Standard course outline

ASA 102: Keelboat Sailing 2 (American Sailing / ASA)

An ASA intermediate keelboat course that builds on ASA 101 and focuses on advanced boat handling, sail trim and safety for sloop‑rigged keelboats ~20–30 ft in winds up to 20 knots. Completion is assessed against ASA 102 certification standards (skills demonstration and written exam).

About this course

ASA 102: Keelboat Sailing 2 is the American Sailing (ASA) instructional standard for an intermediate keelboat course. Building on the foundation of ASA 101, the course emphasises sail shape and power, advanced sail trim, boat balance and handling (tacking, jibing, heaving‑to, coming out of irons), winch use, pre‑departure inspection, man‑over‑board recovery (Figure‑8 and Quick Stop), and decision‑making about safety and vessel suitability. Certification is awarded only after successful demonstration of the written and on‑water standards laid out in the ASA 102 certification standard.

What you learn

  • Able to skipper and crew a sloop‑rigged keelboat approximately 20–30 ft by day in winds up to 20 knots, with intermediate sailboat handling, sail trim, boat balance, safety, and overall sailing performance. ([americansailing.com](https://americansailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Certification-ASA-102-Standards.pdf))
  • Describe and use terminology related to crew roles, true and apparent wind, lift/drag/stall, angle of attack, camber, draft, draft position and twist. ([americansailing.com](https://americansailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Certification-ASA-102-Standards.pdf))
  • Demonstrate safe and efficient use of a winch and winch handle, appropriate line handling and fender use, and pre‑departure boat inspection including locating required safety gear. ([americansailing.com](https://americansailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Certification-ASA-102-Standards.pdf))
  • Demonstrate man‑over‑board recovery (Figure‑8 and Quick Stop) at each crew position with proper communication and teamwork. ([americansailing.com](https://americansailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Certification-ASA-102-Standards.pdf))
  • Demonstrate boat handling skills: getting underway and returning to a dock in varied wind, getting underway from and picking up a mooring, proper tacking and jibing technique at each crew position, heaving‑to, coming out of irons, and sailing to and maintaining optimum sail trim for upwind, reaching and running. ([americansailing.com](https://americansailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Certification-ASA-102-Standards.pdf))
  • Understand and apply sail control effects (jib leads, halyard, mainsheet, traveler, outhaul, backstay/mast bend, luff tension, headstay sag) to adjust sail shape and power and to maximize performance or reduce power in heavy air. ([americansailing.com](https://americansailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Certification-ASA-102-Standards.pdf))
  • Make informed safety decisions for a day sail, including assessing weather, crew capabilities and vessel suitability. ([americansailing.com](https://americansailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Certification-ASA-102-Standards.pdf))

Before you start

  • ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat Sailing). ([americansailing.com](https://americansailing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Certification-ASA-102-Standards.pdf))