American Sailing Combo Course: ASA 101, ASA 103 & ASA 104

ASA 101, ASA 103, and ASA 104 make up the entirety of the American Sailing beginner sailing series courses. These courses are designed to teach sailors essential skills for safe and effective sailing. ASA 101 is an introductory course for those new to sailing or ASA courses.  ASA 103 is the next step for sailors, focusing on coastal cruising skills aboard a larger 33-foot sloop-rigged keelboat with auxiliary power. ASA 104 builds upon the knowledge gained in both previous courses and certifies students to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30′-45′ sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. 

Students who complete these courses qualify for an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), a credential often necessary for bareboat chartering internationally. 

While ASA courses are available to students as young as 13, Montana state law restricts the operation of motorized vessels to individuals aged 15 or older. This means younger students can participate in the courses but cannot operate motorized vessels until they meet the legal age requirement.

Each of the six days you set sail on Flathead Lake for your combo course, you’ll meet at the Go Sail Flathead Lake office between 8:45am and 9am (keep in mind, this time may adjust slightly due to wind and weather). Class ends by 4:30pm each day with a 30 minute on-shore lunch break around 12:30pm. Here’s a closer look at the plan for your six day ASA 101, ASA 103, and ASA 104 course:

Days 1 and 2: 

8:45 a.m. – Check in at the sailing shop

9:00 a.m. – Meet with your classmates and instructor

9:30–12:30 – ASA 101 sailing theory and hands-on sailing skills aboard a Capri 22ft sailboat

12:30–1:00 — Lunch break on the shore

1:00–1:30 — Sailing theory

1:30–4:30 — Sailing skills on the water and ASA 101 sailing exam onshore on day 2

​Days 3 and 4:

9:00 AM – Gather with classmates and instructor

9:15–12:30 – ASA 103 sailing theory and hands-on sailing skills aboard a Pearson 33ft sailboat

12:30–1:00- Lunch break on the shore

1:00–3:00 – Sailing theory and ASA 103 sailing skills

3:00-4:30 — Sailing skills on the water and ASA 103 sailing exam and exam review with a class summary on day 4

Days 5 and 6:

9:00 AM – Gather with classmates and instructor

9:15–12:30 – ASA 104 sailing theory and hands-on sailing skills aboard a Pearson 33ft sailboat

12:30–1:00- Lunch break on the shore

1:00–3:00 – Sailing theory and ASA 104 sailing skills

3:00-4:30 — Sailing skills on the water and ASA 104 sailing exam and exam review with a class summary on day 4

Pack a hearty lunch, your favorite snacks, and plenty of water to keep your energy up each day on the water. And don’t forget your essentials: ASA textbook(s), logbook, and a pencil for jotting down notes as you master the art of sailing. You’ll also want to dress in layers and prepare for the fact that Flathead Lake waters can be 20 degrees colder than on land!

• Safety equipment and life jackets (PFD Type V)
• Sailing logbook and ASA 101, 103, and 104 textbooks
• Allotted boat time
• Advanced sailing instructor
• ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications upon successful completion of written exams (80% or better) and practical exams (100%).

We will ship your ASA 101, 103, and 104 textbooks in the mail when you confirm your sailing course on Flathead Lake with a deposit or full payment. Remember to read your textbooks and complete all the practice quizzes before joining the class on your scheduled start date.

Set sail with us between Memorial Day to mid-September! As long as the weather and Flathead Lake water levels are good for sailing, we’ll be out on the water every day. We spend the majority of our time sailing between Dayton’s shoreline, Wild Horse Island, and Big Arm Bay, where consistent winds provide excellent sailing conditions throughout the Flathead Lake boating season. Learn more about where we sail on Flathead Lake in our Flathead Lake Boating Guide. Expect 10–15 knots of wind sweeping in from the east, with clear blue skies and puffy white clouds overhead. 

We closely monitor conditions and will confirm your lesson 7 days in advance, making adjustments if needed due to any approaching storms or dangerous sailing conditions. Your safety is our main priority.

Most of our ASA courses do sell out, however, there is a minimum of 2 students required for the course. If the minimum is not met within 1 week prior to the course date it will be canceled. We will contact you to reschedule to a different day.

Read our full list of policies, terms, and conditions here.