Plan, give examples of information contained therein and to who it should be submitted.
- Describe when and to whom boating accidents must be reported.
- State the Federal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC limit for vessel operation.
Safety Equipment
- Demonstrate the proper use of a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
Sailing
A Certified Sailor has successfully demonstrated their ability to:
- Rig, hoist, set sails safely and correctly to obtain proper sail trim using the following lines and controls, if available on the practice vessel:
- Halyards and or furling devices
- Downhaul or Cunningham
- Outhaul
- Boom Vang
- Mainsheet
- Jibsheets
- Winches
- Traveler
- Lower / furl / stow sails and coil / flake / stow lines properly
Without coaching or assistance, verbalize appropriate commands and demonstrate competence, safety and good seamanship in the role of Skipper / Helmsman during the maneuvers listed below. Honor all aids to navigation and use properly the basic Navigation Rules. Ensure sails are trimmed correctly and the vessel is in control at all times.
- Depart dock or mooring fully ready to get underway safely
- Select and maintain a given tack and course
- Demonstrate how to get out of “irons”
- Head up
- Bear Away
- Sail Close Hauled
- Sail on a Close Reach
- Sail on a Beam Reach
- Sail on a Broad Reach
- Sail on a Run
- Tack
- Jibe
- As crew, give appropriate verbal responses and perform correct actions during the maneuvers listed above.
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- Describe and demonstrate the correct actions to be taken while under sail from the time a person falls overboard until safely recovered. .
Return & Secure
- Return to dock or mooring.
- Secure vessel, using appropriate mooring/dock lines, fenders, etc…
Knots
- Figure-8 Knot
- Square (Reef) Knot
- Clove Hitch
- Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches
- cleat Hitch
- Bowline
RECOMMENDATION
After successfully passing the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Course – Join our Crew Program to keep your sailing skill current – LEARN MORE
