ASA 101, Keelboat 1: Able to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards. Auxiliary power operation is not required. (ASA does offer an ASA Challenge course to test out of ASA 101 - see description below).

ASA 102, Keelboat Sailing 2: Able to skipper and crew aboard a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 30 feet in length by day in winds up to 20 knots. Depart, sail, and return with control demonstrating teamwork.

ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising: Able to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (inboard or outboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet length by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather interpretation, safety and seamanship.

ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising: Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30'-45' sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.

ASA 105, Coastal Navigation: Learn the navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters. There is no Sailing Skills part to this Standard and practical application of this sailing knowledge is found in the Advanced Coastal Cruising Standard.

ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising: This course teaches the knowledge and techniques to safely act as skipper and/or crew on a sailing vessel up to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions. Sailing, Navigating, Man Over Board are all done at night, along with light recognition and enhanced safety precautions. After completion of this course, neither snow nor rain nor gloom of night shall stay captain nor crew from the swift and safe completion of their voyage!

ASA 114, Cruising Catamarans: Able to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of catamaran structure, components and features, performance under sail and power, boat systems, seamanship and safety, heavy weather operation, and emergency response.

ASA 101 Challenge: Challenging ASA 101 is NOT for people who have not sailed.  It is only for people who have owned their own sailboats or sailed a good number of times &/or power boaters that have had a fair amount of time on a sailboat, or have passed similar sailing levels with U.S. Sailing, RYA, or other reputable organizations. In the words of Capt. Scott (VISS owner/instructor), “If we were a rock climbing school, we would not put you 30 feet up on the side of a cliff with only book knowledge or YouTube tutorials under your belt. So with sailing, we will not jump someone to the next level without the solid foundation of 101 or equivalent experience/instruction. BUT at the same time… knowing the basic terminology is key to communication on any vessel, and your before class preparation is this area is key to moving quickly through 101 and the following levels. So take practice tests, quiz with flash cards, etc. You will also have the added advantage of having less time with your nose in a book while you are in paradise.”