ASA 101 – Basic Sailing Course

Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA 101)

Prerequisites: None

General Description: A certified student is able to sail a boat up to about 20 feet in length in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision. A preparatory standard with no auxiliary power or navigation skills required. Successful candidates earn a National Safe Boating Certificate approved by NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Sailing Knowledge

• Identify all basic parts of a sailboat and their functions.
• Define points of sail and terms used on a standard sailboat.
• Apply the International and Inland Navigation Rules for prevention of collision at sea in various situations and identify the sailboat or powerboat that is the “stand-on” and “give-way”boat.
• Describe the actions to be taken when sailing in the vicinity of commercial shipping and how to maintain proper look-out.

Sailing Skills

• Select and properly use a personal flotation device and clothing for various weather conditions.
• Hoist the basic sails, set appropriate luff tensions, coil and hang halyards and other lines.
• Without an instructor or direction, act as helmsman/skipper and crew on a sailboat using proper commands and responses while sailing under various wind directions. Sail a windward/leeward course while performing tacks and jibes, steer by the lee without jibing.
• Lower, fold and stow sails properly.
• Describe and demonstrate the actions to be taken by a helmsman/skipper when sailing from the time a person falls overboard without warning until the crew member is safely recovered. Also, describe how to get an exhausted person aboard.
• Secure a sailboat to a dock so as to ensure limited movement and set out fenders.
• Describe the function of and tie 6 basic sailor’s knots without assistance and within time limits.