ASA 101: Keelboat 1
Beginner Sailing Class
To sign up, click “Book Now,” select your location and time, and complete the registration form.
Beginner Sailing Lessons
Learn to confidently skipper a 20'–27' tiller-steered keelboat in light to moderate winds with ASA 101. This beginner-level sailing course introduces the fundamental techniques, safety procedures, and terminology essential for new sailors. It's the perfect first step for anyone looking to become a competent and independent sailor in familiar waters.
Before your class, gain a head start with our online sailing prep course (included with tuition). Whether you're brand new to boating or brushing up on the basics, you’ll develop a strong foundation in how sailboats work, safety on the water, and key sailing concepts.
$700.00
Class Schedule
Two consecutive days from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for classes held in Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Core sailing terminology and theory
Tacking and jibing with precision
Effective sail trim and boat handling
Sailing Skills You’ll Learn
Safe docking and departure techniques
Points of sail and wind awareness
2 day immersive course
Online sailing prep course
ASA “Sailing Made Easy” textbook (shipping not included)
What’s Included
ASA 101 registration and certification fees
Official ASA Logbook and 90 day ASA membership
Sailing Prerequisites
Course Materials:
This class includes access to the online Intro to Sailing course and the American Sailing Sailing Made Easy textbook (shipping not included).
You may choose to pick up your textbook at our Tacoma Tyee office.
Safety Gear:
All necessary safety equipment is provided.
Why Take This Sailing Class?
When you begin your journey with ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing, you're not just learning how to rig a sailboat or steer into the wind, you're learning the language of sailing. From navigation terms to safety commands, that language becomes the foundation for every certification level that follows.
At Puget Sound Sailing Institute (PSSI), we take this one step further. Our ASA 101 class helps new sailors build more than just technical “know how”, we train you to see like a sailor. That means reading wind shifts before you feel them, spotting safety risks before they happen, and navigating with confidence in real world conditions across Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, and the Tacoma Narrows.
By the end of ASA 101, you won’t just know how to sail, you’ll think like a sailor. This mindset is what makes our students more confident, more capable, and better prepared to advance into ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising) and ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising).
Whether you're pursuing bareboat charters, joining a sailing club, or dreaming of international sailing vacations, ASA 101 is the launch point.
Club Members, please contact the office to register for classes to obtain your club level discount.
ASA 101: Keelboat 1 FAQs
These are the most common questions students ask about our ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing class, including who it’s for, what you’ll learn, and how to get ready for your first weekend on the water.
What is ASA 101?
ASA 101 is American Sailing’s Basic Keelboat Sailing certification. It teaches beginners how to safely skipper a 20’–27’ tiller-steered keelboat in light to moderate winds, covering sailing theory, sail trim, tacking, jibing, docking, crew communication, and essential on-the-water safety.
Who should take ASA 101?
ASA 101 is ideal for complete beginners and for anyone who wants a structured foundation before joining a sailing club, sailing with friends, or progressing into ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising) and ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising). No prior sailing experience is required.
What will I learn in the ASA 101 course?
You’ll learn the core skills new sailors need to handle a keelboat confidently, including points of sail, sail trim basics, tacking and jibing, wind awareness, safe boat handling, and docking and departure techniques.
How long is the ASA 101 course?
ASA 101 is a two-day immersive weekend class. From March through October, classes run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In January, February, November, and December, class hours shift to 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What’s included in the class?
Tuition includes ASA 101 registration and certification fees, an official ASA Logbook, a 90-day ASA membership, access to the online sailing prep course, and the ASA “Sailing Made Easy” textbook (shipping not included). All required safety gear is provided during class.
Where are ASA 101 classes held?
Puget Sound Sailing Institute offers ASA 101 classes in Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia. Each location provides beginner-friendly sailing environments with experienced instructors and well-maintained keelboats.
Do I need any sailing experience?
No. ASA 101 is designed for first-time sailors. We also include an online prep course with tuition so you can learn key terms and concepts before you step aboard.
What should I bring to class?
Bring layered, weather-appropriate clothing, non-marking shoes, lunch and water, sunscreen, and any personal medications. Safety gear is provided. If conditions look especially wet or cold, add a waterproof jacket and warm hat.
What comes next after ASA 101?
After ASA 101, most students continue into ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising) and then ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising). You can also build experience through our Sailing Club and start sailing independently in familiar local waters.
Do club members get a discount?
Yes. Sailing Club members should contact the PSSI office directly to register for ASA 101 and ensure their club-level discount is applied.