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Sharpen your sail trim, boat handling, and safety skills in a two-day ASA102 course at Elliott Bay Marina. Small groups, real harbor conditions, and included certification make this a fast, practical upgrade for sailors who have completed ASA101.
Sharpen your sail trim, boat handling, and safety skills in a two-day ASA102 course at Elliott Bay Marina. Small groups, real harbor conditions, and included certification make this a fast, practical upgrade for sailors who have completed ASA101.
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Operated by Northwest Sailing · Seattle, Washington
At Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle, Keelboat Sailing 2 (ASA102) compresses foundational seamanship into two intense days on Puget Sound. The course builds on ASA101 and teaches sail trim, boat handling, and safety so you leave certified and confident. Elliott Bay is Seattle’s working harbor on the western edge of the city, framed by the downtown skyline to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west; the course uses these local conditions—variable winds, tidal flow, and choppy chop—to teach real-world techniques.
On deck you'll refine how the mainsail and jib shape power and balance, learn to power up and power down in gusty shore winds, and practice steering without reliance on the rudder. Practical drills include reversing under sail, wing-on-wing runs, advanced man-overboard recovery, and crew weight management. Instructors mail the ASA textbook ahead of time and include the ASA exam and certification in the course fee, so classroom study and on-water repetition link directly to the test.
Seattle’s maritime history gives context to every lesson. Elliott Bay has been a hub for fishing, shipping, and ferry traffic since the 19th century, meaning students must learn navigation among working vessels and respond to real harbor traffic. The setting also offers striking photographic moments: sail rigs against the city skyline, light on glacially carved shorelines, and occasional views of Mount Rainier on clear days. Wildlife sightings—harbor seals and harbor porpoise—are common near the marina.
Logistics: the class runs two consecutive full days, typically Saturday and Sunday, with a small crew limit for hands-on repetition. Prerequisite: ASA101. Tipping instructors (10–20%) is customary. Bring layers, non-marking deck shoes, and a readiness to move through wet, windy conditions.
Why book this with northwestsailing at Elliott Bay? The program focuses on practical boat control you’ll use on Pacific Northwest waters: managing tidal current, trimming sails for puffs and sudden gusts, and executing safe recoveries in confined harbor space. Small class sizes mean more seat time at the helm and immediate instructor feedback. For sailors looking to move from basic handling to confident, efficient crewing and skippering in coastal conditions, this compact certificate course is a high-value, hands-on immersion into real-world sailing on Puget Sound.
The course is designed for adults (Ages 18+) and keeps cohorts small—4 students max—so each participant gets repeated turns at trimming, helming, and MOB drills over the two consecutive days (16 hours total). The fee covers the ASA textbook, exam, and certification, and instructors supply necessary sails and safety gear; bring personal layers, sunscreen, motion-sickness remedies, and a willingness to learn by doing. By the end you’ll have a practical checklist of maneuvers and the confidence to plan coastal outings around Seattle’s ferry lanes and working waterfront.
moderate.
16 hours (2 days).
Moderate fitness: be comfortable moving on a moving boat, climbing in/out of cockpits, and spending long stretches standing and trimming sails.
Yes. ASA101 is the stated prerequisite—this course builds on basic keelboat skills and assumes you can helm, tack, and tie fundamental knots.
Yes. The course fee includes the ASA textbook, the test, and ASA102 certification upon successful completion.
Cohorts are intentionally small—typically limited to 4 students—so everyone gets hands-on practice and instructor time.
Bring layered clothing, non-marking deck shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and any personal seasickness remedies.
The course notes indicate Ages 18+, so participants should be adults.
Check the booking platform or your reservation confirmation for the provider’s specific cancellation terms; weather and safety can drive last-minute changes.
Elliott Bay has served Seattle’s maritime industry since the 19th century and remains a busy working waterfront with ferries, fishing boats, and freighters.
Practice leave-no-trace boating: secure trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow local rules for fuel, bilge, and sewage to protect Puget Sound.
Northwest Sailing is a Seattle-based sailing school offering a range of hands-on courses and certifications operating from Elliott Bay Marina and Carillon Point/ Downtown Kirkland. The school provides entry-level and advanced courses including Sailing Basics (ASA101) in Seattle and Kirkland, ASA101 review sessions, Cruising Skipper (ASA103), Bareboat Skipper (ASA104), PowerBoating AB101, Spinnaker Handling, and a multi-evening Coastal Navigation (105) series. Courses combine on-water training aboard keelboats and performance sailboats with classroom-style navigation and safety instruction. Locations used for training include Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle and Carillon Point Marina in Kirkland, with some classes meeting in Downtown Kirkland. Several offerings specifically prepare students for ASA certifications and log required hours toward ASA credentials. The Bareboat Skipper (ASA104) course runs as a three-day program with a maximum of three students and private cabins on a 30′–45′ sloop-rigged boat. Northwest Sailing emphasizes practical seamanship skills such as sail trim, knots, docking, boat handling, navigation, and emergency procedures. The school also offers a focused eight-hour Spinnaker Handling course on a J/80 performance sailboat and a five-evening Coastal Navigation (105) series covering chart reading, position fixing, and tides. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Northwest Sailing lists clear course descriptions, locations, and certification pathways. Prospective students can choose courses by skill level — from beginner ASA101 to advanced ASA104 and specialized topics like powerboating and spinnaker work. Schedules and booking are available through The Adventure Collective listing and direct course pages online today.
Book with Northwest Sailing