ALEXANDRIA SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Two Days in Alexandria to Take Command: ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1
An 18‑hour foundational ASA course (2 hours online, 16 hours on the water) that teaches sail fundamentals, seamanship, and the skills to skipper a 20–27 ft sloop; this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.
Two Days in Alexandria to Take Command: ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1.
This foundational ASA 101 course in Alexandria pairs brief classroom work with intense, hands‑on time afloat so you learn to hoist and trim sails, tack and steer, apply basic navigation rules and seamanship, and operate auxiliary power—skills that will leave you able to skipper a 20–27 foot sloop in daylight and in light to moderate conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Immersive, hands‑on days on the water
The course emphasizes practical, in‑boat training: expect long periods handling lines, practicing sail trim and maneuvers, and learning helm commands under instructor supervision—bring energy and a readiness to learn by doing.
Safety first: weather and comfort considerations
Safety is paramount; the program advises staying well rested and hydrated, recommends over‑the‑counter motion sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness, and specifies that if a Special Marine Warning or thunderstorm is imminent vessels will tie up at the closest dock until the storm passes.
A practical certification you can use
By course end you'll have learned essential terminology, navigation rules, seamanship, and auxiliary power operation—skills that prepare you to skipper a sloop‑rigged keelboat between 20 and 27 feet in daylit, light‑to‑moderate conditions.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
The experience begins with a short online classroom, then moves into two full days on the water where instructors lead repeated, hands‑on practice: hoisting and trimming sails, tacking and jibing, helm work, basic navigation and rules of the road, and routine seamanship tasks. The pace is active and practical, designed to build confidence in daylight and in winds up to about 15 knots.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sunscreen, a wide‑brim hat with a lanyard or tether, polarized sunglasses with lanyard, water and snacks, and if you own one a USCG‑approved Type I, II, or III PFD; bring lunch or plan to use nearby marina restaurant options.
Wear clothing suited to the day's weather and closed‑toed shoes (boat shoes preferred); sailing gloves are recommended for handling lines, sheets, and halyards.
Expect two full days of on‑water training after the online module; instructors will dock at a nearby marina for lunch options when appropriate.
Staying well rested and hydrated is advised; consider over‑the‑counter motion sickness medication if you are susceptible.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When will course dates be announced?
Course dates will be announced at the end of January 2026.
How long is the ASA 101 course?
The entire course is 18 hours total: 2 hours online classroom instruction followed by two days (16 hours) on the water.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be age 18 or older.
I have prior sailing experience—can I test out?
If you have prior sailing experience you may choose the Challenge Course to demonstrate certification standards on the water and take the exam; see the operator's Challenge Course schedule to sign up.
What happens if bad weather approaches during a training day?
If a Special Marine Warning is in effect or a thunderstorm is imminent, instructors will tie up at the closest dock until the storm passes.
Will I be able to skipper a boat after completing the course?
Upon completion you will be equipped to skipper a sloop‑rigged keelboat 20–27 feet long in daylight and in light to moderate wind conditions.