Frankly, there is no way to value the cost of sailing lessons, instead, the best way to consider what you want from a sailing school and how much you will pay is to consider just how much you will get from the school you plan on attending.
The needs of the experienced sailor who owns his or her own boat are far different from the beginner who needs far more instruction.
While price is a factor, what comes in the package is more important. For example, if you consider the time spent on the water versus the time spent in a classroom you might find that paying a little extra will make you a better sailor. You might have a time crunch and need to finish your certification course faster so 2 days is better than 4 days. Each school sets up different parameters for how they get you out on the water safely and well informed. It’s up to you to find the school that best fits your needs.
So how much does it cost to learn how to sail? Take a look at these six examples of what you get for the price of taking ASA 101. The courses all differ slightly but they all get you to the same certification.
The American Sailing Association does not set a price for sailing lessons. The price is dictated by the individual school as they are responsible for following a set curriculum and meeting the standards set forth by ASA. All prices shown on this page are subject to change and should be confirmed with individual schools. These prices are listed as examples.
Tuition for Basic Sailing is $590. There are also group discounts – 5% for 2 people, 10% for 3, and 15% for 4. Tuition includes certification to the American Sailing Association Basic Sailing Standard.
What’s Included: Basic Sailing Course. ASA certification is $50 if signed up for in advance and $75 if signed up for on the day of the course.
How Many Days: 2. Basic Sailing is taught over one weekend, Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm each day. Weekday classes are also offered on Monday & Tuesday or Thursday & Friday.
How Many Students: 4
The Perks: Group discounts. If 2 people sign up using the same registration form, each gets a 5% discount. If 3 sign up, each gets a 10% discount. Four people get a 15% discount! This discount only applies when you sign up using one registration form. Basic Sailing is taught on J/24 sailboats. These are the most popular sailboats in New York Harbor. They are fast and sleek and the water equivalent of a Porsche. By learning to sail on a J/24, you can easily transition to membership in Manhattan Yacht Club and continue sailing on their fleet of boats.
The Price: $1099
$1099 per person, plus an ASA textbook package (Sailing Made Easy & ASA Logbook) and materials for $29.95, and a required one-time ASA processing fee of $39.00.
Note: Sales tax on books is required, and a $10 shipping fee will be charged for all book packages.
What’s Included: 24 hours of instruction over 3 days
How Many Days: 3 days
How Many Students: 3 students maximum
The Perks: World-class instruction from the only school in New England to consistently receive national recognition from the American Sailing Association. Up to 20% off a Black Rock Sailing Annual Club Membership to practice what you have learned. Learn aboard boats that are young, safe, comfortable and simply the best learning platforms available. Get 10% off two courses and an additional week of practice aboard Harbor 20s if you do a 101/103 combo week. Stay ashore or liveaboard a larger cruising yacht at the docks each night during your classes. Minimum of two people to run classes.
The Price: $875
Includes the textbook, ASA testing fees, and a logbook.
What’s Included: 3 consecutive days, the Basic Sailor Certified covers all materials and skills found in our modular courses; Sailing Fundamentals, Sailing Skills, and Sailing Certification. The certification day fills in any gaps in order to provide you with the complete knowledge and skills to do well on the written and practical tests including advanced nomenclature, sound and light signals, anchoring, and mooring.
How Many Days: 3
How Many Students: 3 students maximum
The Perks: In addition to classroom review time, you are provided a practice session with an instructor to help prepare you for the practical exam. Your textbook, Sailing Made Easy, is included in the tuition and will be sent to you upon registration so that you can study before you begin your course. Upon your successful completion of the certification tests, you will receive your ASA logbook to keep track of this and any future certifications.
The Price: $795 with price matching.
Includes textbook, ASA certification, and ASA Membership
What’s Included: 5 hours of shoreside classroom over the 3 days, and 18 hours sailing, plus strategic mid-sail breaks. Supervised practice sails.
How Many Days: 3
How Many Students: 3
The Perks: They will meet any full, 3-day program’s final, out the door price for a learn to sail/ ASA 101 course. “Whenever we can get away with it, we shorten the classroom time and extend the sailing even more.”
The Price: $1190
Textbook and certification are extra. Tuition also includes an additional 4 hour community sailing session.
What’s Included: 23 Hours of Instruction, ( only 3 – 4 persons per group class )
How Many Days: 3 to 4 days
How Many Students: 3 – 4
The Perks: One Year Membership in Bluewater’s Bareboat Charter Club. Access to Bareboat Rentals during membership! First Weekday 1/2 Day Rental Free. (within 2 weeks after course)
The Price: $495 Seattle Sailing Club Member. $625 Non-Member price
What’s Included: 3 hours in a classroom; 12 hours on-the-water hands-on instruction.
How Many Days: 2
How Many Students: 4 maximum
The Perks: Members have access to the sailing clubs boats as well as the ability to participate in all club activities.
Learning to Sail
ASA 101: What You’ll Learn ASA 101 is your introduction to Basic Keelboat Sailboat and is your key to a lifetime of sailing.
How To Sail Sailing a boat is part art and part skill but few activities offer such a variety of pleasures as sailing. Something special occurs when you cast off the lines and leave your cares at the dock.
7 Tips For The Beginning Sailor There are the obvious things you need when you go sailing, sunscreen, a hat, a windbreaker, non-skid shoes, and wind. However, what do you really need to be ready to head out on the water?
How To Learn To Sail You won’t have to buy a boat or learn a new language or buy a new wardrobe to get a taste for sailing. You can dictate how much you want to experience.
Learning To Sail Is Just The Beginning Sailing means different things to different people. At ASA we understand that learning to sail is just the beginning of a relationship with a lifestyle that is infectious. Where will sailing take you? We have a few ideas but how you view sailing is the most important.
What Is Your Role on a Boat? What type of sailor are you and what role do you take on the boat? Your ASA sailing education will prepare you to be a skipper on a sailing vessel and with that comes the responsibility of keeping your crew safe and ensuring the safety of the vessel you are sailing.
Miami Sailing SchoolMiami, South East Florida Miami Sailing School, located in the picturesque neighborhood of Coconut Grove, Miami, stands out for its unparalleled sailing conditions, personalized instruction, and experienced instructors. Our school is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive and rewarding sailing education experience on the beautiful Biscayne Bay.
Top Tier Sailing SchoolTortola, British Virgin Islands An ASA certified training school located in the British Virgin Islands. Whether you are new to sailing or an experienced sailor looking to achieve specific ASA certifications, Top Tier Sailing School offers comprehensive sailing courses and a learning experience like no other.
Departure Planning and Weather Routing In this online class, we learn how to master modern weather forecasting software for sailing. Learn how to optimize routes, plan departures, and make informed decisions for seamless navigation using PredictWind.
