Intro to Sailing Course
Step aboard and discover the basics of sailing in this fun and accessible 4-hour Introduction to Sailing Course! Designed for beginners, this session offers a relaxed, hands-on introduction to core sailing skills and concepts inspired by ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1.
With guidance from a certified American Sailing instructor and licensed US Coast Guard captain, you’ll practice steering, trimming sails, and learn sailing terminology – all while enjoying time on the water aboard a 26′ keelboat. No experience needed – just bring your curiosity and get ready to sail!
After your lesson: While 4 hours is only the very first step in your sailing education, this course will cover a lot and act as the perfect stepping stone to the ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1 lesson, a 15-hour (+ 1-hour exam) course designed for students who have either never sailed, or have been on the water and are ready to learn more. It is the perfect next step towards becoming a competent sailor. Upon completion of ASA 101, students will be certified to crew on keelboats and ready for the next level of training – ASA 102 Keelboat Sailing 2 and ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising.
Price
$199
- Wind direction, points of sail, and sail trim
- Terminology and parts of the boat and sails
- Safety on the boat and on the water
- Rules of the road
- Various crew positions and maneuvers
- Driving the a sailboat under sail power
- The essential sailing knots
- 18+ years old
- No sailing experience necessary!
Course Size:
Minimum to run a lesson: 3 students/lesson
Maximum in each lesson: 4 students/lesson
Course Duration
4-hours
*Important: Please be punctual; the group will head out on the water approximately 15 minutes into the course. We cannot guarantee late arrivals will be accommodated. Please call if you are running late.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
These courses are popular events at Seattle Sailing Club. Please let us know if you would like to cancel as soon as possible.
- All cancellations/rescheduling requests must be sent directly to info@seattlesailing.com or by calling (206) 782-5100. Do not reply to any of your automatic event emails – we will not receive your cancellation.
- Cancellations and rescheduling are available up to 7 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations or rescheduling within 7 days of the event will result in a fee of 50% of the cost of the course.
- Refunds or transfers are not given to no-shows.
Q: How can I prepare for my course? Are there any course materials I need before attending?
- Review the relevant course material from your sailing lesson. Your confirmation email will contain a link to the course outline and further instructions to better prepare for your clinic.
- Student Release Form
In your confirmation email and reminder email, there is a link to complete your Release Form. This must be signed prior to the first day of your course. - Check the Weather & the Tides
The weather conditions on the Puget Sound can get chilly. Check the weather conditions before showing up for your clinic. Seattle Sailing Club uses NOAA Weather Forecast (scroll down to the bottom of the page to view Puget Sound & Hood Canal Forecast) as well as Wunderground Weather. The clinic will continue in rain or shine.
Q: What should I bring to my lesson?
Puget Sound conditions can be chilly, so check the forecast before your lesson. Come prepared for rain, wind, or sun, and bring extra clothes in the event you get wet. Keep in mind, it’s usually warmer on land than on the water.
Bring water, and snacks if you’d like. We suggest bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (no spray sunscreens please, as they damage the boats), and clothing appropriate for the conditions (wind breaker, waterproof jacket, warm layers and gloves for cooler temps, sun protection clothing for sunny days, etc).
