THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ready to learn sailing in the scenic waters of Kirkland? Our two-day Sailing Basics ASA101 course gives you all the hands-on skills you need to become a confident crew member. Dive in and navigate the open water with expert guidance!
Ready to learn sailing in the scenic waters of Kirkland? Our two-day Sailing Basics ASA101 course gives you all the hands-on skills you need to become a confident crew member. Dive in and navigate the open water with expert guidance!
Book with Northwest Sailing
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Northwest Sailing · Kirkland, Washington
Experience the thrill of sailing with Northwest Sailing’s Sailing Basics ASA101 course at Carillon Point Marina in Kirkland, Washington. Over two exciting days, you'll gain hands-on experience aboard a keelboat, learning essential skills such as knot tying, sail trim, and basic seamanship. This course is designed for beginners eager to build confidence on the water with expert, patient instructors guiding every step. The location at Carillon Point offers calm, sheltered waters perfect for beginners, with stunning views of Lake Washington and the surrounding Cascades. Beyond just sailing skills, you’ll learn how to work as a crew, improve your understanding of wind and weather patterns, and enjoy the peaceful yet invigorating rhythm of life on the water. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby, prepare for certification, or simply spend time outdoors in a unique way, this course offers a memorable mix of education and adventure. When not on the water, Kirkland’s charming waterfront provides great dining and leisure options to round out your trip.
moderate.
6–8 hours total over 2 days.
Good general fitness is helpful for handling sails and moving around the boat safely.
No prior experience is necessary. This course is tailored for beginners and covers all foundational skills.
Wear comfortable layers and non-slip shoes. Bringing waterproof gear and sun protection is recommended based on the season.
Participants should bring their own water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
The course is designed for adults and older teens; check with Northwest Sailing for specific age policies.
This course provides foundational skills toward ASA101 certification, but official certification may require additional testing.
Northwest Sailing monitors weather closely; sessions may be rescheduled or adapted for safety reasons.
Carillon Point Marina is situated on historic grounds that were once part of trade routes used by local Native American tribes.
Local sailing instructors emphasize ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to keep Lake Washington’s ecosystem healthy and vibrant.
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