Fine‑Tuning Keelboat Skills: A Two‑Day Hands‑On Course out of Anacortes

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.

Duration
9am - 5pm
Location
Anacortes
Operator
Seattle Yachts Sailing Academy
Category
Sailing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE GOAL

Learn to Sail Better

A short, concentrated program focused on improving core handling and seamanship so you sail more confidently and precisely.

THE PAYOFF

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.

THE FOCUS

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.

1
AS 101‑Certified SailorsSpecifically designed for students who have completed the AS 101 Basic Keelboat course and want focused, hands‑on refinement.
2
Skill‑Focused LearnersIdeal for sailors aiming to improve sail trim, boat handling and close‑quarters maneuvers rather than starting from zero.
3
Intermediate Students Preparing to AdvanceUseful as a stepping stone to more advanced on‑water courses or more challenging cruising conditions.
4
Not for Complete BeginnersThis course assumes prior basic keelboat instruction (AS 101); it is not intended as a first introduction to sailing.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

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.

Clothing & Footwear

Wear layers (it’s cooler on the water) and non‑marking shoes such as tennis shoes or deck shoes; bring rain gear if needed.

Study Materials

Bring the ASA textbook and your logbook, plus a writing pad and pen; the academy mails a study guide—review it before the course.

Booking Notice

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.