Frequently Asked Questions, with answers:
Who is ASI for?
I’ve never been on a boat. Should I have some experience first?
I already know how to sail. Do I have to go through all that instruction?
What does it cost to take Level 1 classes?
What can I do after I’ve completed the instruction classes?
Where are the lakes and Huron-Clinton Metroparks located?
Do you offer a Racing Sailing program?
Are there any other costs?
What is ASI’s guest policy?
What will it cost me to use the Level 1 boats (18′ Interlakes) at Kensington and Stony Creek after my first year?
What is the cost after I pass my Level 1 tests?
What kinds of sailing tests will I take?
Can I use the sailboats before I pass the tests?
Must I start at Level 1 and pass before sailing the keelboats at Jefferson Beach Marina on Lake St. Clair?
What is the Evening Sail Program?
When should I enroll for Level 1 classes?
What equipment must I provide for myself?
What about safety?
Are ASI sailing classes fun?
What kind of organization is ASI?
How can I get more information on American Sailing Institute?
What are practice sails and Mentors?
Does ASI have Open Houses so I can see the boats and go on a ride?
Who is ASI for?
ASI is for just about everyone, although you must be 18 to earn a rating to take the boats out as a “Level 1” skipper. There is no upper age limit.Top ^
I’ve never been on a boat. Should I have some experience first?
No. This course is primarily for people like you!Top ^
I already know how to sail. Do I have to go through all that instruction?
Yes. In order to keep our insurance and maintenance costs down, and maintain boat integrity and uniformity, everyone goes through the instruction program, even if they already consider themselves sailors. Who knows, you may learn something new.Top ^
What does it cost to take Level 1 classes?
The cost of our introductory Level 1 class is is very reasonable. Your tuition includes classroom instruction, water instruction, and materials(book). With your membership fee you have unlimited access to our fleet of boats (no extra fee) and Mentors to take you for practice sails. There’s more information from the menu just click on “Classes”. More info on fees and club membership and student sail pass are here. Call Traci our sail secretary at 248-393-4280. or use our contact form to obtain all information and membership forms.
Please note: When you enroll in Level 1 instruction as a Student Sail Pass holder, you agree to contribute 6 volunteer hours on the boats for the current sailing season and 12 volunteer hours every unrated season thereafter. Fulfillment of the volunteer hours allows you to renew your membership in subsequent years. Note also that volunteer hours are a social and instructional event, not just “labor”.Top ^
What can I do after I’ve completed the instruction classes?
As a Student Sail Pass holder, you can take as many practice sails, with our rated sailors, you want, as often as you want. You can take the Level 1 tests when you feel ready. After qualifying, you can take the boats out as the skipper as often as you like, consistent with some common-sense rules. For example, ASI does not allow single-handed sailing. You’ll learn more about this in the classes.Top ^
Where are the lakes and Metroparks located?
Kensington Metropark (Kent Lake) is located off I-96, west of Milford. Stony Creek Metropark is located west of Mound Road and M-53, and north of 26 Mile Road/Mead Road (northeast of Rochester). For people working in downtown Detroit, it is generally an easier drive to Kensington even though the distance is a bit further.Top ^
Do you offer a Racing program?
Yes, we have a Racing Program. It’s a great way to hone your sailing skills. There’s a small fee for your first year as a racer. Novices race against Novices and there’s 2 other experienced racers in the boat with you.Top ^
Are there any other costs?
The Metropark entrance fee is the responsibility of the student or ASI member. The cost is per day, or an annual pass can be purchased at the tollbooth or Park office. Discounts off the Metropark admission are available for senior citizens (ages 62 & up).Top ^
What is ASI’s guest policy?
ASI encourages guests to participate in sailing activities, as passenger or crew. We would hope that, after experiencing what ASI has to offer a few times, adult guests help support ASI, by joining ASI.Top ^
What will it cost me to use the Level 1 boats (18′ Interlakes) at Kensington and Stony Creek after my first year?
The current price for returning students (you have two years to get your Level 1 rating) is the same as a regular Level one. You can sail an 18′ Interlake whenever you want with a rated member or Mentor! ASI does require that everybody put in a minimum number of volunteer hours, though. The volunteer hour requirement can be met in many ways, depending on your schedule, skills and interests.Top ^
What is the cost after I pass my Level 1 tests?
