sailing
ASA 101 – Basic Keelboat2023-03-15T22:30:50+00:00

ASA 101 – Basic Keelboat

ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Course

Three 4-hour or two 6-hour days on a Harbor 20

Course Price and Scheduling

Group Course: $685 per person.  Total of three students–You and two other students, who we match you up with. Please click here to choose your course dates.
Please click here to choose your course dates.

Private Course 1 Student: $1525 total.  A private course just for you, based on your schedule.  Click here to tell us when you would like to start.

Private Course 2 Students: $1625 total.  A private course for you and someone you know, based on your schedule. Click here to tell us when you would like to start.

Private Course 3 Students: $1725 total.  A private course for you and two people who you know, based on your schedule. Click here to tell us when you would like to start.

Information about the Course

101 Overview

In this course, you will learn to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn 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.

For a full list of all 52 topics (knowledge and skills) that will be covered click below.

Basic Sailing Terminology

1. Describe and identify the following sailboat parts and their functions:

  • Hull
  • Deck
  • Transom
  • Keel
  • Mast
  • Boom
  • Gooseneck
  • Bow
  • Stern
  • Helm / Tiller /Wheel
  • Rudder
  • Cockpit
  • Cabin
  • Standing Rigging
  • Shroud
  • Spreader
  • Chainplate
  • Headstay / Forestay
  • Backstay
  • Stanchion
  • Lifeline
  • Pulpit
  • Winch
  • Cleat
  • Block
  • Fairlead
  • Fender
  • Docklines

2. Identify and describe the functions of the following sails, sail parts and sail controls:

  • Mainsail
  • Jib / Genoa
  • Head
  • Tack
  • Clew
  • Foot
  • Luff
  • Leech
  • Downhaul / Cunningham
  • Batten
  • Batten Pocket
  • Bolt Rope
  • Hank
  • Running Rigging
  • Halyard
  • Mainsheet
  • Jibsheets
  • Boom Topping Lift
  • Boom Vang
  • Telltale
  • Outhaul
  • Traveler
  • Shackle
  • Roller Furler

3. Define the following terms:

  • Port
  • Starboard
  • Forward
  • Aft
  • Beam
  • Ahead
  • Astern
  • Abeam
  • Windward
  • Leeward
  • Draft
  • Freeboard
  • Heel
  • Weather helm
  • Skipper
  • Helmsman
  • Crew

Maneuvers & Points of Sail

4. Explain and identify using diagrams the following maneuvers, points of sail, and other terms:

  • Head-to-Wind
  • No-Sail Zone
  • Closed Hauled
  • Close Reach
  • Beam Reach
  • Broad Reach
  • Run
  • Sailing-by-the-Lee
  • In Irons
  • Luffing
  • Port Tack
  • Starboard Tack
  • Tacking
  • Jibing
  • Stand-on
  • Give-way

5. Explain and utilize correctly the following helm commands and crew responses:

  • “Heading Up”
  • “Bearing Away”
  • “Ready About” —– “Ready” —– “Helms a-Lee” (or “Coming About” or “Tacking”)
  • “Prepare to Jibe” —– “Ready” —– “Jibe-Ho” (or “Jibing”)

Navigation Rules

For items 6 through 12, describe, using diagrams as appropriate, the applicable rules for a 25-foot recreational sailing vessel, as found in the USCG Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook. Identify the “stand-on” and “give-way” vessel in each situation.

6. Look-out, Rule 5.

7. Sailing vessels with the wind on different sides (starboard / port), Rule 12(a)(i)

8. Sailing vessels with the wind on same side (leeward / windward), Rule 12(a)(ii)

9. Sailing vessel on port tack cannot determine windward sailing vessel’s tack, Rule 12(a)(iii)

10. Overtaking (Rule 13)

11. Power-driven vessels approaching each other head-on (Rule 14)

12. Power-driven vessel with another power-driven vessel on starboard side (Rule 15)

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.

15. Identify safe water, information and regulatory markers.


Safety Gear & Procedures

16. List the federally required equipment for a recreational sailboat of 25-feet in length.

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.

19. Describe when and to whom boating accidents must be reported.

20. State the Federal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for vessel operation.

Safety Equipment

21. Demonstrate the proper use of a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD).


Sailing

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

22. Halyards and/or furling devices

23. Downhaul or Cunningham

24. Outhaul

25. Boom Vang

26. Mainsheet

27. Jibsheets

28. Winches

29. Traveler

30. Lower/furl/stow sails and coil/flake/stow lines properly

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.

31. Depart dock or mooring fully ready to get underway safely

32. Select and maintain a given tack and course

33. Demonstrate how to get out of “irons”

34. Head Up

35. Bear Away

36. Sail Close Hauled

37. Sail on a Close Reach

38. Sail on a Beam Reach

39. Sail on a Broad Reach

40. Sail on a Run

41. Tack

42. Jibe

43. As crew, give appropriate verbal responses and perform correct actions during the maneuvers listed above.


Crew Overboard

44. Describe and demonstrate the correct actions to be taken while under sail from the time a person falls overboard until safely recovered.


Return & Secure

45. Return to dock or mooring

46. Secure vessel, using appropriate mooring/dock lines, fenders, etc.


Knots

Describe the purpose of, and construct without assistance in a timely manner, each of the following knots and hitches:

47. Figure-8 Knot

48. Square (Reef) Knot

49. Clove Hitch

50. Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches

51. Cleat Hitch

52. Bowline

Prerequisite – None

Boat utilized and description – Harbor 20

The Harbor 20 is a performance day sailor with classic good looks and plenty of room in the cockpit to make it easy for a small group to learn how to sail.  The mainsail is fully battened and the furling jib is self-tacking.  There is an electric motor to help you get out of the marina.

Boat location – Balboa Marina, Newport Beach, CA

The boat will be docked at the Balboa Marina where our office is located.  This marina has some of the best facilities and is one of the best destinations in Southern California.

  • Ample free parking
  • Bathrooms and showers
  • Two great restaurants with full bars – SOL Mexican Cocina & Tavern House Kitchen and Bar
  • Starbucks across the street
  • Gas station and minimart across the street
  • Subway across the street

What’s included

  • ASA 101 textbook “Basic Keelboat Made Easy”
  • Fuel, insurance, and safety gear (including life jackets)

Cost Matrix to Reschedule a Class

Call us at (949) 209-9931 with any questions or to book by phone.

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