For Beginners
Basic Sailing
ASA 101
A beginner-friendly, hands-on sailing course designed to help you build confidence at the helm while experiencing the excitement of sailing NYC waters.
Highlights
- No Experience Required
- ASA 101 Certification
- 12 Hours on the Water
- Small Group Instruction
Your First Step Into Sailing
Whether you’ve never stepped on a sailboat before or you’re looking to build a stronger foundation, Basic Sailing (ASA 101) is designed to make learning approachable, exciting, and hands-on from day one.
Students spend their time actively sailing aboard our J/29 performance sloops while learning the fundamentals of boat handling, sail trim, docking, navigation, and safety in real-world conditions on New York Harbor.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to safely skipper a keelboat in moderate conditions during daylight hours.
What You'll Learn
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing is the perfect introduction to sailing for beginners and those looking to build confidence on the water. Through a combination of classroom instruction and extensive hands-on sailing, you’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to safely sail a keelboat as both a crew member and beginning skipper.
During this course, you will learn:
- Sailboat terminology and the function of each part of the boat
- Essential sailing knots and when to use them
- Wind awareness and points of sail
- How sails generate power and how to trim them for maximum performance
- Steering and maintaining proper course
- Tacking and jibing safely
- Crew communication and standard helm commands
- Raising, lowering, and properly handling sails
- Docking and departing the dock safely
- Basic navigation rules and right-of-way
- Essential boating safety and emergency procedures
- Crew responsibilities and teamwork aboard a sailboat
- Man Overboard (MOB) awareness and recovery procedures
- Basic weather awareness and decision-making
- Proper use of sailing equipment and onboard systems
Hands-On Learning
At True North Sailing Center, every student actively participates throughout the course. You’ll rotate through every major crew position, including steering the boat, trimming sails, handling dock lines, and working as part of a coordinated crew. Our experienced instructors provide personalized coaching to help you build confidence and develop practical sailing skills in a safe, supportive environment.
By the End of the Course
Upon successful completion of ASA 103, you’ll be able to:
- Safely crew and operate a keelboat in moderate conditions
- Understand the fundamentals of sailboat handling
- Communicate effectively as part of a sailing crew
- Continue building your sailing skills through additional practice
- Earn your ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing certification
- Take the next step toward ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising or join the True North Sailing Club to gain valuable experience on the water
Whether your goal is to sail for recreation, race competitively, charter a sailboat on vacation, or eventually own your own boat, ASA 101 provides the foundation for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable sailing.
Ready to learn to take the helm?
Topics Include
- Parts Of The Boat
- Terminology
- Sailing Theory
- Rigging The Boat
- Tacking & Jibing
- Points Of Sail
- Sail Trim
- True & Apparent Wind
- Knots
- Right Of Way Rules
- Man Overboard Recovery
- Reefing & Heaving-To
- Buoyage Systems
- Docking
- Engine Operation
- C. G. Required Safety Gear
Course Format
Choose between our weekend or weekday formats.
Session 1: Monday
3 Hours in Classroom
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday
5 Hours Sailing
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lunch Break
3 Hours in Classroom
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Session 3: Sunday
5 Hours Sailing
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lunch Break
3 Hours in Classroom
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Session 1: Monday
3 Hours in Classroom
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesday
5 Hours Sailing
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lunch Break
3 Hours in Classroom
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Session 3: Thursday
5 Hours Sailing
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lunch Break
3 Hours in Classroom
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Basic Sailing
ASA 101-
Private Instrution
-
A.S.A. Certification Exam
-
Logbook Included
Course Schedule
Start Date
July 13-
July 13, 18 & 19
-
Weekend Format
Start Date
July 13-
July 13, 25 & 26
-
Weekend Format
Start Date
July 13-
July 13, 15 & 16
-
Weekday Format
Start Date
July 13-
July 13, 22 & 23
-
Weekday Format
Start Date
July 27-
July 27, Aug 1 & 2
-
Weekend Format
Start Date
July 27-
July 27, Aug 8 & 9
-
Weekend Format
Start Date
July 27-
July 27, 29 & 30
-
Weekday Format
Start Date
July 27-
July 27, Aug 5 & 6
-
Weekday Format
FAQ
Do I need any sailing experience?
Why Learn with True North Sailing?
What will I learn?
You’ll learn the fundamentals of sailing, including:
- Boat parts and sailing terminology
- Steering and sail trim
- Points of sail
- Tacking and jibing
- Docking and departing
- Essential knots
- Rules of the road
- Safety procedures and crew responsibilities
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to safely sail a keelboat in familiar waters under light to moderate conditions.
What is included in the course?
Your tuition includes:
- Classroom instruction
- Two hands-on sailing sessions
- Expert instruction from experienced ASA-certified instructors
- Course materials
- ASA 101 written and practical certification evaluations
How long is the course?
What type of boats will we sail?
Will I receive a certification?
What should I bring?
Please bring:
- Non-marking deck shoes or sneakers
- Comfortable weather appropriate clothing
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Lunch and snacks for sailing days
- Light rain jacket or windbreaker