When winter begins to fade away, the warm spring weather invites you to feel the fresh breeze and enjoy a sailing adventure with friends and family. Better yet, why not learn how to sail and take charge of the helm yourself?
Each year, SailTime Annapolis is excited to take part in the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, where we have introduced around 500 newcomers to the world of sailing through our First Sail Workshop, in partnership with the American Sailing (ASA).
Aspiring sailors joined us for a fun and informative session, starting with a 45-minute classroom introduction to the basics of sailing, followed by a 90-minute on-water experience with SailTime and American Sailing instructors. If you missed the boat show or don’t live in the area, don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to dip your toes into sailing and experience the thrill of being out on the water.
Many sailing schools, including SailTime locations across the country, offer “Discover Sailing” sessions are a great way to begin to learn how to sail. These 2-3 hour experiences allow you to get out on the water with an experienced captain, where you can take the wheel or just relax and enjoy the ride.
Learn How to Sail This Spring!
If you’re looking for something more structured, ASA’s sailing courses are designed to help you develop your skills step by step, so you can confidently sail on your own. Start with Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA 101), typically on a boat around 22-27 feet, where you’ll learn the fundamentals. From there, you can progress to Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103), which builds on your skills as you take command of a larger boat (30-40 feet). Our award winning sailing schools will help you chart a course of learning, fun and adventure!
For those ready to take their sailing skills further, the Bareboat Cruising (ASA 104) course offers the chance to sail by day and stay aboard overnight, practicing provisioning the boat with everything you need for your adventure—just be mindful, 15 steaks might be a bit much for a group of four on a 3-day sail!
Looking for more of a sailing vacation? You can book a week-long ASA 101-104 course at one of our stunning vacation destinations—or even right in your own backyard. A learn how to sail vacation can be a life-changing experience!
Now, you might have noticed we skipped over ASA 101 pretty quickly and went straight to ASA 103. You’re probably wondering about that mysterious ASA 102 certification. Don’t worry—it’s not part of some hidden secret sailing society. In fact, there is an ASA 102 certification… It’s a basic follow up to 101 for people who might have let those skills lag a few years. But for most everybody, you will take 101 and then progress onto 103 and a larger boat that will help you learn more boat handling skills in the same season.
So, when choosing your sailing school, rest easy knowing you’re in the right place. ASA 101 prepares the beginning sailor to advance to big boat sailing which is the goal of most adults. But for others, 101 is the perfect prelude to skippering a small sailboat that one might own, rent, or use as a Member in our boat club. Either way, sailing, like anything good in life, requires practice and repetition in a variety of conditions that one will find on the water. Practice really does make perfect. Joining a boat club like SailTime will provide you with an affordable means to get on the water to practice those skills regularly.
Whether you go solo or with friends, it’s time to schedule the time to learn how to sail. Still have questions? Reach out to your local American Sailing school—our team is always happy to help. We all live, breathe and eat sailing!
