Frequently Asked Questions.

FAQ Table of Contents                         "School of The Year"

1. What is the difference between American Sailing Association and U. S. Sailing?
2. I'm a sailing novice, a beginning sailor, what is important in learning to sail?
3. I can't put the time together for the smaller keelboat approach, what can I do?
4. What is a good starter boat for teaching adults?
5. Who else believes in and uses American Sailing Course material?
6. What is a safe boating course?
7. Who recognizes and uses ASA?

What is the difference between American Sailing Association and U. S. Sailing?

U.S. Sailing is primarily a racing organization. It handles the U.S. portion of the "International Racing Rules of Sailing." The organization trains racing judges, conducts rules seminars, and sanctions all sorts of racing related activities. This part of the organization has been around since the 1890's.

The adult education program started in the late 1990's when a few ASA schools left ASA to form the adult education division of U.S. Sailing. There were obviously some very hard feelings. I won't go there, but U.S. Sailing paid the American Sailing Association the highest compliment by virtually mimicking everything from text books to standards as they launched their adult education program.

I have been certified in both programs and we chose ASA because of its longevity, its national and international recognition and its great customer relations. There are far more ASA schools and far more ASA graduates nationwide at all levels than any other program. ASA is a quality organization seeking to standardize and enhance quality sailing education.

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I'm a sailing novice, a beginning sailor, what is important in learning to sail?

In a nutshell, the right boat for the right class is critical. We strongly believe that adults should be taught on smaller keelboats in the 19 to 23 foot range rather than much larger keelboats. The reason is that the boat is small enough for you, a novice or beginning sailor, to "feel" the boat and how it interacts with the wind and waves. This "feel" develops from various maneuvers under sail and power. The "feel" gained from the smaller keelboat experience then transfers very well to larger keelboats used in the follow-on Basic Cruising and Bareboat Charter Certification Courses. (We routinely combine Basic Cruising and Bareboat Charter Certification.)

The second critical element in adult sailing instruction is that the boat does not tip over. Almost all adults and a large majority of kids (of all ages) do not like "unscheduled" swims. This is why we do not teach adults on really small boats which have great "feel" but they insert a "wariness" into the process which is detrimental, unnecessary and easily avoided if keelboats are used.

All of the smaller keelboats used in our Basic Keelboat program are equipped with outboard motors for auxiliary power. One of our local competitors who is not certified by either the largest certifying authority, American Sailing Association, or the distant second place authority, U.S. Sailing, has criticized schools for teaching on boats with outboards and on inland lakes. As a novice or beginning sailing consumer who’s ultimate goal is to achieve Bareboat Charter Certification, I invite you to look at the differences.

When the novice or beginning sailor starts on the "big boat, 30’ - 39’, program," you receive two to three days on the water total before you are "blessed" with their "local" certification. In our nationally and internationally recognized program, you receive four sessions on four different weather days and a Basic Keelboat certification. Then you go to the best cruising area on Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands, for four days living aboard a great 36 foot training boat. We provide several meals and you incur "no lodging" costs. You also do not incur any "boat charter costs." Upon completing our four day liveaboard course you have gained confidence, great boat handling skills under sail and power from 22’ - 36’, and, two more National and Internationally recognized certifications: Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Charter. You have completed a minimum of eight days on the water versus two or three. There really is no comparison.

Remember that outboard motor training? Not only is the outboard the nearly universal auxiliary for sailboats under 25 feet. It is wonderful training for the outboard on the dinghy which comes with your 35’ to 45’ charter yacht in the Caribbean.

Further references on how the experts believe beginning sailing and sail training in general should be conducted: 1) American Sailing Association; 2) Royal Yachting - England; 3) Marsbrook - England & Europe; 4) Glenan’s - Ireland.

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I can't put the time together for the smaller keelboat approach, what can I do?

We do offer great "family and friends" packages and we do offer 101/103/104 certifications as a package. If you've read the comments above, you'll understand right away that it is not the best way to train a beginning sailor. With that said, many of our graduates come through our program with a Basic Keelboat test-out meaning they did not go through a complete Basic Keelboat course. Most of these folks have had some sailing experience before and know how to operate an outboard motor. Some others however, have no experience. This is how we handle the "no experience" combination 101/103/104 students. Students who have no previous sailing experience. We often add a day in front of the class in order to give us more time on the water. Next we provide all kinds of Basic Keelboat study materials: DVD, Pre-test, textbook and federal regulations. We try to put these materials in the student's hands well in advance of the course. Finally, we put you through all the drills for all three courses. Usually by the third day, the lights come on and the feeling of being overwhelmed dissipates. And, a big "I get it smile" comes out for the duration. Once in a while, we have to suggest that maybe a little more training and time on the water is needed. So instead of receiving all three certifications, the first two for example are awarded. We are not an "outward bound" school, but we are also not a "feel good" everything's okay school. We want you to walk away with confidence because you know, you know what you're doing on a boat at whatever level of training. That's what confidence is all about!

What is a good starter boat for teaching adults?

This seemingly straight-up question is fairly complex. I've always preferred smaller keelboats, if the new sailor is planning on going on soon to bigger bareboat charter boats. They are stable, generally friendly and small enough to give a good feel for the wind. Small keelboats in the 19 - 23 or even 25 foot range fit this bill. The smaller 19' boat is often better for younger, more adventurous folks who don't mind the boat heeling. This boat is generally quicker to accelerate and gives even more feel. The 22' to 25' boats are more stable. They are especially preferred if there is any doubt about being able to move around a boat easily from side to side.

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Who else believes in and uses American Sailing Course material?

The Coast Guard Auxiliary uses The American Sailing Association text books in its sailing courses.

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What is a safe boating course?

The Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council comprised of the fifty state maritime safety officials have recognized the ASA program as a "Safe Boating Course."

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Who recognizes and uses ASA?

The ASA program is recognized internationally by the governing International Sailing Schools Association. Where the rubber meets the road, ASA is either directly affiliated with or is recognized by twelve of the fourteen bareboat charter companies in the Caribbean. Learning to sail with or enhancing your sailing skills with ASA is a quality investment of your time and resources.

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