Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ASA?

The American Sailing Association was founded in 1983 with a simply stated mission: to teach people to sail safely and confidently. To achieve that goal, the ASA set out to establish standards against which to measure a sailor’s level of knowledge and skill, the first such unified standards in the U.S. to apply to sailors in keelboats.

After studying programs offered in other countries, the founders of the ASA selected the Canadian yachting association’s (CYA) “learn to Cruise” program and licensed it for use in the U.S. With this strong heritage behind it, the ASA has continually improved and expanded its educational system by drawing on valuable input from the ASA school network.

Today, the ASA is an association of sailing schools, charter companies, professional sailing instructors, and sailors, with over 300 affiliated sailing schools located throughout the U.S., as well as in Europe, Japan, Central America, Taiwan, China, and other far eastern countries. These accredited schools offer ASA certification to individuals who meet the requirements for a given level. To date ASA schools have certified nearly half a million sailors!

The ASA system has eight primary levels of student certification from Basic Keelboat all the way to Offshore Passagemaking. Whether your goal is to skipper a bareboat charter in the Caribbean or to crew confidently on a short weekend sail, the ASA’s sailing-education system will guide you as you learn the theory behind sailing, practice the skills needed to handle a sailboat, and build the foundation of knowledge that will enable you to navigate a vessel safely and within the law.

By establishing national standards for sailing education, the ASA has provided a way for more people to take part in the sport safely, with the proper training and respect for their responsibilities as boaters, ensuring that sailing will be safer, smarter, and more fun for everybody.

Where should I stay?

Airbnb
Hotels in Providence or Seekonk
On one of our 30’ boats for only $50 a night (call us now to book)

Seekonk, MA and Providence, RI are both approximately 10- 15 minutes from us.

See more about your travel plans here.

What amenities does your marina have?

Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet
110v / 30A
220v / 50A
Pumpout Facilities
Heads and Showers
Ice
Groceries Nearby
Swimming Pool
Picnic Area
Barbecue Grills
Ship’s Store
Fuel
Bike Trails to Bristol & Providence

Is there an age requirement to take a sailing class?

Students must be 18 years old or older.

What is the time schedule for classes?

Most of our classes start at 9:00 AM and finish around 5:00 PM with an hour break for lunch. We typically go to a small local restaurant for lunch, but you’re welcome to bring your lunch. We have a fridge and a microwave.

What if none of the dates that you have scheduled work for me? Can I choose dates?

Yes! As long as we have a boat and an instructor available, we can place your preferred dates on the calendar. We need three students to run a class.

What happens in bad weather?

For the ASA 101 course, we adjust the schedule to meet the weather conditions. For example, if it downpours all morning, we would stay in the classroom and work on class materials. We may need to reschedule some water time if you don’t get your 15 hours. We want you to enjoy your first sailing experience!

All other courses will go out as long as it’s safe, and conducive to learning. We may reschedule water time if there is a small craft advisory.

What should I bring and/or wear?

You may want to bring foul weather gear, sailing gloves, a hat, sunglasses, white-soled shoes, appropriate clothing (depending on the forecast) and sunscreen. Bring the book that is appropriate for the class and a notepad for notes. Most of all a Smile, because your Going to have a Great Time!

How much on the water time will I get?

Five hours on the water and two hours in the classroom for the ASA 101 and ASA 103 courses. ASA 104 and ASA 106 are done completely on the boat, except for initial provisioning.

Can I bring my child?

Only if they are over 16 and they want to learn how to sail. The signup and payment process is the same as for an adult.

What is your cancellation policy?

As we need at least three folks to hold a class, if you cancel last minute you may be canceling the other students’ class as well. We need at least two weeks to find a replacement student, so if you cancel 14 days or less it is a problem for us, and a last minute cancellation is extremely disruptive. Accordingly, here is our policy:

No refunds if cancelled 14 days prior to your scheduled class.

Do you provide a guarantee?

Yes! We proudly stand by our school. It’s important to us that every student leaves the school with the capabilities and confidence to get behind the wheel on their own after taking our core new sailor program, or after going through any of our classes for experienced sailors. If you ever feel that you are not ready, you are welcome to return to retake a class, free of charge.

Do I have a boat to practice on after class or can I rent a boat?

We have practice sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 – 7:00 pm for $50 with an instructor.

We have a 20’ Bristol and 22’ Ensign that both have tillers. You can rent these boats for ½ day at $100 weekday or $150 on a weekend, a full day costs $150 weekday and $200 weekend

There are also two 30’ boats with wheel. The full day price is only $250 for a weekday and $350 on the weekend. For three-days midweek you may rent it for $750, or $950 for a three day weekend rental.