There is no fee for the testing and, when you pass, your Student Sail Pass will be converted to a regular Level 1 Sail Pass for no additional cost.Top ^
What kinds of tests will I take?
An on-the-water test will be given to you, when you decide you are ready to take it. There are no surprises! The list of skills that will be covered on the water test is given to you at your first shore school class — it’s on the printed water test form. If you don’t pass at first, or if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can come back for as many tries as you like. You are also required to take a written test. The written test covers material discussed in the shore school classes, the textbook and the water instruction. If you don’t pass the first time, you can take the test again.Top ^
Can I use the boats before I pass the tests?
Yes, but only with another ASI rated member. That is the purpose of the practice sails, where you are scheduled to sail with another ASI rated sailor. In addition, many students and rated sailors sail together informally just by showing up at the lake, and taking a chance at meeting some new sailors.Top ^
Must I start at Level 1 and pass before sailing the keelboats at Jefferson Beach Marina on Lake St. Clair?
Yes, you must first pass the Level 1 tests, submit a sailing resume, and be up to date on volunteer hours before continuing on to the 28’ – 30’ Level 2 boats at Lake St. Clair. The instruction program on the 32’ Level 3 and Level 4 boat is conducted on Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron and in the North Channel and Georgian Bay, Canada. It is normally a five-year process to achieve our Level 4 rating to use the 32’ boat, but it is well worth the learning experience!Top ^
What is the Evening Sail Program?
ASI has an Evening Sail program that allows anyone (members or guests sponsored by ASI members) to take an educational pleasure sail on our keelboats on Lake St. Clair. As a “crew member/passenger,” you can learn as much as you want to, while helping the ASI-rated Captain and First Mate sail the vessel. Programs may change without notice. There is no pressure to be involved, but you are encouraged to participate to the level of your interest and ability.Top ^
When should I enroll for Level 1 classes?
Right now would be a good time! The first few sessions fill early. Because we need to schedule our volunteer instructors and the textbooks and other handouts must be delivered to Kent Lake for the introduction classes, we need to have a head count approximately one week prior to the start of the first class session. Call the Sail Secretary for more information.Top ^
What equipment must I provide for myself?
ASI asks that you wear shoes appropriate for boating, and bring your own gloves and jacket, or rain gear if the weather looks threatening. ASI provides the life jackets and safety gear required for safe boating. If you own a life vest and feel more comfortable wearing it instead, that is OK, too.Top ^
What about safety?
All students and instructors wear life preservers during the on-water training. Safe and efficient boat handling is a priority for the instruction program. If the weather is too severe, a makeup session will be scheduled.Top ^
Are ASI sailing classes fun?
Yes indeed! Friendly instructors teach you to sail, step-by-step, at your own pace. There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment when you meet the mental and physical challenges of sailing. ASI has a high success rate and a high ratio of students who return as members and for further instruction. Even the volunteer hours are fun and educational, as you learn to make boat repairs, help publish the newsletter, or teach sailing to others in future years!Top ^
What kind of organization is ASI?
ASI is a non-profit corporation dedicated to teaching sailing and seamanship. Our program is entirely staffed by volunteers who maintain the boats, teach classes, and manage all aspects of operation. A nine-member Board of Trustees ensures that the programs and policies of the organization stay true to our non-profit mission. As an IRS 501(c)(3) regulated educational organization, ASI accepts donations, and donors may receive a tax deduction, in accordance with IRS rules.Top ^
How can I get more information?
It’s possible that you have many more questions. As an ASI member, you will be given a handbook during your shore school sessions. There are also several volunteers who will talk to potential new students. Call ASI’s Sail Secretary, at 248-393-4280. She will give you the names and phone numbers of members, or send you more information and an application form and a class schedule.Top ^
What are Practice Sails and Mentors ?
After your last water Class, we offer organized student Practice Sails and club volunteers to mentor you. Top ^
Does the Club have Open Houses so I can see the boats and go on a ride?
Yes we do. Call our office for details and dates. Top ^
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