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From your first step aboard
to thinking like
a skipper.
Learn the language, judgment and hands-on skills that turn curiosity into real confidence on the water—no previous sailing experience required.
What is
ASA 101?
ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1 is the foundational American Sailing course for people who want to understand and operate a sailboat—not simply ride along.
The goal is practical competence as skipper and crew aboard a sloop-rigged keelboat. You will connect the classroom ideas in Sailing Made Easy with the feel of the helm, the pressure in a sheet and the changing angle of the wind on Lake St. Clair.
See the official American Sailing standard →Six foundations.
One capable new sailor.
ASA 101 combines knowledge with repeated practice. The instructor can adjust the order to the wind, weather and learning needs of the crew.
Sailing language
Identify the boat, rigging and sails, then use the basic terms and helm commands that keep a crew working together.
Wind & sail trim
Recognize points of sail, steer a useful course and adjust the mainsail and jib as the wind angle changes.
Tacking & jibing
Practice turning the bow or stern through the wind with clear communication, control and safe crew movement.
Docking & line handling
Prepare the boat to leave and return, handle dock lines and fenders, and learn the role of auxiliary power.
Safety & recovery
Build good habits for personal safety, crew-overboard response, weather awareness and avoiding common hazards.
Rules & seamanship
Learn practical right-of-way rules, navigation basics, essential knots and responsible decision-making on the water.
Study first.
Then put it in motion.
Book at least two weeks ahead so you have time to read the required textbook and arrive ready to make the most of your two days aboard.
- BEFORE CLASS01
Prepare
Read Sailing Made Easy and review the detailed online course information sent after registration.
- AT THE DOCK02
Set up safely
Learn the boat, complete the pre-departure checks and practice clear roles, commands and line handling.
- ON THE LAKE03
Take the helm
Rotate through skipper and crew roles while practicing sail trim, points of sail, tacks, jibes and recovery procedures.
- TO CERTIFY04
Demonstrate
Show the required on-water skills and pass the written exam. More practice may be recommended when needed.
This is not a
dockside lecture.
All practical instruction is aboard the boat. You will see each maneuver, practice it with coaching, learn from your crewmates and repeat the important steps until the sequence makes sense.
Earned through
knowledge and skill.
ASA 101 is a competency standard. Attendance gives you instruction and practice; certification shows that you met the required standard.
After successful completion, a sailor should be able to skipper a 20- to 27-foot sloop-rigged keelboat in daylight, in light to moderate conditions and winds up to 15 knots.
- Demonstrate the required skills on the water
- Pass the written knowledge exam
- Receive additional-practice guidance if needed
- Build a foundation for ASA 103 and continued sailing
What to bring
for class.
Conditions can change during a full day on the lake. Pack simple, useful gear in a soft bag and confirm course-specific instructions after booking.
Secure footwear
Choose comfortable, nonmarking shoes with good grip and clothing that allows easy movement.
Dress for weather
Bring sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and a light or waterproof layer for changing lake conditions.
Food and water
Bring water and lunch in a compact soft-sided bag unless your booking instructions say otherwise.
Course materials
Bring your requested materials, ASA logbook if you have one, and a pen or pencil for the written exam.
Your classroom is
Lake St. Clair.
Train from Lambrecht Marina in Harrison Township, with direct access to a broad sailing area convenient to Macomb County, Oakland County and the Metro Detroit region.
Before your
first lesson.
Check the live booking page for current dates, price and availability. Call the school if you are unsure which certification level fits your experience.
Do I need sailing experience before ASA 101?
No. ASA 101 is designed as a starting point for complete beginners, and Lake St. Clair Sailing School lists no previous experience as a requirement.
How long is the ASA 101 course?
The Lake St. Clair Sailing School course is scheduled over two days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Weather and operational needs may affect the exact flow of instruction.
How much does ASA 101 cost?
The currently listed course price is $545. Check the live booking calendar for current availability and confirm what is included before completing your reservation.
Do I automatically earn the certification by attending?
No. Certification is earned by demonstrating the required skills on the water and passing the written exam. An instructor may recommend additional practice before certification when needed.
Should I study before the class?
Yes. Reading the official Sailing Made Easy textbook is required. Booking at least two weeks ahead gives you time to review the book and the detailed online course information sent after registration.
What can I do after earning ASA 101?
ASA 101 establishes the foundation for skippering a 20- to 27-foot sloop-rigged keelboat in daylight and light to moderate conditions. Many students continue to ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising.
Your first course.
A lifetime under sail.
Choose an available ASA 101 date and give yourself at least two weeks to prepare.
