ASA 201: Keelboat Sailing 1 Instructor | May 21st through May 23rd, 2027 | South Shore Yacht Club, Milwaukee, WI

The ASA 201 Keelboat Sailing 1 Instructor Qualification Clinic is the first step toward becoming a Certified ASA Sailing Instructor.

This clinic is designed for experienced sailors who already possess strong basic keelboat sailing skills and are ready to demonstrate that they can perform those skills proficiently, communicate sailing concepts clearly and teach in accordance with ASA standards.

An Instructor Qualification Clinic is a series of written, practical and teaching evaluations. While there may be opportunities for coaching during the clinic, this is not a learn-to-sail course. Candidates should arrive prepared to demonstrate both their sailing ability and their readiness to teach.

Successful candidates earn the ASA 201 instructor qualification and may teach ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1 through ASA schools worldwide.

What You’ll Demonstrate

During the clinic, candidates will be evaluated on their ability to:

• Apply sailing theory, terminology and safety procedures at an instructor level
• Demonstrate points of sail, sail trim, tacking, jibing and other ASA 101 maneuvers
• Complete a single-handed sailing skills evaluation aboard a Hunter 216
• Use clear commands to direct a crew through sailing maneuvers
• Demonstrate required knots and explain their appropriate uses
• Teach sailing skills effectively while aboard the boat
• Prepare and deliver an assigned classroom presentation
• Organize a lesson using the ASA IDEAS lesson-plan format
• Communicate clearly, professionally and confidently with students
• Apply sound judgment, seamanship and ASA instructional standards
• Candidates will also complete the required student-level and instructor-level written examinations.

Prerequisites

Candidates should:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1 certification or successfully complete the appropriate challenge requirements

Preparation is essential to a successful and enjoyable IQC experience. Registered candidates will receive detailed instructions, required assignments and clinic materials before the course begins.

Candidates should be prepared to:

• Review the ASA Keelboat Instructor Manual and ASA 101 Standard Course Syllabus
• Study advanced sailing resources such as the Annapolis Book of Seamanship or Chapman Piloting & Seamanship
• Complete the required Instructor Candidate Packet
• Complete assigned student-level examinations before arriving
• Prepare an assigned classroom presentation and IDEAS lesson plan
• Practice single-handed sailing, points of sail, crew commands and required knots
• Bring their ASA Logbook and ASA membership card
• Bring a properly fitting PFD or use one provided for the on-the-water portion
• Candidates are required to have access to the ASA 101 textbook, Sailing Made Easy. Because candidates previously completed the corresponding student-level course, textbooks and logbooks are not included with clinic tuition.

What’s Included

Course tuition includes:

• Instructor Evaluator-led ASA 201 Qualification Clinic
• Instructor-level written examination
• Review and evaluation of required student-level examinations
• Single-handed sailing skills evaluation
• Crew command and points-of-sail evaluations
• Classroom teaching presentation evaluation
• Afloat teaching demonstration
• Use of the Hunter 216 and required sailing equipment during the clinic
• ASA 201 Keelboat Sailing 1 Instructor qualification upon successful completion of all requirement

Format

This clinic combines an evening classroom session, followed by a day and a half of classroom and on-the-water evaluations:

• Friday, May 21st: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
• Saturday, May 22nd: 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Sunday, May 23rd: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Course Tuition

$749 per candidate

Successfully completing ASA 201 qualifies you to teach ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1 and establishes the foundation for continuing through the ASA instructor certification levels.

Demonstrate that you can sail it, explain it and confidently teach it to the next generation of sailors.