Certification
ASA certified sailing school
All ASA sailing certifications offered by Sailing Virgins.
Beginner Course7 Days • From $3,790
ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing
From landlubber to sailor in one unforgettable week. No experience required — just bring your sense of adventure.
Start Your Sailing JourneyFrom $3,790 per person
5.0 / 217 Reviews
ASA Certified
4-6 Students Max
6 Destinations
Duration: 7 Days
Available: Year Round
98% pass rate — we make sailors out of anyoneTwo certifications in one week (ASA 101 + 102)Learn on modern 40-50ft yachts, not tiny dinghies#1 rated sailing school on TripAdvisor
Picture this: crystal clear waters, a gentle trade wind filling the sails, and you — yes, you — confidently steering a 40-foot yacht toward a secluded bay. That's not a dream. That's your first week with Sailing Virgins.
The ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing certification is the foundation of your sailing education. Developed by the American Sailing Association (ASA), this globally recognized certification teaches you to confidently skipper a keelboat up to 25 feet in light to moderate winds during daytime. But with Sailing Virgins, you'll learn on full-size cruising yachts in paradise — because why learn on a lake when you can learn in the Caribbean?
82% of our students arrive solo. By Day 2, they're family. By Day 7, they're sailors. Many tell us it was the most transformational week of their lives.
What You'll Master in ASA 101
Wind Awareness & Sail Trim
Understand wind direction, points of sail, and how to adjust your sails for optimal performance. Feel the wind and respond instinctively.
Sailing Terminology
Learn the language of the sea — port, starboard, halyard, sheet, boom, tack, jibe. Speak like a sailor by Day 2.
Tacking & Jibing
Master the art of turning through the wind. Smooth, confident maneuvers that keep your crew safe and your sails full.
Docking & Maneuvering
Gain confidence handling a boat in tight spaces. Approach a dock, secure your lines, and look like a pro.
Crew Overboard Recovery
Learn the critical skills to handle emergencies at sea. The Figure-8 method, quick-stop technique, and calm under pressure.
Basic Navigation & Safety
Read charts, assess conditions, understand right-of-way rules, and keep your crew safe in any situation.
Ready to Start Your ASA 101 Adventure?
Join thousands of students who have transformed their lives through sailing.
Courses year-round
6 destinations
ASA certified
Starting from $3,790 • Accommodations & meals included
Your ASA 101 Journey
Here's what a week of transformation looks like, day by day. Click to explore each day's adventure.
Morning
Arrive at the marina, meet your crew and instructor, settle into your cabin
Afternoon
Safety briefing, boat orientation, parts of the sailboat, first sail to anchorage
Evening
Crew dinner ashore, get to know your sailing family
Skills:Boat orientationSafety equipmentBasic terminologyKnot tying (figure-8)
See ASA 101 in Action
Hear from real students about their transformational journey from nervous beginners to confident sailors.
Sailing Virgins Students Tell Their Story
Tripadvisor Reviews
What Our Students Say
5.0
(217+ reviews)
Came for the Virgins, stayed for the Sailing
Sailing Virgins is a great company that is well organized and has great values that match their clients. They keep a fun and positive attitude at all times and focus on the adventure and experience, not just the learning! Have been on trips with them twice and each time has been a blast!
E
Eric P
Mar 2025 • Solo
Young, Fun, Educational
Sailing Virgins! The best way to get into sailing or train to become a skipper. The concept is to bring sailing closer to younger people, which is quite different from what's mostly the case. SV offers an effective methodology to train their students. The training is practice-oriented and aims to encourage people to become self-sufficient.
S
Stef
Nov 2024 • Solo
An awesome week of adventure and instruction
A great week learning how to sail a monohull with instructor Finn in one of the most renowned sailing spots in the world. The mixture of adventure and instruction was perfect, and I came away from the week with more confidence on the water.
C
Clara S
Jan 2025 • Solo
Outstanding!!
Outstanding. Perfect combination between learning and fun. Finn, the instructor was excellent. He made sure that each one of us had a chance to practice not only sailing itself but also things like mooring and docking. Definitely recommend!
J
Javier S
Jan 2025 • Solo
Meet Your Captains
Our instructors aren't just certified — they're seasoned sailors who have logged thousands of miles and trained hundreds of students.
What's Included in Your Course
Included in Your Fee
- Accommodations on a modern, well-equipped cruising yacht
- All onboard meals and provisions
- ASA 101 certification exam and processing fees
- ASA 102 certification (bundled course)
- Expert instruction from certified captains
- Snorkeling gear and water toys
- Fuel and marina fees
- Sailing Virgins Alumni network access
- Course materials and digital logbook
Plan for Separately
- Flights and transportation to/from the destination
- Dinners eaten onshore at restaurants
- Personal travel insurance (required)
- Alcoholic beverages purchased ashore
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Budget Tip
Most students budget an additional $300-500 for shore meals, drinks, and personal expenses. Flights vary by destination and origin.
