American Sailing Combo Course: ASA 103 & ASA 104

Building on the foundation of ASA 101, ASA 103 and ASA 104 take your sailing skills to the next level. ASA 103 covers essential skills for navigating nearshore waters on a 33-foot sloop-rigged keelboat with auxiliary power. ASA 104 advances your training further, certifying you to skipper a 30′–45′ sloop-rigged, auxiliary-powered sailboat during a multi-day cruise on inland or coastal waters, even in moderate to heavy wind and sea conditions. Successfully completing these courses qualifies you for an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), a valuable credential for bareboat chartering worldwide.

Although ASA courses are open to students as young as 13, Montana state law requires individuals to be at least 15 years old to operate motorized vessels without an adult present. This means younger students can fully participate in sailing instruction but must wait until they reach the legal age before getting certified.

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), sail, eat lunch at 12:30pm, and wrap up class by 4:30pm! That’s the general gist of what each day of your four day ASA combo course will look like. Here is a more in-depth look at the itinerary: 

Days 1 and 2: 

8:45 – 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 3 and 4:

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

We’ll have most of what you need for your combo course but here’s a few things you’ll want to pack each day for your four days sailing on Flathead Lake:

• Lunch, snacks, and your favorite drinks
• ASA textbook(s), logbook, and a pencil for jotting down notes
• A warm, waterproof jacket

• Safety equipment and life jackets (PFD Type V)
• ASA 103 and 104 textbooks
• Allotted boat time
• Advanced sailing instructor
• ASA 103+104 certification upon successful completion of written exam (80% or better) and practical exams (100%).
• IPC International Proficiency Certification (must have current ASA membership and successfully complete 104)

We will ship your ASA 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 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.