Level 1 class
Practice sails
As a Student Sail Pass holder (unrated), you can take practice sails with our rated sailors (Mentors and/or Water Instructors) as often as you want.
Tests (written and water)
You can take the Level 1 tests when you feel ready.
Unlimited use of Interlake boats
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.
American Sailing Institute Level 1 Course Info
Students learn to sail an Interlake, an 18’ centerboard sloop, in light to moderate winds on an inland lake at Kensington Metropark or Stony Creek Metropark. No prior sailing or boating experience is required; however, even those with many years of sailing experience can benefit from this course. All new members start with this class. Students will learn the parts and functions of a sailboat, sailing terminology, as well as how to make the sailboat go where they want it to go.
The Level 1 course consists of a two-hour hands-on introduction to the sailboat, 6 hours of shore school, and 14 hours of on-water instruction with an ASI instructor aboard – two or three students per boat. The shore school classes are usually taught through on-line Zoom sessions. The on-water classes are taught at either Kensington Metropark in Milford, Michigan or Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Twp, MI. After completing the classes, students have unlimited opportunities to practice sailing with a rated ASI sailor for the entire season. We have a mentoring program at Kent Lake that meets on Tuesdays, Wednesday evenings, and Sundays.
The course also includes an Interlake maintenance class. It is offered on the first and third Saturday of June, August, and September, and the third Saturday of July, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Kensington Metropark East Boat Launch. There is also an Interlake Maintenance Class at Stony Creek, check the Burgee or Club News blog for dates. This class will teach you how to:
- Raise and lower the mast of an Interlake.
- Splice dock lines.
- Tune rigging.
- And much more!
Here’s a sample Day-one Sailing Class Topics
First Shore School (3 hours)
Topic Reading
1. The ASI sailing program description ASI Member Handbook
2. The boat: Interlake 18’ Handouts
3. The sails
4. The wind
5. Steering
6. Basic sail trim
7. Basic boat balance and trim
8. Points of sail
9. Coming about
10. Jibing
11. Marlinespike
Stony Creek Lake, Stony Creek Metropark
Sailing at Stony Creek first requires getting the boat into the water, since there are no permanent slips, as at Kensington. The boats are kept in the boat storage yard on trailers. Consequently, you must have a trailer hitch or make arrangements with your crew for one.
At Stony Creek Lake, the boats must be towed a short distance to the ramps for launching. It does take a bit more work before you are sailing, but more work doesn’t necessarily mean more time. You don’t have to open dock boxes for things like life vests and sails, because they are kept with the boat. Bailing the boats after rainy days is seldom necessary as it is at Kensington. Another advantage to sailing at Stony Creek is that the hulls are cleaner and do not accumulate algae as at Kensington Metropark where the boats are continuously in the water.
The detailed procedure for launching the boats at Stony Creek is covered in the Level 1 sailing classes.
Please fill in the form and the ASI Sail Secretary will contact you with more information about the registration and payment details.
Sail with us at Stony Creek Lake at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Twp. MI or at Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark in Milford, Michigan.
Practice sails
As a Student Sail Pass holder (unrated), you can take practice sails with our rated sailors (Mentors and/or Water Instructors) as often as you want.
Tests (written and water)
You can take the Level 1 tests when you feel ready.
Unlimited use of Interlake boats
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.
Becoming a Rated Sailor
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.
Dock Master duties
All members, including Students, are encouraged to be Dock Master. It's a great learning experience. You can now ask to do this with a Mentor! And the hours count as part of your total required volunteer hours.
