Classes We Offer & Descriptions

ASA 101, Keelboat 1

Learn to captain a 20'-27' sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, boat parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship, and safety, including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.

⚓ NEW CLASS! ⚓
ASA 102, Keelboat 2

The Gratitude Sailing Institute is proud to offer American Sailing's newest certification. Learn to captain a 20'-30' sloop-rigged keelboat by day in winds up to 20 knots. Course emphasis is on mastering sail trim, and the effect of sail shape on power and speed. Depart, sail, and return with control, demonstrating teamwork.
Prerequisite: ASA 101.

ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising

Learn to command a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25'-35' keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety, and seamanship.
Prerequisite: ASA 101.

ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising

Learn how to command a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30'-45' sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring/mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.
Prerequisites: ASA 101 & ASA 103.

ASA 118, Docking Endorsement

Learn basic docking skills for boats with single inboard or outboard engines. Discover the basic theory and hands-on techniques needed to dock and undock boats in an efficient manner and without damage or injury.

ASA 116, Dinghy & Outboard Endorsement

Learn to operate a dinghy with an outboard motor safely and efficiently, in a variety of environments, including operating from a dock, a beach, and a cruising yacht. Understand the types of dinghies and outboards, characteristics of each, safe operation, security, towing, hoisting, storage, transit, deployment, care, and maintenance.

ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran

Learn to command an auxiliary-powered 30'-45' sailing cruising catamaran during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots), and variable sea conditions.
Prerequisites: ASA 101, ASA 103, & ASA 104.

ASA 105, Coastal Navigation

Learn the navigational theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters. At The Gratitude Sailing Institute, on-water coastal navigation skills elements are contained in ASA 101, ASA 103, ASA 104, & ASA 106 in progressively increasing levels of detail.

ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising

Learn to safely command a 30'-50' sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions. This is a liveaboard class that includes both daytime and nighttime sailing. Students are recommended to have at least 30 days of sailing experience before embarking on this course.
Prerequisites: ASA 101, ASA 103, ASA 104, & ASA 105.