Terminal Island Sailing · Official American Sailing affiliate
ASA 101
A beginner-friendly starting point for new sailors who want real hands-on instruction in the Port of Los Angeles.
Register and pay online for published sessions. Review each session’s dates and any TBD times before payment. Required textbooks are purchased separately; an ASA logbook is also required.
Additional pass-through costs: Required textbooks and the ASA logbook are purchased separately from tuition; applicable ASA membership or certification fees may also apply. These third-party costs are passed through at the school’s cost, without markup. Textbooks may be bought from the school or an online retailer. School-supplied items and applicable ASA charges will be itemized before purchase. Students normally purchase their ASA logbook when enrolling in ASA 101, then keep and bring that same logbook for all later courses and sea-time entries. Buy a replacement only if it is lost.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK · ASA 101
Purchase your textbook from Terminal Island Sailing or an online retailer such as Amazon or the American Sailing store. Review the book before your first class. Textbooks are required and purchased separately from tuition.
Buy from American Sailing ↗ · Find on Amazon ↗ · Buy from the school
Students normally purchase their ASA logbook when enrolling in ASA 101. Keep that same logbook for all later ASA courses, certifications and sea-time entries; a new logbook is not needed for each course. Bring your existing logbook. Purchase a replacement only if it is lost. Review both your textbook and logbook before your first lesson.
New to American Sailing? Register for your free American Sailing ID (ASID) ↗ before ASA 101 starts so we can enter you in the system. Already have an ASID? Use your existing number; do not register again. Add it in your student portal after enrollment.
Your ASID is separate from an ASA membership purchase. Any applicable membership or certification charges will be explained before purchase.
COURSE OVERVIEW
ASA 101 introduces the fundamentals of sailing on a keelboat. Students learn essential terminology, safety practices, parts of the boat, points of sail, basic sail trim, and the core skills needed to steer and participate as crew.
This course is designed to help first-time sailors feel comfortable on board and begin building confidence through practical instruction.
Exact instruction may vary based on conditions, crew size, and instructor judgment.
COURSE TIME & FORMAT
Safety, terminology, points of sail and preparation for practical sailing. Your published session specifies how classroom instruction is delivered.
Instructor-led practice and assessment. Review the published session for sailing dates and times; conditions and student progress guide the day.
Review the textbook and logbook before your first class. Certification requires the written exam and all practical standards.
Classroom format, meeting locations and the complete schedule are specified for each published session.
View sessions & registerYou’ll work through safety, terminology, points of sail, and sail-trim concepts, then practice the skills aboard with your instructor. Expect to learn both helm and crew responsibilities: steering, communicating, tacking, jibing, and handling lines safely.
There are knowledge and practical skills assessments. Certification follows successful completion of the required standards; attendance alone does not guarantee certification.
Your published session and confirmation provide the classroom format, exact times and meeting instructions. On-water instruction meets at 1124 S Seaside Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731. Bring non-marking footwear, layers, sun protection, drinking water, and any assigned books or materials.
If weather makes sailing unsafe, the class will be rescheduled at no additional charge. We will contact you with the revised schedule. See our policy for other school cancellations.
Read cancellation and rescheduling terms
Plan for secure non-marking footwear, layers, sun protection, water, and any assigned reading. Follow your instructor’s final packing and arrival instructions.
MEETING POINT & DIRECTIONS
ASA 101, 102 and 103 sail in the Port of Los Angeles and surrounding waters, departing from Terminal Island at the address above. ASA 104 also departs Terminal Island and sails to Catalina Island for two nights on a multi-day live-aboard cruise.
Classroom delivery, meeting arrangements and exact times are listed for each published session. Follow your class confirmation for arrival and boarding instructions.
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