Understand the boat
Learn sailing terms, rigging, knots and the points of sail so you can follow instructions and communicate clearly.
ASA 101 Keel Boat
$879.99 CAD
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ASA 101 · Keelboat Sailing 1
Learn to handle a keelboat, work with your crew and make safer decisions on the water. A practical starting point for new sailors.
- For beginners · Ages 18+
- Two-day course
- 12 hours on the water + 3–4 classroom hours
Choose your course dates
Select an available course date before continuing to checkout. Review the full course schedule when choosing your booking.
Squamish · Howe Sound
Build your sailing foundation.
Get familiar with the boat, then put the essentials into practice with your instructor.
Take an active role
Practise steering, basic sail trim, tacking and gybing as you work together to sail upwind and downwind.
Build safer habits
Cover seamanship, navigation rules and crew-overboard recovery as part of your practical learning.
Is ASA 101 right for you?
You can join with no previous sailing experience, or use the course to turn informal experience into a stronger foundation. This adult course is for ages 18 and over.
Two days to get involved.
The course combines 3–4 classroom hours with 12 hours of practical instruction on the water. Lessons run with 2–3 students; review the dates and times in your booking before checkout.
Earn the certification. Keep practising.
Certification depends on demonstrating the required practical skills and completing the written assessment. Attendance alone does not guarantee certification. Further practice may be recommended.
Read the official course standards ↗Plan your course.
Do I need any experience?
No previous sailing experience or ASA certification is required for ASA 101. Come ready to learn, participate and ask questions.
What should I bring?
For time on the water, plan for changing conditions: comfortable layers, a waterproof jacket, non-marking footwear, sun protection, drinking water and lunch. Ask us about any specific equipment or preparation before your course.
What about course materials and preparation?
Contact us before your course to confirm the required reading, materials and any costs beyond the listed course price. We can also answer questions about assessment and what to prepare in advance.
What if conditions affect the course?
We monitor conditions and will contact you if a session needs to change. If InFlow cancels, you can receive a full refund or discuss an alternative date.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
For participant cancellations, a full refund is available with at least 14 days’ notice. Rescheduling is available with at least 7 days’ notice, subject to availability. Contact us with your booking details to arrange a change.
Does this qualify me to charter a yacht?
ASA 101 and 102 develop keelboat skills. They do not guarantee charter access. Further training, experience and destination-specific credentials may be required. Confirm requirements directly with your intended charter operator.
Why we teach American Sailing
Clear learning standards, practical assessment and a pathway you can build on. Read how American Sailing fits the way we teach at InFlow.
Read the articleWhere to go after ASA 101
Once you have completed ASA 101, ASA 102 helps you refine handling and sail trim. Private coaching gives you focused practice at your own pace.
Explore ASA 102A question before you book?
Tell us about your experience, goals or anything you need to feel comfortable joining the course.