Quick Details
1 Student
$ 860
2 Students
$ 1,548
3 Students
$ 2,064
4 Students
$ 2,408
One of our American Sailing-certified instructors will guide you, along with a small group of up to three other students, through the fundamentals of sailing. From classroom demonstrations to hands-on practice aboard a 28-33-foot sailboat, you’ll learn at your own pace in a supportive, welcoming environment.
This course meets all ASA 103 certification requirements.
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ASA 103 is the American Sailing coastal cruising course for sailors who have already taken ASA 101 and are interested in increasing their coastal cruising skills.
In ASA 103 students learn to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 33 foot keelboat by day (in moderate winds and sea conditions). This course covers cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.
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ASA 103 lessons on Flathead Lake generally begin at 9:00am, although this time may adjust slightly due to wind and weather. You’ll meet your ASA instructor at our sailing shop to discuss your expectations and goals. From there, you’ll work with your instructor to make a customized sailing plan on Flathead Lake to meet your sailing 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 103 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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The weather on shore may be warm but it can be up to 20 degrees cooler on the water! Dress in layers and bring a warm, waterproof jacket. Dayton doesn’t have a vast array of food options so we recommend bringing your own lunch, snacks, and water each day. For class, you’ll want to bring your ASA textbook(s), ASA logbook, and a pencil to take notes.
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- Safety equipment and life jackets (PFD Type V)
- ASA 103 textbook
- Allotted boat time
- Advanced sailing instructor
- ASA 103 certification upon successful completion of written exam (80% or better) and practical exams (100%).
We will ship your ASA 103 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.