Do I need ASA 101 before enrolling?

ASA 101 (basic keelboat) is strongly recommended so you’re comfortable with basic helm, points of sail and common terms—this course builds on those fundamentals.

What wind conditions will we train in?

Instructors plan drills for winds up to 20 knots; training adapts to harbor chop and current to teach real-world trim and handling.

Is certification included?

ASA 102 follows the ASA curriculum and prepares students for certification; confirm testing or sign-off details with the operator at booking.

What age or fitness limits apply?

There is no specific age listed; participants should be able to move safely on deck and perform repeated tasks during long on-water sessions.

Meeting point details are provided by the operator; location is on the Bronx waterfront for access to New York Harbor.

Can I use this course to qualify for charters?

ASA 102 strengthens coastal sailing skills and is recognized by many schools and charter companies as part of necessary credentials for coastal skippering.

Master Sail Trim and Boat Handling: ASA 102 Weekend Course in The Bronx

On a brisk weekend along the Bronx waterfront, ASA 102: Boat Handling & Sail Trim compresses the kind of hands-on seamanship that takes months into 16 packed hours of instruction. Located on the Bronx side of New York Harbor, this American Sailing Association intermediate course moves beyond basics to teach sailors how to read the wind, tune sails, and command a keelboat in conditions up to 20 knots. The curriculum zeroes in on advanced sail trim—working the outhaul, vang, traveler, halyard tension and jib lead cars to shape cloth for power and pointing. Boat handling drills include perfecting tacks and jibes, sailing without a rudder, hove-to techniques and precise mooring approaches. Safety modules cover Man Overboard recovery (Figure-8 and Quick Stop), emergency heaving and winch operation; the classroom-to-deck progression means every concept is reinforced on the water during real maneuvers. This course stands out in the New York region because it packages ASA 102’s standardized, certification-ready syllabus into an urban setting where tidal current, chop, and gusty harbor winds force students to apply skills under pressure. For sailors stepping up from ASA 101 or basic club sailing, it’s an efficient bridge to coastal cruising competencies (ASA 103). Instructors emphasize crew communication and roles—anticipating trim changes and executing maneuvers cleanly is part technique, part choreography. Expect close-in views of the Bronx waterfront and working harbor traffic; the mix of watercraft and skyline adds practical navigation context that quieter training grounds can’t replicate. Key natural elements include tidal currents and variable wind patterns typical of New York Harbor; these conditions make sail trim lessons immediately relevant. Bring a compact logbook to record settings and conditions—those notes are gold when you graduate to passage-making. Ideal for sailors who want to polish boat speed and safety without committing to a lengthy course, ASA 102’s weekend format is also attractive to visitors and city residents looking for concentrated practice. Certification from ASA is recognized by many schools and charter companies, making this not just a weekend challenge but a credential for future trips. Students get study materials: Boat Handling & Sail Trim Made Easy (ASA Textbook 102), the USCG Navigation Rules & Regulations Handbook, and A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats. Those references paired with onboard repetition accelerate retention; you leave with practical sail settings, emergency procedures, a checklist to guide continued practice as you step toward greater coastal cruising competence. If you’re seeking an active, skill-forward introduction to competent coastal sailing, this course pairs technical instruction with real-world harbor sailing. The result is fast learning, tangible progression, and the kind of confident seamanship that turns casual weekend racers or day-sailors into capable crew and skippering candidates for longer coastal passages.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

16 hours (weekend).

Fitness level

Moderate — comfortable with standing, moving on a pitching deck, and handling lines; some upper-body stamina helps.

Wildlife

ospreys
harbor seals (seasonal)

History

ASA 102 is part of the American Sailing Association’s standardized curriculum used by schools to certify intermediate keelboat skills.

Conservation

Minimize wake near shorelines, avoid disturbing wildlife, pack out all trash, and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce pollution in harbor waters.

City Island Yacht Club is a sailing organization based on City Island in The Bronx, New York. The club is listed on The Adventure Collective and appears as a local option for people seeking introductory sailing education and certification in the New York City area. The club's primary listed offering is the ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification. This program provides an introduction to keelboat sailing and results in a formal ASA 101 certification upon successful completion of the course requirements. The course title indicates a focus on foundational keelboat skills appropriate for new sailors pursuing formal certification. City Island Yacht Club’s Adventure Collective listing includes session details and booking information, enabling prospective participants to review dates and reserve spots. The listing highlights the club’s City Island location, which provides direct access to coastal waters adjacent to The Bronx and convenient proximity for learners from across New York City. For those researching sailing lessons or basic keelboat certification near The Bronx, City Island Yacht Club is a verifiable local option offering the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification. Interested participants should consult the Adventure Collective listing for specific session requirements, eligibility, and booking instructions before registering. The club’s public listing, clear course title, and City Island presence offer transparency for people looking to begin keelboat training in the NYC area.

Base locationThe Bronx, New York

Tours offered1+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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