Question 1

How many students are in a class?

Accepted Answer

Usually no more than four students per boat for ASA 101 and five for the Combo. Classroom sessions can have up to 20 people across five boats, which gives you more chances to practice right-of-way.

Question 2

What is your class schedule?

Accepted Answer

ASA 101 and the Combo (103 + 104) run every weekend except Christmas. ASA 101 is 9 am–5 pm both days. The Combo runs Friday 9 am to Sunday 5 pm, and we can finish by 3 pm Sunday if you need to. Coastal Navigation (105) and Advanced Coastal Cruising (106) run four times a year.

Question 3

How much are private classes?

Accepted Answer

Private weekday ASA 101 is $550 for one or two people, plus $100 each for up to two more. Private weekend 101 is $900 for one or two. The private weekday Combo is $1,340 for one or two ($1,465 if it includes a Friday), and the private weekend Combo is $1,845.

Question 4

How do I enroll?

Accepted Answer

Call our office at 281.334.4179, 7 days a week. We don’t take card details online. A quick call also confirms the course and date you want are available.

Question 5

What should I wear or bring?

Accepted Answer

Keelboats aren’t usually wet, so dress like you’re going for a walk on a windy day. Wear shoes with non-marking soles (not black soles).

Question 6

What is a mentor session?

Accepted Answer

A free session with an instructor on a 27 to 34 foot boat. ASA 101 graduates get one free Saturday-morning mentor session with no time limit on when to use it. It introduces wheel steering, an inboard diesel and roller furling.

Question 7

How long should I wait between ASA 101 and the Combo?

Accepted Answer

Some students take the Combo the very next weekend and do well. Others like to do the mentor session and free charter first.

Question 8

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

Groups of four or more taking a course together save $25 per person. Book a later course (Combo or beyond) when you enroll in ASA 101 and save $80 per course. You only pay the deposit, and you choose dates later.

Question 9

Do I need to bring lunch?

Accepted Answer

Not for ASA 101. We break for lunch after Saturday’s classroom session and come back to the dock for a late lunch on Sunday. During the Combo, there’s a lunch break each day for a local restaurant.

Question 10

What if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

We almost always finish on schedule by moving activities between days. If we can’t, we reschedule the on-the-water portion with you. The Combo runs in all weather except tropical storm warnings, because learning with an instructor aboard is great experience.

Question 11

Do you have gift certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for lessons or charters. We can email or mail them, and they never expire. Everything can be arranged over the phone.

Question 12

Which Houston airport should I fly into?

Accepted Answer

Hobby (HOU) is about 30 to 45 minutes away. Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Question 13

What if I don’t pass the exam or skills evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Very few students have trouble. If you need to, you can retake the written exam later, or come back to finish your boat work, at no charge.

Question 14

Can I rent boats after I finish training?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our affiliate, Sackett’s Sailing Center, charters boats from 22 to 39 feet.

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