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American Sailing Certified · Metro Detroit
Sailing classes in Michigan. Confidence for anywhere.
We offer sailing classes and lessons for every level of sailor, from beginner to advanced. Learn aboard a 30-foot keelboat on Lake St. Clair, build real skills on the water, and earn internationally recognized American Sailing certifications.
Your certification route
Compare Courses
Choose the course that matches your next horizon.
Start with ASA 101 if you are new to sailing, continue through coastal and bareboat cruising, or accelerate your progress with the ASA 101 and 103 combination class.
Beginner · No experience required
ASA 101
Basic Keelboat Sailing
Learn the fundamentals of sailing a 30-foot keelboat, including sail theory, terminology, safety, basic chart work, rules of the road, man-overboard drills, and more. All instruction is aboard the boat.
- No previous sailing experience required
- ASA new-student registration and testing fees included
- ASA logbook included
- Written exam required for certification
Course price does not include the $35 Sailing Made Easy textbook, plus shipping and handling.
Intermediate · ASA 101 required
ASA 103
Coastal Cruising
Learn the fundamentals of coastal cruising and operating an auxiliary sailing yacht during daylight hours. Topics include rules of the road, required equipment, engines, troubleshooting, weather, heavy-weather procedures, and basic navigation.
- Prerequisite: ASA 101
- ASA testing fee included
- Written exam required for certification
Course price does not include the $35 Coastal Cruising Made Easy textbook.
Accelerated Certification Path
101 + 103
Basic Keelboat + Coastal Cruising
Complete ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing and ASA 103 Coastal Cruising in one focused course. Build skills in sail theory, safety, chart work, rules of the road, man-overboard drills, engines, weather, navigation, and auxiliary yacht operation—all with practical instruction aboard the boat.
- Some sailing knowledge and skill are required
- Additional time may be needed
- ASA testing, new-student registration, and logbook included
- Written exams required
Course price does not include the $70 combined cost of Sailing Made Easy and Coastal Cruising Made Easy.
Advanced · ASA 101 and 103 required
ASA 104
Bareboat Cruising
Develop the cruising knowledge and practical skill to serve as skipper or crew aboard a 30–50-foot sailboat by day in coastal waters. Study boat systems, maintenance procedures, navigation theory, and multi-day voyage preparation.
- Prerequisites: ASA 101 and ASA 103
- ASA testing fee included
- Students plan and purchase food and beverages
- Students share the cost of provisions
ASA 104 is required for many bareboat charters in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. The Bareboat Cruising Made Easy textbook is not included.
Advanced · Catamaran Certification
ASA 114
Cruising Catamaran
Become a confident catamaran skipper aboard a new 41-foot Seawind 1260. Learn advanced sailing techniques in winds up to 30 knots while mastering provisioning, boat systems, navigation, docking, and emergency procedures.
- Prerequisites: ASA 101, ASA 103, and ASA 104
- Great Lakes catamaran training
- Group inquiries welcome for 3–6 students
Experience the space, performance, and distinctive handling of a modern cruising catamaran.
Plan your class
- 01Training classes are scheduled from May 1 through October 31.
- 02A minimum of 3 students is required to run a lesson.
- 03Most classes are limited to a maximum of 5 students.
- 04Additional weekday and private scheduling options are available.
Flexible Scheduling
Coming from out of town—or need a private date?
Contact Captain Rene for additional weekday scheduling options. If you are traveling to Metro Detroit, we can also help with overnight accommodations, including options close enough to walk to restaurants from the docks.
Course Questions
Your best course is the one that meets you where you are.
Start with ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing. No previous experience is required, and the course introduces the essential terminology, safety practices, sail handling, rules of the road, and practical skills you need aboard a keelboat.
Yes. ASA 101 instruction is conducted aboard the boat, and the certification path emphasizes practical sailing skills along with the knowledge required for each written exam.
Yes. The accelerated ASA 101 and ASA 103 combination class covers both certification standards in two focused days. Some sailing knowledge and skill are required, and additional time may be needed.
The regular training season runs from May 1 through October 31. Additional weekday and private scheduling may be available by contacting the school.
Your Next Adventure Starts Here
Learn to sail. Earn your certification. Sail with confidence.
Choose your course and reserve your place online, or contact us for help planning the right certification path.
