Standard course outline

American Sailing — ASA 101: Keelboat Sailing 1 (Basic Keelboat Sailing)

ASA 101 (Keelboat Sailing 1) is the American Sailing Association’s entry-level keelboat certification. The standard trains complete beginners to skipper a sloop‑rigged keelboat (approximately 20–27 ft) by day in light to moderate conditions (winds up to ~15 knots), covering basic terminology, points of sail, sail trim, helm commands, seamanship, navigation rules, safety procedures, docking, knots and essential on‑water maneuvers. Certification is awarded only after the candidate demonstrates required skills on the water and passes the written exam.

About this course

Awarding body: American Sailing (ASA).

ASA 101 – Keelboat Sailing 1 (Basic Keelboat Sailing) is the ASA’s foundational, standards‑based course for new sailors. The ASA 101 standards specify the knowledge, skills and practical on‑water manoeuvres a candidate must demonstrate to be certified to skipper a sloop‑rigged keelboat of roughly 20–27 feet by day in light to moderate conditions (up to about 15 knots). The standard lists required knowledge (boat parts, sail controls, points of sail, navigation rules, aids to navigation, safety gear and procedures), seamanship skills (dock/undock, setting and stowing sails, sail trim, tacking/jibing, man‑overboard recovery, knots) and the study materials used (Sailing Made Easy; USCG Navigation Rules & Regulations Handbook; federal boating requirements guidance). Prerequisites: none. Upon successful completion candidates receive an official ASA 101 certification, an instructor‑signed ASA logbook entry, an ASA 101 certification sticker and a 90‑day trial ASA membership. The ASA publishes a formal ASA 101 standards document and recommends pre‑study materials and online prep prior to on‑the‑water training.

What you learn

  • Skipper a sloop‑rigged keelboat (approx. 20–27 ft) by day in light to moderate winds (up to ~15 knots).
  • Identify and describe basic sailboat parts, sails, sail controls and running/standing rigging.
  • Explain and use points of sail and perform basic manoeuvres including tacking and jibing.
  • Demonstrate sail trim and use of common sail controls (halyards, outhaul, cunningham/downhaul, boom vang, mainsheet, jibsheets, traveler).
  • Demonstrate safe departure and return to dock or mooring under sail or power; secure vessel and stow sails and lines.
  • Apply navigation rules (USCG Navigation Rules) and identify aids to navigation appropriate to a 25‑ft recreational sailing vessel.
  • Demonstrate safety procedures including correct use of lifejackets/PFDs, man‑overboard recovery, and knowledge of required safety equipment and reporting requirements.
  • Tie and use common knots: figure‑8, reef (square) knot, clove hitch, round turn & two half hitches, cleat hitch, bowline.

Before you start

  • None

Equipment

Provided

  • Personal flotation device (PFD) typically provided by the instructor / school as noted on the ASA course page.

Bring yourself

  • Non‑marking shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Light or waterproof jacket
  • Water and lunch
  • Sailing gloves (optional but recommended)
  • ASA Logbook (if available)
  • Pen or pencil for written exam