ASA Certification Standards: ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing

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Prerequisites: None

General Description: A certified student is able to sail a boat up to about 20 feet in length in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision.A preparatory standard with no auxiliary power or navigation skills required. Successful candidates earn a National Safe Boating Certificate approved by NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

I. Sailing Knowledge

Identify all basic parts of a sailboat and their functions.
Define points of sail and terms used on a standard sailboat.
Apply the International and Inland Navigation Rules for prevention of collision at sea in various situations and identify the sailboat or powerboat that is the “stand-on” and “give-way” boat.
Describe the actions to be taken when sailing in the vicinity of commercial shipping and how to maintain proper look-out.

II. Sailing Skills

Select and properly use a personal flotation device and clothing for various weather conditions.
Hoist the basic sails, set appropriate luff tensions, coil and hang halyards and other lines.
Without an instructor or direction, act as helmsman/skipper and crew on a sailboat using proper commands and responses while sailing under various wind directions. Sail a windward/leeward course while performing tacks and jibes, steer by the lee without jibing.
Lower, fold and stow sails properly.
Describe and demonstrate the actions to be taken by a helmsman/skipper when sailing from the time a person falls overboard without warning until the crew member is safely recovered. Also, describe how to get an exhausted person aboard.
Secure a sailboat to a dock so as to ensure limited movement and set out fenders.
Describe the function of and tie 6 basic knots without assistance and within time limits.

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