CLEAR LAKE SHORES SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Private ASA 101: Two Days to Take the Helm of a 35′ Sloop on Clear Lake
A concentrated, beginner-focused two-day course from SailTime Houston that pairs USCG‑licensed instructors with small classes aboard modern monohulls and catamarans.
Private ASA 101: Two Days to Take the Helm of a 35′ Sloop on Clear Lake.
On the sheltered water of Clear Lake Shores, SailTime Houston runs a compact, two-day ASA 101 program tailored to people with limited or no sailing experience; instruction alternates between classroom briefings and on‑the‑water practice so students walk away having learned to skipper a 35′ sloop while logging classroom and seamanship basics.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Skipper a 35' Sloop
The core objective is hands‑on command of a 35‑foot sloop: helm commands, sail trim and points of sail are practiced aboard modern keelboats so students gain practical experience in handling a single‑masted cruising boat.
USCG‑Licensed, ASA‑Certified Teachers
Every course is led by US Coast Guard‑licensed instructors who are also ASA certified, providing authoritative, credentialed coaching through classroom and on‑water sessions.
Modern Fleet and Small, Personalized Classes
SailTime Houston runs lessons aboard a contemporary fleet and keeps class sizes deliberately small—regularly no more than four students—to maximize individualized instruction and hands‑on practice.
What the day feels like
What the Two Days Feel Like
The course is an alternating rhythm of focused classroom sessions and direct on‑water application: briefings introduce terminology, rules and knotwork, then students take the helm to practice sail trim, line handling and basic navigation under instructor supervision before final assessment and certification.
THE ROUTE
Skipper a 35' Sloop
The core objective is hands‑on command of a 35‑foot sloop: helm commands, sail trim and points of sail are practiced aboard modern keelboats so students gain practical experience in handling a single‑masted cruising boat.
THE INSTRUCTION
USCG‑Licensed, ASA‑Certified Teachers
Every course is led by US Coast Guard‑licensed instructors who are also ASA certified, providing authoritative, credentialed coaching through classroom and on‑water sessions.
THE SETUP
Modern Fleet and Small, Personalized Classes
SailTime Houston runs lessons aboard a contemporary fleet and keeps class sizes deliberately small—regularly no more than four students—to maximize individualized instruction and hands‑on practice.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should check with the operator first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Minimal gear is required: the course price includes print and digital study materials and safety gear, so participants need only bring appropriate clothing and personal items suited to a day on the water.
Tuition covers ASA online review and pre‑test, the ASA 101 book, ASA logbook, certifications, fees, safety gear, and both print and digital study materials.
The course includes access to ASA online review and a pre‑test so students can prepare before on‑water sessions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the PRIVATE ASA 101 course?
The course runs two days and totals 16 hours of classroom and on‑water experience.
Where do I meet for the course?
Participants meet at SailTime Houston in Clear Lake Shores.
How many students are in each class?
Classes are limited to up to four students to ensure personalized instruction.
Are there age restrictions for participants?
Sailors under the age of nine must have approval from the base director before participating.
What does the course fee include?
The price includes print and digital study materials, ASA online review and pre‑test, the ASA 101 book, an ASA logbook, certifications, fees, safety gear, and taxes.
Who teaches the course?
All instructors are US Coast Guard‑licensed and ASA certified.