ASA 101 & 103 Combination Class in Michigan | Learn to Sail
Two certifications • One accelerated course

Go from sailing basics to coastal cruising—faster.

Earn your ASA 101 Basic Keelboat and ASA 103 Coastal Cruising certifications in one focused, hands-on combination class on Lake St. Clair near Detroit, Michigan.

American Sailing certified instructors USCG-licensed captains Small-group instruction
2 CertificationsASA 101 and ASA 103
2 DaysAccelerated instruction
Real Boat TrainingLearn aboard a Catalina 30
Metro DetroitLake St. Clair, Michigan
Why choose the combination class?

Build a stronger sailing foundation in one focused experience.

You do not want to spend another season wondering whether you are ready. This intensive class connects the fundamentals of keelboat sailing with the practical knowledge needed for coastal cruising.

Instead of stopping after the basics, you continue into boat systems, navigation, weather, safety and cruising procedures—giving you a broader understanding of how to operate a sailboat confidently.

Accelerate your path through two American Sailing levels
Practice essential skills on the water—not only in a classroom
Prepare for more independent sailing and future cruising courses
Reserve Your Place
What you gain

More than two exam certificates.

The goal is to help you become a more knowledgeable, useful and confident sailor aboard a cruising sailboat.

01

Confidence at the helm

Practice steering, sail handling, maneuvers and crew communication with an instructor beside you.

02

Better safety decisions

Understand right-of-way rules, required equipment, emergency response and crew-overboard recovery.

03

Cruising knowledge

Learn about boat systems, auxiliary engines, weather, navigation, anchoring and operating procedures.

04

Recognized certifications

Meet the knowledge and practical standards for ASA 101 and ASA 103 certification.

05

A path to ASA 104

Complete the prerequisite certifications needed before advancing to Bareboat Cruising.

06

A community of sailors

Train locally on Lake St. Clair and connect with sailors in the Metro Detroit area.

Two courses working together

Start with control. Continue into cruising.

ASA 101

Basic Keelboat Sailing

  • Sailing terminology and boat parts
  • Sail theory, trim and points of sail
  • Tacking, jibing and basic maneuvers
  • Rules of the road
  • Safety and crew-overboard recovery
  • Docking, knots and seamanship basics
ASA 103

Coastal Cruising

  • Cruising boat systems and equipment
  • Auxiliary engines and troubleshooting
  • Weather observations and heavy weather
  • Basic coastal navigation
  • Anchoring and cruising procedures
  • Skipper and crew responsibilities
Your next chapter

Imagine what becomes possible.

With a stronger foundation, you can participate more confidently, continue training and pursue bigger sailing goals.

01

Crew confidently

Understand commands, anticipate maneuvers and contribute meaningfully aboard.

02

Sail more independently

Make better decisions about sails, course, weather and safety.

03

Advance to ASA 104

Prepare for the next step toward bareboat cruising certification.

04

Plan future adventures

Build the knowledge base for cruising on Lake St. Clair and beyond.

Is this class right for you?

An accelerated course rewards preparation.

This class may be a strong fit if you…

  • Already have some sailing knowledge or time aboard
  • Learn quickly and are prepared to study before class
  • Want to complete ASA 101 and ASA 103 efficiently
  • Plan to continue toward ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising
  • Are comfortable with an intensive two-day format

Separate courses may be better if you…

  • Have never been aboard or handled a sailboat
  • Prefer more time to practice each new maneuver
  • Want a slower pace between ASA levels
  • Need additional preparation before the written exams
Preparation bonus

Study support before your exams.

Our ASA 101 and ASA 103 study material helps you organize the knowledge covered in the Basic Keelboat and Coastal Cruising standards.

Students can prepare using a concise study guide plus a 62-question practice exam and answer key.

Topics include:

Boat partsSail controls True & apparent windPoints of sail COLREGSAids to navigation Navigation lightsUSCG safety equipment DockingKnots Basic navigationMarine weather AnchoringCrew overboard Cold shockHypothermia Fire & emergency responseRefueling procedures
Choose your class date

Book the ASA 101 + ASA 103 combo class.

Reserve your place online and take two important steps forward in your sailing education.

Two accelerated training days Two American Sailing certification standards Hands-on instruction on Lake St. Clair

If the listed dates do not work, email or call us about other weekday or weekend possibilities.

Book online now!
The live booking calendar will appear here when published in WordPress.
Frequently asked questions

Know before you book.

Still unsure whether the accelerated combination class is right for you? Contact us and we will help you choose.

Ask About the Combo Class

Students who successfully meet the written and practical standards can earn ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing and ASA 103 Coastal Cruising certifications.

The accelerated class is scheduled over two days, generally from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional time may be required depending on student preparation and skill development.

Some prior sailing knowledge or experience is recommended because the class moves quickly. Complete beginners may learn more comfortably by taking ASA 101 and ASA 103 separately.

The price includes ASA testing fees, new-student registration and the ASA logbook. Required ASA 101 and ASA 103 textbooks are purchased separately.

Training is based at Lambrecht Marina, 31300 North River Road, Harrison Township, Michigan 48045, on Lake St. Clair.

Contact Lake St. Clair Sailing School to ask about additional weekday or weekend options and possible alternative scheduling.

Your sailing goals are closer than they look

Make this the season you move forward.

Join the ASA 101 + ASA 103 combination class and build the knowledge, skills and confidence to take your sailing farther.

View Dates & Book Online
Book Combo Class
Lake St. Clair Sailing School · Harrison Township, Michigan · (586) 770-2518
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