Griffin Bay offers American Sailing Association's standard curriculum in the weekend and week long format. We believe that the basics of sailing are better taught on smaller more manageable sized boats. Ask about staying on one of our boats while you are in Friday Harbor.
Each class has a corresponding textbook that can be purchased on the ASA website Here. You need to come to the class having read the textbook before hand. You may be taking part of the written test on the first day. We ask this of our students so we can maximize the time on the water covering what can be done with a book. Come dressed for your class in clothes that will keep you warm and dry. Sailing gloves, sailing shoes, and personal floatation device are also recommended.
ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing
-Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions.
-Learn basic sailing terminology
-Parts and functions
-Helm commands
-Basic sail trim
-Points of sail
-Buoyage
-Seamanship
-Crew overboard recovery
-Safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.
ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25'-35' keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions.
-Learn cruising sailboat terminology
-Basic boat systems
-Auxiliary engine operation
-Docking procedures
-Intermediate sail trim
-Navigation rules
-Basic coastal navigation
-Anchoring
-Weather
-Safety and seamanship.
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising
Learn how 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.
-Learn about provisioning
-Boat systems
-Auxiliary engines
-Advanced sail trim
-Coastal navigation
-Anchoring/mooring
-Docking
-Emergency operations
-Weather, and more.
ASA 106
Advanced Coastal Cruising
Able to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions.
The registered student will receive access to our online resources prior to their class.
We also offer ASA 114 cruising multihull cert and all of the RPBA (Recreational Powerboating Association courses for single and multi engine operation.
If you don’t have time to take the courses separately you may want to consider the Cruise and Learn. Save on travel and get all three certs in an intensive week of learning while you cruise the San Juans.
If you are interested in a class that is not scheduled please contact us and we will find a time to offer it. Ask about discounts if your party fills the boat or you want to stay aboard the night before your class.