ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards. Auxiliary power operation is not required.
|Recommendations||To start your journey, take the Online Sailing Course entitled “Your First Sail”. In this fun and interactive course you will learn sailboat basics, including sailing terminology, commands used at the helm, and how the sails move the boat forward.|
|Upon Completion||You will receive the official ASA Logbook signed by your instructor, an ASA 101 Certification Sticker, and a one-year ASA Membership.|
Basic Sailing Terminology
- Helm / Tiller /Wheel
- Standing Rigging
- Headstay / Forestay
- Jib / Genoa
- Downhaul / Cunningham
- Batten Pocket
- Bolt Rope
- Running Rigging
- Boom Topping Lift
- Boom Vang
- Roller Furler
- Weather helm
Maneuvers & Points of Sail
- No-Sail Zone
- Closed Hauled
- Close Reach
- Beam Reach
- Broad Reach
- In Irons
- Port Tack
- Starboard Tack
- “Heading Up”
- “Bearing Away”
- “Ready About” —– “Ready” —– “Helms a-Lee” (or “Coming About” or “Tacking”)
- “Prepare to Jibe” —– “Ready” —– “Jibe-Ho” (or “Jibing”)
13. Describe appropriate actions to be taken when sailing in the vicinity of commercial traffic, including responding to a danger signal.
Aids to Navigation
14. Identify and state the purpose of lateral aids to navigation by color, shape & numbering, including preferred channel markers.
Safety Gear & Procedures
17. Identify the location and color of navigation lights used by a recreational vessel of 25-feet in length.
18. Describe the purpose of a Float Plan, give examples of information contained therein and to whom it should be submitted.
A Certified Sailor has successfully demonstrated his or her ability to:
Rig/hoist/set sails safely and correctly to obtain proper sail trim using the following lines and controls, if available on the practice vessel
Without coaching or assistance, verbalize appropriate commands and demonstrate competence, safety and good seamanship in the role of Skipper / Helmsman during the maneuvers listed in elements 31 – 42. Honor all aids to navigation and use properly the basic Navigation Rules. Ensure sails are trimmed correctly and the vessel is in control at all times.