The True Value of Your Investment
~$1,500
7 Nights Yacht Accommodation
~$800
ASA Certifications & Exams
~$1,000
Professional Instruction
Priceless
Skills, Friends, Memories
Your Price
From $3,790
per person, all-inclusive
Is ASA 101 Right for You?
We want to make sure this course is a perfect fit. Here's who thrives in our programs — and who might prefer something different.
This Course is Perfect If You...
- Complete beginners with zero sailing experience
- Adventurous souls looking to learn a new life skill
- Solo travelers seeking connection and community
- Couples wanting a unique shared experience
- Anyone who has dreamed of sailing but never knew where to start
- Career changers exploring alternative lifestyles
- Those seeking a break from desk jobs and screens
This Might Not Be for You If...
- Those expecting a 5-star hotel experience
- People who prefer solo activities over teamwork
- Anyone looking for a silent retreat or spa vacation
- Those uncomfortable with basic physical activity
Looking for something different? We offer private charters for groups who want a customized experience, or can recommend other options if our courses aren't the right fit.
Real Talk
We Get It. Booking Can Feel Scary.
Every week, students arrive with the same worries. Here's the honest truth about what to expect.
The Solo Traveler Manifesto
Here's a secret: most people who book with us are solo travelers. They come alone but leave with lifelong friends. Living on a boat for a week creates bonds that typical vacations never could.
By day two, you'll forget you arrived alone. You'll be laughing over breakfast, cheering each other on during sail training, and sharing stories under the stars. Our small crew size (4-6 students) means everyone connects.
Many of our students have traveled the world solo—but they say a Sailing Virgins trip is where they've made their deepest friendships. There's something about the sea that strips away pretense.
82%
arrive solo
94%
stay in touch with crew
67%
have sailed together again
“I was terrified to show up alone. By day three, I was planning our reunion trip.”
— Sarah K., ASA 101 Graduate
Still have questions? We're happy to chat. Email us anytime.
ASA Certified School
5.0 / 217 Reviews
Flexible Booking
Why Choose Sailing Virgins?
See how we compare to traditional sailing schools and online-only courses.
| Feature | Sailing Virgins | Traditional School | Online Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Environment | Paradise locations (BVI, Croatia, Tahiti) | Local lakes or bays | Your living room |
| Boat Type | Modern 40-50ft cruising yachts | Small dinghies or day sailors | N/A - Theory only |
| Social Experience | Live-aboard with 4-6 crew, friendships for life | Day classes, minimal bonding | Solo learning |
| Certifications | ASA 101 + 102 in one week | Usually one level at a time | Theory knowledge only |
| Instructor Ratio | 1 instructor per 4-6 students | Varies widely | Self-paced |
| Vibe | Adventure + Education + Community | Education focused | Convenience focused |
ASA vs RYA vs NauticEd
Which certification system is right for you? Here's how they compare.
| Feature | ASA | RYA | NauticEd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Recognition | USA, Caribbean, Global Charter | UK, Europe, Commonwealth | Online Learning + Practical |
| Teaching Style | Modular (101→103→104) | Integrated / Holistic | Self-Paced Online + In-Person |
| Assessment | Written + Practical Skills | Continuous Assessment | Online Tests + Practical |
| Charter Recognition | Globally Accepted | Globally Accepted | Varies by Location |
| Best For | Recreational Cruising | Professional Skippering | Flexible Learners |
Sailing Virgins offers ASA certifications, recognized globally for recreational cruising and chartering.
Your Sailing Certification Journey
See where Basic Keelboat fits in your path to becoming a confident captain.
Ready for the Next Level?
Great news — our Beginner Course bundles ASA 101 with ASA 102! You'll graduate with performance sailing skills. Ready for more? Our Intermediate Course (ASA 103 + 104) unlocks bareboat chartering worldwide.
Continue Your JourneyFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ASA 101
ASA 101 certifies you to skipper a keelboat up to 25 feet in light to moderate winds during daytime. It's the perfect foundation for recreational sailing and the gateway to higher certifications. With ASA 101, you can rent small sailboats, join racing crews, and have the confidence to sail with friends.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
View all FAQsWhere You Can Take ASA 101
Life on an ASA 101 Course
Your ASA 101 Journey Awaits
Don't let another year slip by wondering “what if.”
Take the helm of your sailing story today.
Questions? Email us at [email protected]