ASA 101 is a 2-day course running from 9:30am–4:30pm. Each day begins with about an hour of classroom time to introduce or review core concepts, followed by on-the-water instruction aboard our 36’ sailboat. Students rotate between skipper and crew while learning sailing terminology, boat parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship, and essential safety—including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards. The course also includes access to a free Intro to Sailing online video. By the end of the second day, you'll be confidently steering a 36’ sailboat under power and sail and fully prepared for the ASA 101 certification exam.

Students may also add an optional Intro to Sailing session during checkout. This half-day course (12:30–4:30pm) takes place the afternoon before ASA 101 and offers extra hands-on practice with knots, terminology, and basic boat handling—ideal for those wanting extra time with the basics or anyone looking for a more relaxed start.

INCLUDES:

- Official Textbook: Sailing Made Easy, the primary beginner’s guide.

- ASA Logbook: Used to track your certifications and sailing hours.

- Certification Fees: Processing of your ASA 101 certification upon successful completion.

- Online Prep: Access to an introductory "Intro to Sailing" online course to learn terminology before arriving.

- Self-inflating lifejacket (PFD): available for you to use during the course.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

- Lunch & Hydration: Students are responsible for their own midday meals. You are welcome to bring a sack lunch to enjoy at the marina or dine at one of the local cafes and restaurants within walking distance or short drive. Fresh drinking water is provided on-site; please bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layers, including a windbreaker or lightweight rain jacket, as conditions on the water can change rapidly.

- State Boating Licenses: Virginia requires a separate Boating Safety Education Certificate, which is available through their online portal.

- Re-testing Fees: If you do not pass the written or practical exam on your first attempt (80% required to pass), we may charge a nominal fee for a retake or additional private instruction time.

- Become a Certified Skipper: Gain an internationally recognized certification from American Sailing that allows you to rent or charter sailboats (20'–27') worldwide in light-to-moderate conditions.

- Master "The Physics of Wind": Learn the art of "Points of Sail"—the ability to look at the water and wind to intuitively know exactly how to trim your sails for maximum speed and efficiency.

- Hands-On "Helm Time": This isn't just a lecture; you’ll spend the majority of the course with your hands on the wheel and lines, taking full command of the vessel under the guidance of a certified instructor.

- Safety & Rescue Mastery: Build immense confidence by mastering the "Crew Overboard" (COB) recovery maneuver, ensuring you can react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

- The Sailor’s Toolkit: Develop "salty" practical skills, including the six essential nautical knots (like the Bowline and Clove Hitch) and the ability to "Heave-To" to stop the boat in open water for a break or reefing.

- Rules of the Road: Master the "Colregs" (Navigation Rules), giving you the knowledge to navigate busy waterways safely and understand exactly who has the right of way in any encounter.

- Docking with Confidence: Overcome the most stressful part of sailing by practicing controlled departures and arrivals under both sail and power.

Galene is a classic 36-foot fiberglass monohull from the late-1960s, thoughtfully updated with modern sailing systems while retaining her timeless character. She is wheel-steered (not a tiller), equipped with an inboard engine for smooth departures from the dock to open water, and features a mix of traditional and self-tailing winches plus a roller-furling jib—making her an ideal platform for hands-on sailing instruction.

Check-in details

We meet in the Tides Inn main lobby at the start of your class. You may park in the resort’s main parking lot. Your instructor will meet you in the lobby.

What to bring

- Non-Marking Deck Shoes: Closed-toe shoes with white or light-colored rubber soles to prevent slipping and protect the boat's deck. Avoid flip-flops or black-soled sneakers.

- Quick-Dry Layers: We recommend synthetic fabrics (polyester/nylon) rather than cotton, which stays cold and heavy when wet.

- Windbreaker or Rain Jacket: Essential for protection against spray and wind chill, even on sunny days.

- Sailing Gloves: Highly recommended to prevent blisters and rope burns during repetitive tacking and jibing drills.

- Polarized Sunglasses: Crucial for cutting glare on the water to see navigation marks and wind shifts.

- Hat or Visor: We recommend a clip or chin strap to keep it secure in high winds.

- Sunscreen: High-SPF, waterproof formula. Note: we discourage "spray-on" sunscreen as it makes the deck dangerously slippery- you will be asked to apply spray-on sunscreen on the dock only.

- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated; we recommend an insulated bottle to keep water cool all day.

- Course Materials: Bring your Sailing Made Easy textbook.

Special requirements

Participants should be comfortable in a marine environment and willing to participate actively.

Extras

Optional: "Pre-Course" Intro Session (Friday Afternoon) $250

Designed to reduce "first-day jitters" and cover basic boat orientation.

Certification & Prerequisites

Do I need prior experience?

No. ASA 101 is designed for absolute beginners. You will have access to an online "Intro to Sailing" tutorial before your first day to help you learn key terms.

Does this certification expire?

No, ASA certifications are for life.

Is this the same as a state boating license?

Not exactly. While ASA 101 is a sailing certification, many students also earn a Virginia Boater License or a National Safe Boating Certificate, which meets most state requirements for a boating license.

Testing & Success

What happens if I don’t pass?

If you do not pass the written exam (which requires an 80% score) or the practical assessment, we allow you to retake the test at a later date. We may offer discounted private lessons to help you master specific skills.

Can I "test out" if I already know how to sail?

Yes. Experienced sailors can "challenge" the course by taking the written and practical exams without attending the full class. Please reach out if you would like to test out of a certification.

Logistics & Safety

What if the weather is bad?

Safety is the priority. If winds exceed 15–20 knots or a Small Craft Advisory is issued, on-the-water sessions may be rescheduled or moved to the classroom.

Can I bring a guest?

Generally, no. To maintain safe student-to-instructor ratios (no more than 4:1), only registered students are allowed on the vessel during instruction.

Courses canceled due to named storms or otherwise extreme weather will be rescheduled or fully refunded. We offer free cancellation within 48 hours of booking. After that period, cancellations for any reason will forfeit a 50% deposit.