Quick Details
People
Ages 18+
$ 695.50
Prices include all taxes and fees
ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing Certification Course in Alexandria, VA
Course dates will be announced at the end of January 2026. If you have prior sailing experience, and would like to challenge the course by demonstrating the certification standards on the water and passing the exam, please see our Challenge Course schedule to sign-up.
This foundational course sets the stage for mastering the art of sailing. You’ll learn the language of sailing and essential skills like hoisting sails, tacking, and navigating safely on the water, while gaining the confidence to take command of your own vessel. ASA 101 is more than just a class—it’s your first step toward a lifestyle of freedom and exploration. Embrace the wind, chart your course, and embark on the unforgettable journey that sailing offers!
Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat ranging from 20 to 27 feet in length, confidently navigating in daylight and in light to moderate conditions, with winds up to 15 knots. You’ll master the essentials of sailing—everything from basic terminology and sail trim to helm commands, seamanship, and the all-important rules of navigation to keep you clear of hazards. The course covers the fundamentals of safe sailing, with auxiliary power operation as an added bonus. It’s your ticket to a lifetime on the water.
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- Our vessels are equipped with one Type 1 PFD for each person on board, and a Type IV throwable floatation device. A Type I is bulky, but if you don’t have a PFD you will be provided this one to wear while both on the dock and on the vessel.
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- 2 hours online classroom instruction, followed by 2 days on the water
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What to expect?
First, a lot of fun with safety being paramount. The days out on the water in this course are filled with hands-on training, so please make sure you are well rested and hydrated. Vessels are always in motion, so if you get motion sickness you might want to consider taking over-the-counter motion sickness medicine. While out on the water throughout the day, if a Special Marine Warning is in effect, or a thunderstorm is imminent, we will need to tie up at the closet dock until the storm passes. -
What to bring
We recommend sunscreen, a wide brim hat with a lanyard or tether, polarized sunglasses with lanyard, water, snacks; and if you already have one your USCG approved Type I, II, or III PFD. We will dock at a nearby marina with restaurant options for lunch, but you are welcome to bring your lunch and enjoy it on shore or on the boat. Recommend wearing clothing appropriate for the weather, must wear closed toed shoes (preferably boat shoes), and sailing gloves because you will be handling lines, sheets, and halyards all day while your instructor “shows you the ropes.”
Disclaimers
What about cancellations due to weather?
We adhere to the American Sailing’s training standards for each specific course. ASA 101 is a beginners course and expected to be conducted in light to moderate conditions, with winds up to 15 knots (~17 mph). We will discuss the forecasted weather conditions during the online portion of the course, and the final call will be made by your instructor the morning of should we need to cancel. -
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.