ASA 101: Basic Keelboat — Two intense days to learn to skipper a 20–27 ft sloop in Gainesville, GA

GAINESVILLE SAILING FIELD GUIDE

ASA 101: Basic Keelboat — Two intense days to learn to skipper a 20–27 ft sloop in Gainesville, GA

A two-day ASA 101 course from SunRise Sail that takes beginners through the fundamentals of keelboat sailing and delivers guaranteed certification with small-group instruction.

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ASA 101: Basic Keelboat — Two intense days to learn to skipper a 20–27 ft sloop in Gainesville, GA.

Duration
2-Day Public Course • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location
Gainesville
Operator
SunRise Sail
Category
Sailing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set sail on a focused, two-day ASA 101 Basic Keelboat course offered by SunRise Sail in Gainesville, Georgia. Guided by ASA-certified instructors and US Coast Guard licensed captains, this public group course is designed to give novices — and those with some experience — the practical foundation to handle a sloop-rigged keelboat in daytime, light-to-moderate wind conditions, culminating in ASA certification.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

CREDENTIALS

ASA-certified instruction and Coast Guard–licensed captains

SunRise Sail operates as an ASA Certified Training Facility and delivers instruction from ASA-certified instructors and USCG-licensed captains, ensuring industry-standard, safety-first training.

SAFETY

A safety-first curriculum

Instruction emphasizes seamanship and safety, covering basic navigation rules, buoyage, sail trim, helm commands and collision-avoidance fundamentals to prepare students for real-world on-water decision making.

FOCUS

Small groups and a pass guarantee

With a 1:3 instructor-to-student ratio, instruction is personalized; if a student does not pass within the scheduled dates, SunRise Sail provides additional instruction until certification is achieved at no extra cost.

What the day feels like

What it feels like

Across two full days (10:00 AM–4:00 PM), students move from shore-side orientation into hands-on on-water practice under close instructor supervision. The pace is deliberate: terminology and systems are demonstrated, then practiced aboard a 20–27 ft sloop so students can learn helm control, sail trim and basic seamanship in light to moderate conditions before the course wrap and certification.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits — and why.

1
Complete beginnersDesigned for people with no prior experience; the course welcomes novices and teaches foundational sailing skills in a structured two-day format.
2
Learners seeking official certificationIdeal for students who want an ASA 101 certification and a clear path to further ASA courses, with a guaranteed certification policy if additional instruction is required.
3
Students who prefer hands-on instructionThe 1:3 instructor-to-student ratio ensures focused, individualized coaching throughout on-water exercises.
4
Those wanting daytime, moderate-condition trainingThe curriculum targets daytime operation in light to moderate winds—appropriate for learners who prefer progressive exposure rather than extreme conditions.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Schedule

The ASA 101 public course runs over two days from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day.

Meeting point

Check-in location for the course is 5725 Flat Creek Road, Gainesville, GA 30504, United States.

What to bring

Bring personal items you need for a full day on the water; consult the operator for specific gear recommendations and any provided equipment.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the ASA 101 course?

The course is a two-day public course, scheduled from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on each day.

Where do I meet for the course?

The meeting location is 5725 Flat Creek Road, Gainesville, GA 30504, US.

Do I need prior sailing experience?

No previous sailing experience is necessary; the course is designed for beginners as well as those with some experience.

What is the instructor-to-student ratio?

Instruction is provided at a 1:3 instructor-to-student ratio to ensure personalized coaching.

What if I don’t pass the course within the scheduled dates?

If a student does not pass within the scheduled course completion date, SunRise Sail will provide additional instruction until the student has passed and is certified, at no extra cost.