Learn and Sail – Level 1 Class

Detailed information about American Sailing Institute (ASI):

Please note, classes are for individuals who are 18 and over at the time of the course.
Sign up at any time for classes starting in May or June or Sept!
Please e-mail our Office at secretary@sailasi.org or call and leave a message; include your questions, phone number and email: 248-393-4280

Please be aware: 

  • Students may be required to attend shore and water classes, including the required Maintenance class and docking and capsize workshops, at Kensington regardless of the home lake you are confirmed for.
  • Most ASI shore classes are offered via Zoom (on-line meetings). Water Classes at Kensington, and usually at Stony.
  • ASI reserves the right to cancel classes that do not have minimum enrollment.
  • Level 1 water classes are taught on 18 ft. Interlake sailboats which are available at both Kent and Stony Lakes.
  • The use of ASI boats at Stony Metropark (after class are completed) requires a vehicle, hardware, and manpower needed to tow the boat (< 1200 lbs.) from the boat storage area to the boat launch ramp, launch it, and return it to the storage area after sailing.  Another Member Volunteer may be willing to help.
  • For the safety of all, and our equipment, ASI does not allow single-handed sailing.
  • We also offer US Sailing Small Boat Certification by US Sailing trained instructors.  This allows you to sail at other clubs around the country. Just ask our sail secretary or your instructor.
  • We also offer a complete racing program for students and members alike! See our Racing news here.
  • Metro Park entrance fees are the responsibility of the member.
  • ASI does not offer refunds
  • ASI is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization

Interlake Maintenance Classes for All Students

The Maintenance class(see below) must be completed by all students prior to taking the Level 1 written test.

Required Level 1 Maintenance Class(Advanced Rigging):

All Maintenance Classes are held at Kent Lake the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month 9am-Noon except July 4th weekend. Watch the ASI Burgee Newsletter for updates and possible classes at Stony. Classes are listed on the web Event calendar.

***All Students must complete this class prior to their Level 1 written test.***

There is no additional charge for this training and no reservations are necessary to attend this class. Be sure to take it early, its very informative.

Docking and Capsize Workshops

In order to provide additional opportunities for students and rated members to improve their skills, ASI offers workshops in two vital skills: docking and capsize recovery. These, optional, but highly recommended, workshops take place at Kensington Metro Park at the East Boat Launch. Students should register for the capsize workshop.  Information will appear in the Burgee. Capsize workshop participation is required to obtain the optional US Sailing Small Boat Certification Certificate.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Learning to sail has never been so much fun and at a very low cost. Come join us – we would love to share our experience, joy and skills of sailing. Our fees include, membership and sail pass ,water and shore classes, book, mentoring, practice sails and access to boats, after course completion.

Note Also
As a Student Sail Pass holder (unrated), you can take practice sails with our rated sailors (Mentors and/or Water Instructors) all you want, as often as you want. You can take the Level 1 tests when you feel ready. After qualifying, you can take the L1 boats out as the skipper as often as you like, consistent with some common-sense rules, of course. For example, ASI does not allow single-handed sailing. You’ll learn more about this in the classes. Unrated members have two years to get the Level 1 rating but getting the Level 1 rating can be easily accomplished after your classes in the same year. The program was designed that way. If for any reason you are unable to complete your rating in two years, just sign up for the class again. If you believe you have a situation that needs review, we offer a process for that thru our Operations Team, just let us know.

The American Sailing Institute (ASI) Scholarship Program

The American Sailing Institute (ASI) has a scholarship program. The scholarship program accepts new donations to the program and grants partial scholarships to new Level 1 students. The purpose of this scholarship is to help cover the students’ costs for ASI’s Level 1 sailing course. The scholarship will cover $100 of the sailing course fees.

ASI is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization. Call us for information on tax deductible Donations- 248-393-4280.

Interested in applying?

Student Must Be:

Interested in learning to sail with ASI
A resident of the state of Michigan
A new ASI student
18 Years of age or older
Committed to complete training to achieve a Level 1 ASI sail pass.

Application Packet Should Contain:

Application Cover Sheet
Essay (see requirements below)

Essay to Include:

How did you hear about ASI?
Why do you want to learn to sail?
Describe any sailing experience you may have.
What do you hope to learn through the ASI sailing courses?
How will the scholarship help reach your future sailing goals?
Statement of commitment to complete ASI Level 1 sailing course.

The scholarship is payable to The American Sailing Institute and covers $100 towards the American Sailing Institute Level 1 class. The American Sailing Institute Scholarship Committee will review all applications.