Sailing School FAQ’s

Why Should I attend a Sailing School?
It’s the best way to learn. Consider learning to sail like learning to drive a car. You should not “learn” from your friend or brother. The best method is from a certified sailing school with experienced and licensed instructors. Learning with family or peers is going to give you the best return on your time spent wanting to learn to sail. Additionally, attending a sailing school is the only way to find out if sailing is for you without having a bad experience caused by bad judgment or inclement weather.

I already know how to sail.
Most people have been on a sailboat of some kind. Whether a beach cat at your parent’s summer cottage, a sunfish at your friends or a bigger boat you were a guest on. There is more to sailing than just “sailing”. All of your experiences are good to have. But taking it to the next level and learning navigation, rules of the road, sail plan theory, safety at sea are just a few of the skills and information that make you a competent and confident sailor and skipper.

What is included with the cost of the class?
Everything. The only thing you will be responsible for is your food. Provisioning is easily done at our facility with ample stores and specialty stores very close by. Lodging is never an issue because you stay on the boat. We have shore side facilities for showering and a number of great restaurants very close by for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Who is ASA and what does the certification mean to me?
The American Sailing Association (ASA) has been in existence since 1983. We feel ASA offers the best all around learn to sail program available. Here are a few facts regarding ASA.

1. Over 270 professional sailing schools use the ASA system worldwide.
2. ASA has certified over 7,000 professional sailing instructors.
3. ASA has certified over 300,000 students.
4. ASA has had a functioning, nationwide keelboat program since 1983.
5. ASA certification is recognized by major charter boat companies as well as other ASA facilities around the world.

ASA Web Site

Will I be able to charter in the Caribbean after I take the class?
No charter company is going to give you the key to the fleet unless you have some history with them or another reputable charter company. Taking the ASA classes and progressing through the upper level classes give you and the charter companies you want to charter from, peace of mind, the training and experience they look for. It also depends on the size of the boat you are looking to charter. Do not expect to be given a 45′ vessel if you have experience on a 30′ vessel. All charter operators will look favorably on experience in a sailing school with ASA certification.

What physical requirements are required for the classes?
Mobility and range of motion are two key physical attributes to have. During your classes, you will be moving around, getting on and off of the boat, reaching for and stepping over gear and lines. It’s a sailboat. There is more to it than a powerboat. It’s difficult for us to judge what will and will not be ideal for you to have a good time and learn how to sail at the same time. The physical attributes have in the past made it a challenge for some people. If you have any questions as to your physical capabilities, please call us so we can discuss it with you personally.

Are my children able to attend classes with us?
Yes and we have had many families attend our sailing classes together with their children. A couple of key considerations are to be addressed. Attention span during the class. We’ve found that children under the age of 15 generally do not seem as interested to learn to sail as their parents. There are exceptions to every situation. If you are taking the class with other people you do not know, be considerate to your fellow classmates before you make the decision to enroll your child. If they have a genuine interest in learning to sail with you and they will be able to be a part of the class the entire time, by all means bring them. Sailing is one of the best family activities to get your kids involved with.

What is there to do after the class?
Plenty. Many of the best reasons to attend sailing classes in Traverse City is because of Traverse City. Our facility is far enough away to concentrate but close enough to bike or even walk to the downtown district. Abundant shops, restaurants, art galleries, parks, theaters, night clubs and just the scenery are just a few of the reasons to come to Traverse City to learn to sail. You might even have a chance to see the new Frontier League Traverse City Beach Bums play a ballgame.

Of course there is always some studying to do as well.