HARRISON TOWNSHIP SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Two Days to a Keelboat License: ASA 101 on Lake St. Clair
A compact, two-day American Sailing Association course that teaches basic keelboat skills (ages 13+), useful for travelers who want certified, hands-on instruction on 30‑ft boats.
Two Days to a Keelboat License: ASA 101 on Lake St. Clair.
Over two concentrated days on Lake St. Clair, the ASA 101 course teaches the fundamentals of sailing aboard 30‑foot keelboats: sail theory and terminology, safety and rules of the road, basic chart work and man‑overboard drills. Instruction is conducted on the water, a written exam is required, and successful students earn American Sailing Association certification. The course is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to participants aged 13 and up—no prior experience required.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Credential
Completing the two‑day ASA 101 earns you official American Sailing Association certification after on‑water instruction and a written exam; the program covers the core curriculum required for basic keelboat competence.
Hands‑On, On‑Water Instruction
All training takes place aboard 30‑foot keelboats and focuses on practical skills—sail handling, safety procedures, rules of the road and man‑overboard drills—so students spend most of their time underway rather than in a classroom.
Two Intensive Days, Full Course Materials Included
The course is compact—scheduled across two full days—and the listed price includes ASA new student registration, testing fees and the logbook fee (additional optional textbook fees may apply).
What the day feels like
What Two Days on the Water Feels Like
You gather at the marina in the morning and step aboard a 30‑foot keelboat for hands‑on instruction that alternates between guided demonstrations and student practice. Expect focused, practical drills—man‑overboard recovery, sail trim and helming—paired with short instruction on terminology, basic chart work and navigation rules. The day ends with review and preparation for the written exam required for certification.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course serves—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The ASA 101 is offered as a two‑day course running from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
Students should bring sunscreen, a personal flotation device (PFD), light food and snacks, water, and seasickness medication (take an hour before if needed).
The listed course fee covers ASA new student registration, testing fees and the logbook fee; optional text or materials fees may be extra.
The course meets at Lambercht Marina (Markley Marine), 31300 N. River Road, Harrison Township, MI 48045; arrive ahead of the 10 a.m. start to check in.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ASA 101 course?
The course runs two full days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
What age do I need to be to participate?
Participants must be age 13 or older.
Do I need prior sailing experience?
No previous experience is required; the course is designed for beginners.
What should I bring for the course?
Bring sunscreen, a PFD, light food and snacks, water, and seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness.
Will I receive certification after the course?
Students who successfully complete the instruction and written exam receive ASA certification for Basic Keelboat.
Are course fees all‑inclusive?
The listed price includes ASA new student registration, testing fees and the logbook fee; there may be an additional $35 fee for the optional 'Sailing Made Easy' book plus shipping and handling.