Quick Details
1 Student
$ 860
2 Students
$ 1,548
3 Students
$ 2,064
4 Students
$ 2,408
Your American Sailing certified instructor will patiently teach you the art of sailing with one to three other students.
This class meets the American Sailing certification standards for knowledge and skills and includes classroom demonstrations as well as hands-on training on a 22-25ft sailboat.
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ASA 101 is the American Sailing introductory course for sailors new to ASA sailing courses— or new to sailing all together! This course covers sailing fundamentals. It is a required course for earning an International Proficiency Certificate, allowing sailors to bareboat charter around the world!
In ASA 101 students learn to skipper a 20′ – 27′ sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. The course includes information on basic sailing terminology, providing students with a solid understanding of sailboat parts and functions. Students graduate with the ability to explain and identify sails, sail parts, and sail controls, as well as knowing how to effectively and correctly use and respond to helm commands. At the end of the course, sailors can tack, jibe, sail on different courses, and get out of “irons”! Safety equipment and procedures are also covered in ASA 101.
Montana state law stipulates an operator of a motorized vessel must be 15 years of age or older. We do offer ASA courses to children over the age of 13, however, they cannot operate a motorized vessel until they are over 15.
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ASA 101 lessons on Flathead Lake begin at 9:00am (this time may adjust slightly due to wind and weather). You’ll meet your instructor at our sailing shop and discuss your expectations and goals. From there, your ASA instructor will make customized sailing suggestions to meet your goals. Class ends by 4:30pm and there is a 30 minute on-shore lunch break around 12:30pm each day. Here’s a closer look at the plan for your two-day ASA 101 course:
Day 1:
8:45 a.m. – Check in at the sailing shop.
9:00 a.m. – Meet with your classmates and instructor
9:30–12:30 – Sailing theory, depart the dock, hands-on sailing skills, dock the boat.
12:30–1:00 — Lunch break on the shore
1:00–1:30 — Sailing theory
1:30–4:30 — Depart the dock, hands-on sailing skills, and dock the boat.
Day 2:
9:00 AM – Gather with classmates and instructor
9:15–12:30 – Depart the dock, sailing skills, dock the boat
12:30–1:00- Lunch break on the shore
1:00–3:00 – Sailing theory, depart the dock, sailing skills, dock the boat.
3:00-4:30 — Sailing exam. Review the exam with a class summary.
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We recommend dressing in layers and bringing a warm, waterproof jacket. It can be 20 degrees cooler on the Flathead Lake waters than on land. You’ll also want to bring lunch, snacks, and water each day. Remember your ASA textbook(s), ASA logbook, and a pencil to take notes too!
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- Safety equipment and life jackets (PFD Type V)
- Sailing logbook and ASA 101 textbook
- Allotted boat time
- Advanced sailing instructor
- ASA 101 certification upon successful completion of written exam (80% or better) and practical exams (100%).
We will ship your ASA 101 textbook in the mail when you confirm your sailing course on Flathead Lake with a deposit or full payment. Remember to read your textbook and complete all the practice quizzes before joining the class on your scheduled start date.
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Go Sail Flathead Lake typically operates from Memorial Day through mid-September, weather and Flathead Lake’s water levels permitting.
Most summer days bring steady 10–15 knot winds from the east, clear blue skies, and a refreshing breeze off the lake—perfect for smooth, exhilarating sailing. But this is Montana, where the weather has a mind of its own. Your safety is always our top priority, so we monitor conditions closely. You’ll receive a confirmation 7 days before your scheduled lesson, and if the forecast looks uncertain, we’ll work with you to reschedule.
Our favorite sailing routes showcase the breathtaking waters between the shoreline, the rugged beauty of Wild Horse Island, and the open expanse of Big Arm Bay—an area known for consistent, spirited winds. Want to learn more about exploring Flathead Lake? Check out our Flathead Lake Boating Guide.
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Most of our classes will sell out. 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.
You may cancel or no show, at any time subject to the following penalties:
Any cancellations more than 60 days prior to the start time of 10% of the payment collected.
Any cancellations between 60 and 30 days prior to the start time 50% of the payment collected.
Cancellation or no show, less than 30 days prior to the start time 100% of the payment collected.Cancellations must be notified to us by phone or email and confirmed for approval. The penalties will be calculated from the date we receive your cancellation.
We may need to cancel a course due to unforeseen circumstances or natural events outside the control of Go Sail Flathead Lake, LLC including but not limited to lake wind advisories, thunderstorms, heavy rain, extreme cold, or high wind areas. We send you a gift card of the value so you can book an alternative date.
We reserve the right to cancel a trip at any time without reason. If we cancel without reason, we shall return all collected payments paid by you.