Learn to sail on Flathead Lake with the ASA 104 course, combining hands-on instruction and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for future skippers seeking confidence on the water.
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Wildlife
History
Flathead Lake has been a key transportation route and fishing spot for centuries, with local tribes and early settlers relying on its abundant resources.
Conservation
Efforts focus on preserving water quality and shoreline habitats, maintaining Flathead Lake’s pristine environment for future use.
Go Sail Flathead Lake
Learn to sail on Flathead Lake with the ASA 104 course, combining hands-on instruction and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for future skippers seeking confidence on the water.
Go Sail Flathead Lake operates from Dayton, Montana, offering sailing instruction, rentals, and guided cruises on Flathead Lake. The company provides American Sailing Association (ASA) courses including ASA 101, 102, 103, 104, and 111, plus combo certification programs that prepare participants for bareboat chartering. Instruction is hands-on and delivered in small groups aboard a variety of sailboats, from Capri 22 keelboats to 30–45 foot sloop‑rigged cruisers used for bareboat training.
Options range from a three‑hour introductory sail and refresher courses to multi‑day certification combos. Short experiences such as the three‑hour “A No‑Stress Introduction to Sailing” and ASA 111 refresher focus on practical skills, knot work, and sailor terminology. Two‑day courses cover keelboat basics, racing skills, and bareboat cruising techniques, while four‑ and six‑day combo courses combine 101, 103, and 104 curriculum for broader certification.
Go Sail Flathead Lake also offers captain‑guided boat tours and sunset cruises that showcase Wild Horse Island and surrounding islands with opportunities for wildlife viewing. Experienced captains can tailor the experience for relaxation or informal instruction. Certified sailors can rent a Capri 22 bareboat for independent exploration, with options to add kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming.
All offerings emphasize safety, hands‑on learning, and navigation of Flathead Lake’s consistent winds between Wild Horse Island and Big Arm Bay. Reservations, course prerequisites, and certification details are provided for each trip. Booking information, specific boat assignments, and safety briefings are available per trip; participants should review course prerequisites and prepare for on-water instruction and practical assessments before arrival and launch.
Base Location
Dayton, MT
Launches from the Flathead Lake shore
ASA Courses
101,102,103,104,111
Keelboat and bareboat certifications
Featured Boat
Capri 22
22ft rental and keelboat training
Trip Durations
3 hours–6 days
Short sails to multi-day certification
Book multi-day certification combos, short introductions, or a captain-guided sunset cruise from Dayton, Montana — spots fill for popular dates.
Check wind conditions before arrival
Ensure weather is suitable for sailing to maximize safety and learning experience.
Bring layered clothing
Weather on the lake can change rapidly; dress in layers for comfort and safety.
Arrive early each day
Extra time helps for equipment setup and review instructions before starting.
Hydrate and protect from the sun
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during sunny, outdoor sessions.
Life Jacket
A well-fitting life jacket is crucial for safety during all sailing activities.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV rays during sunny days on the lake.
summer
Sailing Gloves
Enhance grip and protect hands during sail handling.
Waterproof Hat
Shield your face from sun and rain.