Students learn to sail a boat of about 30 feet in length in moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision. No prior experience is required to take this class.

Course Content:  Getting Underway, Boat Balance, Docking, Securing the Boat, Points of Sail, Tacking & Jibing, Sail Trim, Controlling Angle of Heel, Heaving to, Reefing, Crew Overboard Drill, Solo Checkout, & Written Exam.

This is a 2-day, hands-on course covering the basics of sailing and boat handling on a 30’+ sized sailboat. Max of 4 students per class.

Prerequisite: None

Students will learn the skills to perform as skipper and crew of a 30-45 foot boat by sailing in coastal waters. Upon completion students will be able to demonstrate the ability to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered keelboat.

This course will consist of more hands on experience with 101 course topics, and additional content includes: Boat Systems & Battery, Electrical Panel & Engine, Prop Walk & Docking, Rules of the Road, Sound Signals, Buoys, Lights, VHF, Cruising Tips, Navigation, Chart Problem, Safety Systems, Heavy Weather Sailing, & Written Exam.

This is a 2-day overnight course. Students will learn the fundamentals of large boat cruising in preparation for skippering on larger bodies of water. Max of 3 individual students or 2 couples per class.

Prerequisite: ASA 101 (test-out option for qualified sailors)

This course is structured along the lines of an actual charter: students will learn to pilot a sloop-rigged keelboat 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day cruise on inland or coastal waters.

Topics to be covered include provisioning, galley operations, boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, routine maintenance, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation including basic chart plotting & GPS operation, multiple-anchor mooring, docking, health & safety, emergency operations, weather interpretation, dinghy/tender operation, and how to work with charter companies when setting up your bareboat charter vacation.

This is a 2-night live-aboard course. Max of 3 individual students or 2 couples per class.

Prerequisites: ASA-101 and ASA-103

It often makes sense for students to combine two or more ASA certifications into one extended class. Additionally, we can save experienced sailors time and money by allowing moderately experienced sailors to test-out of a lower certification. Alternatively, for those with limited time away from work, you can earn multiple certifications into a shorter period.

ASA 103/104 is a 3-day, 2-night course covering the material of both ASA-103 Basic Coastal Cruising & ASA-104 Bareboat Charter.

The course is structured like a short charter vacation and is great for families or couples interested in chartering in the Caribbean. Max of 3 individual students or 2 couples per class.

Prerequisite: ASA 101

During this 4-day class, students will learn the theory and hands-on skills needed to safely navigate a vessel in near coastal or inland waters with a focus on real-world, practical navigation. Students move from dead reckoning to more advanced piloting incorporating currents, leeway, and GPS navigation. Students learn to use tide and current tables, light lists, Chart No. 1, Notice to Mariners, and other tools.

 Prerequisite: None

ASA 106 will teach students how to safely act as skipper and crew of a 30-50′ sailboat in near-coastal and inland waters in any wind & weather condition. Instructor and students sail across Lake Michigan, typically to Holland MI. Regularly a three day, two night, live-aboard course, staying on the boat two nights and closing-out at 5:00 p.m. on the last day. Max of 3 students or 2 couples per class.

Course content to include proper Selection of Sails, Local Weather in relation to thermal winds, “heaving to,” towing and using a dinghy, understanding boat limitations, emergency preparedness, nautical customs and courtesies, nighttime man-overboard drills, and a written exam.

Prerequisites: ASA 101, 103, 104, and 105

This 1-day course is designed to teach docking in high wind situations. It covers the basic theory and hands-on techniques needed to dock and undock boats in an efficient manner and without damage or injury.

After reviewing study materials earlier, students will spend an entire day on the boat practicing what they learn. Topics to be covered include forces that act on the boat, engine & rudder control, properly securing mooring lines, spring lines, safety, and crew responsibilities.

Prerequisite: None