CHICAGO SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Two Days to Confidence: Basic Keelboat Sailing in Chicago
A hands-on, two-day beginner course taught on a fully equipped Hunter 33 or Jeanneau 349 that delivers ASA Basic Keelboat certification and a year of ASA membership.
Two Days to Confidence: Basic Keelboat Sailing in Chicago.
Set against Chicago’s waterfront, ASA 101 is a focused, two-day, hands-on introduction to keelboat sailing. Limited to four students per class and taught aboard a well-equipped Hunter 33 or Jeanneau 349, the program covers boat handling, seamanship basics and the assessments needed to earn the Basic Keelboat certification while also including a year of American Sailing Association membership.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Maximum Four Students
Each session is deliberately limited to four students, ensuring hands-on instruction and individualized feedback as you learn sails, lines and boat handling aboard a 33-foot keelboat.
Modern, Well-Equipped Keelboats
Instruction takes place on a fully equipped Hunter 33 or a Jeanneau 349—both fitted with upgraded equipment and modern amenities to make learning systems and maneuvers straightforward.
Certification & Membership
By the end of two full days you can complete the Basic Keelboat certification and receive a one-year American Sailing Association membership to support continued learning.
What the day feels like
How the Two Days Unfold
The course is a concentrated, practical progression: instruction and drills in boat handling, on-deck practice of maneuvers and real-time coaching while you take the helm. Expect full days of instruction—roughly 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.—across two consecutive days, guided by instructors from SailTime Chicago on a 33-foot keelboat.
SMALL CLASS
Maximum Four Students
Each session is deliberately limited to four students, ensuring hands-on instruction and individualized feedback as you learn sails, lines and boat handling aboard a 33-foot keelboat.
THE BOAT
Modern, Well-Equipped Keelboats
Instruction takes place on a fully equipped Hunter 33 or a Jeanneau 349—both fitted with upgraded equipment and modern amenities to make learning systems and maneuvers straightforward.
THE OUTCOME
Certification & Membership
By the end of two full days you can complete the Basic Keelboat certification and receive a one-year American Sailing Association membership to support continued learning.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this course and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two full days: classes start at approximately 9:00 a.m. and continue until about 5:00 p.m. on two consecutive days.
Instruction is delivered aboard a well-equipped Hunter 33 or a Jeanneau 349; both boats feature modern amenities and upgraded equipment.
Each class is limited to a maximum of four students; plan and book accordingly to secure one of the restricted spots.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The course runs for two full days, roughly 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on consecutive days.
What type of boat will we use?
Classes are taught aboard a Hunter 33 or a Jeanneau 349, both described as well equipped with modern amenities.
What is the class size?
Classes are limited to a maximum of four students per session.
Do I receive certification?
Participants can complete the Basic Keelboat certification as part of the course and receive a one-year American Sailing Association membership.
Who operates the course?
The program is delivered by SailTime Chicago.