Do I need prior sailing experience for this course?

Yes, a basic understanding of sailing, especially on monohull boats, is recommended to get the most out of the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement.

What is the size of the boats used during the course?

The course uses mono haul sailboats typically ranging from 20 to 30 feet, providing manageable size for hands-on docking practice.

Can the course be customized for my skill level?

Yes, instruction is personalized to match your current sailing abilities and areas where you want to improve.

Is there a certification provided upon completion?

Upon successful completion, you will receive the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement certificate to add to your sailing credentials.

What happens in case of bad weather?

If severe weather impacts the session, Erie Islands Sailing School will reschedule or offer classroom theory until conditions improve.

Are children allowed to participate?

Due to safety and skill requirements, this course is intended for adult sailors or experienced teens with prior sailing knowledge.

Master Docking Skills: ASA 118 in Sandusky, Ohio | Sailing | Workshop

The ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course offered by Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures LLC in Sandusky, Ohio, is a focused one-day sailing experience tailor-made for sailors eager to master docking techniques on mono haul sailboats. This course combines hands-on practice with key theoretical knowledge, ensuring participants gain the confidence needed to dock and undock safely and efficiently in various conditions. Whether you're preparing for your next sailing adventure or simply want to refine your skills for lake or coastal boating, this private session delivers personalized instruction adapted to your current ability level. Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky provides an ideal environment with calm harbor waters and realistic docking scenarios, helping you build competence in handling lines, positioning the boat, and understanding wind and current effects. This endorsement is perfect for intermediate sailors looking to boost their seamanship and safety awareness while enjoying the scenic Michigan Islands area nearby. With expert guidance from seasoned instructors, expect to leave this experience equipped with practical skills and enhanced confidence to take on new sailing challenges.

About Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures LLC

Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures LLC is a Put-in-Bay, Ohio-based sailing school and charter operator offering a mix of instructional courses and recreational cruises. The company operates the Black Pearl for specialty excursions such as sunset sails and nautical photo shoots, and delivers American Sailing Association (ASA) certified courses ranging from Keelboat 2 to Advanced Coastal Cruising.

Instructors provide hands-on training for ASA certifications including docking endorsements, coastal navigation, weather endorsements, and refresher reviews. Courses are structured for small groups and emphasize safety, seamanship, and real-world practice on Lake Erie waters.

Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures also offers short on-water modules through the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) for focused skill-building in open water boat handling.

Recreational experiences include three-hour sunset sails that welcome guests 21 and older to bring beverages responsibly, and private nautical photo sessions aboard the Black Pearl with options for dockside or on-water settings. Training programs vary from one-day endorsements to multi-day cruising courses designed for sloop-rigged keelboats and larger coastal vessels, including night-sailing elements for advanced certification.

All offerings are delivered from Put-in-Bay, a well-known Lake Erie destination, providing access to diverse sailing conditions and navigational challenges ideal for learning and leisure. Erie Islands Sailing School & Adventures emphasizes certified instruction, practical experience, and memorable maritime experiences for sailors and visitors seeking both education and adventure. Training follows ASA curriculum and NSBC guidelines to meet recognized industry standards, with emphasis on passenger safety, seamanship, emergency procedures, and responsible boating practices across Lake Erie.