ANACORTES SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Fine‑Tuning Keelboat Skills: A Two‑Day Hands‑On Course out of Anacortes
A focused two‑day AS 102 Keelboat 2 course that sharpens boat handling, sail trim and close‑quarters maneuvers—useful preparation for advancing your sailing skills and certification.
Fine‑Tuning Keelboat Skills: A Two‑Day Hands‑On Course out of Anacortes.
Based in Anacortes, AS 102 Keelboat 2 is an immersive, instructor‑led two‑day course aboard a Beneteau 22 for sailors who have completed AS 101; it concentrates on practical skills—sailing backwards and forwards, sail trim and shape, approaching buoys and dodging obstacles—while giving students the thrill of being out on the water.
Route Schematic
Course itinerary schematic
A compact sequence of classroom review and practical on‑water drills builds skills across the two days.
Classroom Review
Review basic terms and maneuvers; cover lines and how they affect sail shape before heading out on the water.
Sail Trim & Lines
Work on shaping sails through line handling and trim adjustments to improve upwind and downwind performance.
Close‑Quarters Maneuvers
On‑water practice concentrating on sailing backwards, approaching buoys, and dodging marks to sharpen boat handling.
No participant restrictions are listed for this course.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Learn to Sail Better
A short, concentrated program focused on improving core handling and seamanship so you sail more confidently and precisely.
Ready for the Next Step
Designed to position students for further sailing progression and more demanding on‑water tasks, this course prepares you for the next items on your sailing itinerary.
Practical, Measurable Improvements
Emphasis is on tangible, repeatable maneuvers and technique adjustments that translate immediately to safer, more effective boat handling.
What the day feels like
How the two days unfold
This is a hands‑on, instructional course that blends classroom review with on‑water practice: students study basic systems and maneuvers, then apply those fundamentals on a Beneteau 22 while practicing sail trim, handling in moderate conditions and close‑quarters work.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this course.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bottled water; polarized sunglasses; sunscreen; hat or cap; non‑marking shoes (no black‑soled shoes); layers and rain gear; ASA textbook and logbook; writing pad and pen.
Wear layers (it’s cooler on the water) and non‑marking shoes such as tennis shoes or deck shoes; bring rain gear if needed.
Bring the ASA textbook and your logbook, plus a writing pad and pen; the academy mails a study guide—review it before the course.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the AS 102 Keelboat 2 course?
This is a two‑day lesson; sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.
Where do participants meet for the course?
The meeting location is 3116 V Place, Anacortes, WA 98221.
Do I need prior sailing experience to enroll?
Yes—the course is designed for individuals who have completed the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat certification.
What type of boat will we use?
Instruction and on‑water practice take place on a Beneteau 22.
What skills and maneuvers are covered?
Students practice sail trim and sail shape, sailing backwards and forwards, sailing up to buoys, and dodging marks to fine‑tune handling both upwind and downwind.
What should I bring to class?
Bring bottled water, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, non‑marking shoes, layers and rain gear, the ASA textbook and logbook, and a writing pad and pen.
How this guide was prepared
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- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:59:52.836Z
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