IRVINGTON SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Learn to Command a 36’ Keelboat: Two Days of Hands-On Skippering from Irvington’s Tides Inn
A focused, two-day ASA 101 course that combines classroom theory, extensive helm time aboard a 36’ sailboat, and a complimentary online intro to get you certified and confident.
Learn to Command a 36’ Keelboat: Two Days of Hands-On Skippering from Irvington’s Tides Inn.
ASA 101 is a concentrated, two-day basic keelboat course run by Sail & Surf Adventures out of Tides Inn Marina in Irvington, Virginia. Over consecutive days you move from short classroom sessions to on-the-water drills in light to moderate winds, rotating between skipper and crew until you can confidently steer a 36’ sailboat under power and sail and complete the ASA 101 certification.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Become an ASA-Certified Skipper
Complete the two-day ASA 101 course to earn an internationally recognized certification that qualifies you to rent or charter certain sailboats worldwide and demonstrates core seamanship and safety skills.
Master Points of Sail and Sail Trim
The curriculum emphasizes the physics of wind—points of sail and how to trim for speed and efficiency—so you’ll leave able to read wind and water and make immediate, practical sail adjustments.
Extensive Helm Time and Emergency Drills
Most of the course is hands-on: students spend the majority of instructional time at the wheel and on the lines, practicing docking, crew-overboard recovery, basic navigation rules, and the six essential knots.
What the day feels like
What the Two Days Feel Like
Each day starts with roughly an hour of classroom review before shifting to the 36’ sailboat for on-the-water instruction. In light to moderate winds you’ll alternate between skipper and crew roles, rehearsing helm commands, sail trim, points of sail, buoyage and the collision-avoidance rules until you can manage departures, arrivals, and emergency recoveries with composure.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course is built for—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The core ASA 101 course runs two full days from 9:30am–4:30pm. An optional Intro to Sailing half-day (12:30–4:30pm) is available Friday before the course.
Non-marking closed-toe deck shoes, quick-dry layers (polyester/nylon), windbreaker or rain jacket, sailing gloves, polarized sunglasses, hat with chin strap, waterproof high-SPF sunscreen (spray-on discouraged on deck), reusable water bottle, and the Sailing Made Easy textbook.
All instruction departs from Tides Inn Marina in Irvington, VA; check-in and orientation occur at the marina prior to classroom sessions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need prior sailing experience?
No. ASA 101 is designed for absolute beginners and includes access to a free online Intro to Sailing tutorial before your first day.
Is the ASA 101 certification valid forever?
Yes. ASA certifications do not expire and are held for life.
Is ASA 101 the same as a state boating license?
Not exactly. ASA 101 is a sailing certification; many students also obtain a Virginia Boater License or National Safe Boating Certificate to meet state requirements.
What if I don’t pass the written or practical exam?
If you do not pass the written exam (80% required) or the practical assessment, you may retake the test later; discounted private lessons may be offered to address specific skill gaps.
Can I 'test out' of the full course?
Yes. Experienced sailors may ‘challenge’ the course by taking the written and practical exams without attending the full class; contact the operator to arrange this.
What happens if weather is poor?
Safety is the priority: if winds exceed roughly 15–20 knots or a Small Craft Advisory is issued, on-the-water sessions may be rescheduled or moved to the classroom.
Can I bring a guest on board during instruction?
Generally no. To maintain safe student-to-instructor ratios (no more than 4:1), only registered students are allowed on the vessel during instruction.