Special Option! Bayfield "Big Boat" Basic Keelboat

A large percentage of adults entering sailing for the first time or refreshing after many years in a busy profession while raising family are most interested in bigger boats which they plan to charter in the future. A better course correction for this group is to take Basic Keelboat (ASA 101) in a combined course package with Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) and Bareboat Cruising (ASA 104) aboard one of our Hunter 34s with two private cabins. You can review the basics in addition to learning new skills!

For details about requirements and registration, visit the Vacation Courses on Lake Superior page.

 

Description

Basic Keelboat is taught by ASA-certified instructors. Qualified graduates will become charter certified for day sailing on 20-27' keelboats.

This is a three- or four-session, 12-hour course taught by Northern Breezes Sailing School instructors certified by the American Sailing Association (ASA). Note: If you are the only student in the class then it is shortened to 9 hours of instruction time. Classes meet mornings, afternoons or evenings for three or four hours. Classes are limited to three students. This small seminar environment provides a great instructor-to-student ratio for very effective skipper and crew training. Each session starts with a briefing on the day’s lesson, getting underway, sailing exercises and ends with docking and securing the boat.

Each student receives the Sailing Made Easy textbook, Federal Regulations booklet and Log Book.

Upon successful completion of both the on-the-water and written pre-test, the Basic Keelboat graduate receives 90-day free trial American Sailing Association membership, seal for the Log Book, and an invitation to join the Northern Breezes Boat Club to continue sailing without the requirement to buy a boat; all while wearing your recently earned "skipper's hat!"

 

Family and Friends 101 Lake Pepin
Family and Friends 101 Lake Pepin

Thom! Thank you so much!! This was a real confidence-booster for all!! It was a beautiful and fun day."

Jennie W.

Course Outline

Session 1: Getting Underway, Tacking, Points of Sail, Boat Balance, Sail Trim, Docking, Securing the Boat

Session 2: Review, Tacking & Jibing, Sail Trim, Helming

Session 3: Review, Controlling Angle of Heel, Heaving to, Reefing

Session 4: Review, Crew Overboard Drill, Solo Checkout, Written Pre-Test

Note: Three-session courses contain the same material scheduled similarly.

Classes are cancelled and rescheduled due to weather: no wind, too much wind, potential lightening or pouring rain. Sailing is not an endurance test. It is fun, safe learning of a lifelong skill set. Graduates meet all the prerequisites for more advanced courses and the Northern Breezes Boat Club.

Northern Breezes Veterans Sailing

Northern Breezes Continues Veterans Sailing Education Program!

The goal is to share our healthy, peaceful sport with far more "Veterans, Current or Past," and their families.

Click for Northern Breezes Veterans Sailing Education Program

Course Fee

$499 singles. $899 couples (any two people signing up together) sharing materials. Family and friends option: if three people sign up together the total is $1,199 if they share materials.
Additional course textbooks may be purchased. Cancellation Policy

 

Family and Friends

Basic Keelboat is offered as a Family and Friends course! If you have family members or friends who do not want to earn certification through the American Sailing Association (ASA) or, who are not old enough to be certified, but would like to come along to learn at whatever level while you are being certified, this is the option for you! We offer 1, 2, or 3 certifications in a 12-hour course format spread over 3 or 4 days. Up to 4 people in addition to the instructor can be on the boat for this Family and Friends course. In certain locations we offer 4 certifications in a 15-hour course format spread over 4 or 5 days for $1,449 if they share materials. All Family and Friends Basic Keelboat courses are customized for the student and group's needs and schedule. This is a great mother - daughter / father - son option. You pick the combination!

Instructor to Student Ratio is One to Three Maximum!

 

Prerequisite for this course

None.

Locations and Schedules for Basic Keelboat (ASA 101)

Bayfield, WI - Special Live-Aboard 2-Day Class   More information >

Medicine Lake, Plymouth, MN - French Regional Park   More information >

White Bear Lake, MN  More information >

Lake Pepin, WI - Pepin Marina   More information >

Ludington, MI   Interest Form>

Pewaukee Lake, WI   Interest Form >

Bayfield, WI - Pikes Bay Marina "Big Boat" Combined Course   More information >

Basic Keelboat may also be taken with our Northern Breezes Sailing Adventures in the Caribbean. Since this course is a prerequisite for our combined Basic Coastal Cruising / Bareboat Cruising (ASA 103/104) class, people with equivalent experience can test out of this course when they sign up for these intermediate courses.

Note to Prospective Students: We believe in the American Sailing Association (ASA) and your participation. Therefore we build into our costs a one-time $39 student registration fee. You will not see from us, "ASA now charges $39 student registration fee for optional certification" which means you will not receive the ASA certification you've earned unless you pay a $39 surcharge. We invite you to look at the materials included to help you review and prepare. In addition to being safe and fun, there are no hidden charges with Northern Breezes.

Call Northern Breezes Sailing School at 763-542-9707 to register or with questions.