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!
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours total over 2 days
Fitness Level
Good general fitness is helpful for handling sails and moving around the boat safely.
Wildlife
History
Carillon Point Marina is situated on historic grounds that were once part of trade routes used by local Native American tribes.
Conservation
Local sailing instructors emphasize ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to keep Lake Washington’s ecosystem healthy and vibrant.
Northwest Sailing
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!
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.
Tours Offered
8 courses
Range from beginner to advanced certifications
Training Locations
Seattle & Kirkland
Elliott Bay and Carillon Point marinas
Certification Courses
ASA & AB
ASA101–104 and AB101 pathways
Bareboat Class Size
Max 3 (ASA104)
Personalized instruction on Bareboat Skipper
Choose an ASA or AB course at Elliott Bay Marina or Carillon Point and book through The Adventure Collective to reserve a spot.
Dress in Layers
Washington’s weather can change quickly; wearing layers helps keep you comfortable both on and off the water.
Bring Sunscreen and Hat
Sun exposure is strong on the water; protect your skin and eyes even on cloudy days.
Learn Basic Knots Beforehand
Familiarizing yourself with common sailing knots can make the course smoother and more enjoyable.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the active sailing sessions.
Non-slip Boat Shoes
Ensures good footing on wet boat decks during all seasons.
Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you dry and warm during spring’s frequent rain showers.
spring
Sun Hat with Chin Strap
Protects your face from strong sun and stays secure in the wind.
summer
Thermal Base Layers
Provides necessary warmth for cold-weather sailing sessions.
winter