About the Course
Prerequisite: ASA 101 - Basic Keelboat
The American Sailing Association 102 Keelboat 2 Sailing course is designed to build upon the skills and knowledge acquired in ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing. This intermediate-level course is aimed at sailors who have mastered the fundamentals of their sailing education and are ready to advance their proficiency in handling keelboats in more challenging sea conditions. Throughout this course, students will deepen their understanding of keelboat sailing principles and techniques, with a focus on safety, navigation rules and seamanship. This course is perfect for those looking to gain more sailing experience after completing ASA 101 or for advanced cruisers who would like to fine-tune their sail trim and techniques on a more responsive sailboat.
This 3-day course runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. We start each day in the classroom, spending about two hours of lecture where we incorporate video, whiteboard diagrams and sailboat models to explain the fundamentals of sailing and to teach skills that we will be practicing on the water. We typically break for lunch from 11:45 am to 12:30 pm and then the rest of the day is spent sailing our Colgate 26 (our 26-foot sailboat designed specifically for sailing instruction) practicing all of the necessary skills and maneuvers to competently sail a keelboat of this size. This means you will be spending at minimum 4 and a half hours a day sailing and practicing maneuvers!
At the end of the ASA curriculum, there is a brief examination, and each student receives an official American Sailing logbook and the American Sailing 102 - Keelboat Sailing 2 Certification.
Read more about our sailing lessons including class sizes, ASA certification prerequisites and what to expect on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Topics Included in ASA 102 Keelboat Sailing 2
Safety Preparation and Procedures
We teach how to create a safety and navigational plan for a day sail keeping in mind the prevailing winds and weather, current conditions and sea state. We also review contingency plans for dropping sails in emergency situations, recovering a crew overboard with teamwork and returning to the dock during inclement weather.
Advanced Trim Concepts
Learn the three sources of sail power; angle of attack, sail depth (draft/camber) and sail twist. We discuss which sail controls affect these shapes as well as how to determine sail setups in differing conditions.
Apparent Wind Angle and Apparent Wind Speed
We discuss how apparent wind angle and speed change depending on the orientation of the boat and the sea state. Learn to actively trim for real-time shifts in AWA and how to set up sails for various apparent wind speeds at different angles.
Upwind vs Downwind Sail Trim and Boat Handling
Practice the concept of "steering in the groove" when sailing close hauled and proper puff response in moderate and heavy air. Practice different methods of depowering via sail controls and helm response. Practice helming downwind using crew weight and position to trim the boat while avoiding sailing by the lee.
Practice Essential Safety Maneuvers
Practice the Figure 8 crew overboard recovery and learn the Quick Stop recovery. Practice and fine-tune Heaving To in different conditions. Practice steering the boat without using the tiller, simulating a loss of steerage.
And more!
For a full list of the concepts and skills required to achieve the ASA 102 Basic Keelboat Sailing certification, please visit the official ASA 102 certification page at ASA.com.
Still Wondering What It Means To Be “ASA Certified?”
Read more about the American Sailing Association’s mission and why certification matters in our blog post, "Understanding ASA Certification: What it is, How to Get it and Why it Matters".
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ASA 102 get you?
ASA 102 certification shows a deeper understanding of advanced sail concepts and advanced helming skills. It enables you to skipper (operate as captain) a sailboat in familiar waters in all weather conditions and sea states.
How many days is ASA 102?
ASA 102 courses are conducted over 3 days. This time frame allows for a balanced combination of classroom learning and on-water training, giving you the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Can you skip ASA 102?
ASA 102 is a new course as of 2024 and is not currently a prerequisite for ASA 103. ASA 102 takes your skills to the next level by sharpening your sailing skills and giving you more confidence in your sailing abilities. It covers fundamental concepts that are essential for understanding sailing principles and operating a sailboat properly.
What other ASA-certified courses are offered at First Reef Sailing?
In addition to ASA 102 Keelboat Sailing 2, First Reef Sailing School offers the following ASA courses in Boston, Massachusetts:
