American Sailing Combo Course: ASA 101 & ASA 103

ASA 101 and ASA 103 are American Sailing Association courses 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, covering the basics of sailing a 20′ – 27′ sloop-rigged keelboat in light to moderate conditions. ASA 103 is the next step for sailors who have completed ASA 101, focusing on coastal cruising skills aboard a larger 27-35-foot sloop-rigged keelboat with auxiliary power. Both courses are required for earning an IPC, a credential often necessary for bareboat chartering internationally. 

Students taking the ASA 101 and ASA 103 combo courses will learn sailboat terminology, sail handling, helm commands, and basic safety procedures as well as more advanced sailing topics such as boat systems, engine operation, docking, coastal navigation, anchoring, weather awareness, and safety procedures. 

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 without an adult present until they meet the legal age requirement. 

Each of the four 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 (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 four-day ASA 101 and ASA 103 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 — ASA 103 sailing exam and exam review with a class summary

Dress for the weather— and then add a layer or two! 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!

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

We will ship your ASA 101 and 103 textbooks 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.

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.

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.