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Official program catalog · Michigan
Choose your next horizon.
A complete guide to certification courses, continuing practice, advanced education and private sailing experiences from Lake St. Clair Sailing School.
Catalog at a glance
What programs does the school offer?
Lake St. Clair Sailing School offers American Sailing certification courses from beginner keelboat sailing through bareboat cruising, plus supervised practice, refresher opportunities, advanced online education, captain-license education and private sailing experiences.
01 · American Sailing pathway
From first lesson to confident cruising.
Every course combines preparation with practical instruction. Certification is earned by demonstrating the required knowledge and on-water skills—not by attendance alone.
Basic Keelboat Sailing
Build the foundation: sailing terminology, sail theory, safety, basic chart work, rules of the road, helm commands, tacking, jibing and man-overboard recovery.
Coastal Cruising
Move beyond the basics with auxiliary engines, boat systems, required equipment, anchoring, docking, weather, heavy-weather awareness, navigation and additional seamanship.
+103
ASA 101 & 103 Combination Class
Cover the Basic Keelboat Sailing and Coastal Cruising curricula in one concentrated program. Best for highly prepared students who can complete the required reading before class.
Bareboat Cruising
Prepare for multi-day cruising through voyage planning, provisioning, navigation, anchoring, docking, weather, emergencies, onboard systems and liveaboard experience.
| Program | Best for | Prerequisite | Published format | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASA 101 | Complete beginners | None | 2 days · 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | $545 |
| ASA 103 | Sailors building cruising skills | ASA 101 | 2 days · 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | $595 |
| ASA 101 + 103 | Well-prepared accelerated learners | Advance preparation | 2 days · 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | $1,100 |
| ASA 104 | Sailors preparing for multi-day cruising | ASA 101 + 103 | 3 days · overnight training | $1,250 |
Catalog note: Prices, schedules, minimum enrollment, course vessels and availability can change. Confirm the live booking page or contact the school before making plans.
02 · Skill refinement
Certification begins the habit. Practice builds the sailor.
Returning to the helm helps turn new knowledge into reliable technique, calm communication and better decision-making.
Friday Student Sailing Practice
A collaborative three-hour session for ASA 101 graduates or sailors with equivalent knowledge. Rotate positions, repeat maneuvers and apply instructor feedback in real time.
Refresher & review options
Returning sailors can rebuild confidence through a structured review. The published refresher option allows eligible sailors to rejoin a class at a 50% discount; ASA 111 offers another review and certification pathway.
03 · Advanced & specialized learning
Study the disciplines that extend your range.
Advanced online programs support sailors who want deeper knowledge of navigation, celestial methods, weather and radar.
Coastal Navigation
Near-shore navigation, chart work, position finding and voyage planning.
Celestial Navigation
Traditional offshore navigation using celestial bodies and observations.
Basic Celestial
A specialized endorsement for foundational celestial-navigation knowledge.
Marine Weather
Weather systems, forecasting tools and practical interpretation for mariners.
Radar Endorsement
Radar fundamentals, target interpretation and safer decision-making.
04 · Professional mariner education
Turn experience into a professional pathway.
Online United States Coast Guard (USCG) captain’s license education is available through the school’s education partner. Licensing also requires sea service, medical, identity and other federal qualifications beyond completing a course.
- OUPV / Six-Pack course and examFor eligible mariners seeking an operator credential.
- 25, 50 or 100-Ton Master course and examCredential level depends on qualifying sea service and vessel tonnage.
- OUPV-to-Master upgradeA progression option for mariners who meet the applicable requirements.
- Sailing and towing endorsementsSpecialized endorsements may be added when requirements are met.
05 · Sailing experiences & charters
You do not need to take a class to go sailing.
Choose a private Lake St. Clair experience, celebrate a meaningful occasion or ask for help finding a charter farther from home.
Sunset & day sailing
Relax with friends or family aboard a private sailboat, or participate under the captain’s direction when conditions allow.
Explore sunset sailing →Special occasions
Plan a moonrise sail, photoshoot, proposal, anniversary, birthday, graduation or family celebration on Lake St. Clair.
See proposal sailing →Worldwide yacht charters
Request help comparing sailboats and catamarans, departure marinas and charter styles in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and beyond.
Request charter assistance →Seasonal expeditions: Group trips and optional certifications may be offered in destinations such as the British Virgin Islands. Contact the school for the current itinerary, dates, price, cabin availability and certification fees before booking travel.
06 · Student experience
Prepared students get more from every hour aboard.
Past students consistently describe hands-on participation, clear instruction and safety-focused learning. Their advice is simple: read in advance, practice your knots and arrive ready to sail.
Clear, confident instruction—with preparation turning more class time into practical experience aboard.ASA 101 student
Safety-focused education, practical teaching and thoughtful flexibility around schedules and weather.Returning sailing student
Hands-on time at the helm, sails and lines helped a large learning curve become manageable.ASA 101 + 103 student
07 · Enrollment & preparation
Make your first day aboard count.
Book early enough to receive and study the required material. Weather, enrollment and instructor availability can affect on-water scheduling.
08 · Frequently asked questions
Questions before you choose a program.
Which course should a complete beginner take?
Most beginners should start with ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing. No previous sailing experience is required. The course builds a safer foundation before progressing to coastal cruising.
Can ASA 101 and ASA 103 be taken together?
Yes. The school offers an intensive two-day combination class. It moves quickly, so students should complete the required reading and arrive with the time and focus needed for two course standards.
Does paying for a class guarantee certification?
No. Students earn certification by meeting the applicable knowledge and practical-skill standards. Additional practice may be recommended before certification is issued.
Where does on-water instruction take place?
Classes depart from Lambrecht Marina at 31300 North River Road, Slip A3, Harrison Township, Michigan 48045, on Lake St. Clair near Metro Detroit.
Why should I book at least two weeks ahead?
Advance booking gives you time to receive and study the required course book and preparation material. Strong preparation allows more class time to be devoted to practical sailing.
Are prices and schedules guaranteed by this catalog?
No. This catalog summarizes the school’s published programs as reviewed on August 6, 2026. Live availability, weather, enrollment, pricing and course details may change; confirm before booking or traveling.
Can I book a sail without taking a certification course?
Yes. Private sunset, day and moonrise sails, along with special-occasion experiences, are available for guests who want to enjoy Lake St. Clair without enrolling in a course.
Your sailing journey can begin here.
Choose a course, return for practice, plan a private sail or ask the school to help you identify the right next step.
