ASA 101 Sailing Course
Picture this: crystal clear waters, salty sea breezes, and you at the helm of a sailboat. Sounds like a dream? Well, pinch yourself because that dream will become your reality with our American Sailing Association (ASA 101) Basic Keelboat Sailing course!
Beginner Sailing Courses
Our Sailing Courses for Beginners are for anyone who has little or no previous experience. Let us introduce you to the world of sailing during an unforgettable week with like-minded souls and plenty of exploration, and earn your first American Sailing Association certifications on a catamaran or a monohull: ASA 101 and ASA 103.
The best way to learn a new skill and open yourself up to a new world is in an environment that will make the learning fun and allow you to comfortably explore. If you are curious whether sailing is for you, find out during our sailing lessons for beginners.
*If you have some sailing experience, and it matches the ASA 101 skills, then check out our Intermediate Level sailing courses.
What is ASA 101?
ASA 101 is the foundation of sailing, teaching you the essential skills to confidently skipper a keelboat in light to moderate conditions. This includes:
Wind awareness & sail trim
Understand wind direction, points of sail, and how to adjust your sails.
Sailing terminology
Learn the parts of a sailboat and basic commands.
Tacking & jibing
Master turning techniques for smooth sailing.
Docking & maneuvering
Gain confidence handling a boat in a marina.
Crew overboard recovery
Learn the critical skills to handle emergencies at sea.
Basic navigation & safety
Read charts, assess conditions, and keep your crew safe.
Why Stop at ASA 101? We Take You Further!
Sailing Virgins doesn’t just offer ASA 101, we go beyond! Our Beginner Sailing Course combines ASA 101 & ASA 103, giving you the skills to not only sail but cruise confidently in coastal waters.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll master:
Identifying all the parts of a sailboat
Decoding wind direction and points of sail
Hoisting sails, trimming, and making smooth tacks and jibes
Mastering crew overboard recovery techniques (don’t worry, it's just practice!)
Docking at the marina
Reading wind, currents, and charts to plan your perfect sailing route
Essential safety skills to keep you and your crew safe
By the end of the course, you'll have the confidence to skipper a sailboat in coastal waters.
Expert Instruction on Modern Cruising Yachts
Our experienced instructors, trained in our very own Instructor Academy, will guide you every step of the way. From hoisting the sails to recovering a (simulated) man overboard, you'll gain the hands-on skills to sail.
And the best part? You'll be learning on modern, well-equipped cruising yachts hand-picked for their comfort and performance. We only offer the best for our students!
What's Included in Your Sailing Class?
When you sign up for a Beginners Course (ASA 101 & 103) with Sailing Virgins, you get:
Accommodations on a modern, well-equipped cruising yacht
Provisions for the duration of the course (only meals taken onshore are excluded)
ASA 101 and ASA 103 certifications upon successful completion
Who Is This Course For?
Complete beginners with no prior sailing experience
Aspiring sailors who want to become ASA-certified
Couples, families, and friends looking for a fun hobby
Ready to Learn Basic Keelboat Sailing?
Check out our upcoming ASA 101 & 103 courses and get ready to unleash your inner sailor.
FAQs About Our
ASA 101 Sailing Course
ㆍWhat can I do with my ASA 101 certification?
ASA 101 gives you the skills to sail a small keelboat in light to moderate conditions. It’s a great first step, but you’ll need higher-level certifications to charter a boat on your own. If your goal is to skipper a larger boat for multi-day trips, you’ll need at least ASA 104, which you can achieve during a second course with us.
ㆍIs the course safe for beginners?
Yes. Our experienced instructors are trained to create a supportive learning environment and teach you all the essential safety skills. Plus, you'll be learning about modern, well-maintained yachts with all the necessary safety gear.