Scholarship Program
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.
ASI is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization. Call us for information on tax deductible Donations 248-393-4280.
The purpose of this scholarship is to help cover the students’ costs for ASI’s 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 scholarship will cover $100 of the sailing course fees.
The American Sailing Institute Scholarship Committee will review all applications.
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.
How it works
New members and students start by taking our Level 1 sailing classes. This class will teach you the basics of sailing: rigging a boat, holding a course, tacking, jibing, and docking. Level 1 classes are taught on our fleet of 18′ Interlake centerboard sailboats at Kent lake (West Side) and Stony Creek (East Side). After successfully completing this class and passing the Level 1 tests, you become a “rated” club member and may use the L1 Interlake boats at Kent Lake and Stony Creek whenever you want! Just show up and grab a boat.
If you crave something bigger, after you’re achieved an L1 rating you may take our Level 2 class on Lake St.Clair. This class is taught on our 28′ or 30′ cruising sailboats. In this class you’ll learn to rig, navigate, motor, anchor, and dock a powered sailboat. The class includes a day-long trip to Lake St. Clair Metropark. After completing the Level 2 class tests, you may timeshare one of the Level 2 keelboats for a 1/2 day or more, to practice what you have learned and improve your skills. These boats sleep 4+, and have a head (marine toilet), galley, and a diesel engine. You may sail these boats anywhere on Lake St. Clair!
Still not satisfied? Level 2 members may take our Level 3 class to learn the art of cruising. In this class, you will learn how to plan and execute extended sailing adventures. You will learn route planning, provisioning, charting, weather reading, marine radio protocol, and use of sailboat electronics. The class includes a two-day trip to the Canadian side of Lake St. Clair. This class is taught on our 32′ foot cruising sailboat, and after completing this class and tests, members may timeshare it. Or . . .
Take a week-long transfer trip where an instructor will travel with you while you sail from Lake St. Clair to the North Channel of Lake Huron! You’ll learn the joy of “gunk-holing in the channel.” When you complete your transfer trip, you may timeshare an L4 cruising boat in the channel for a week or more every summer!
ASI Level 1 Instruction Includes
- An introduction class, where you will have a chance to see the boats, help do the rigging, and get the “feel” of a sailboat.
- Two shore school sessions in a classroom, where you will learn the basics of water safety, sailing terms, boat terminology, wind and weather.
- Two all-day on-water sailing classes, with lots of “hands-on” practice.
- Free Access to Interlakes with Mentors or member volunteers giving practice sails.
- Free water testing and written testing to obtain your L1 sailpass.
- Our L1 sessions are in May, June, and September (see links below).
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.
Maintenance Workshop
Level 1 Maintenance Workshop
is offered at Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark on the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings, all summer, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Level 1 Maintenance at Stony Creek Lake at Stony Creek Metropark is scheduled one Saturday per month or on an as needed basis. This class must be completed before final L1 written test is taken. Our e-zine, the Burgee, and members calendar has class details. Students receive the Burgee free upon membership.
Capsize recovery Workshop
Level 1 Capsize Recovery Workshop
is offered at Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark.
Docking Workshop
Level 1 Docking Workshop
is offered at Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark.
Dock Master Workshops
All members including Students can Dockmaster.This is a great way to earn volunteer hours, help your sail mates, and learn about docking by watching situations others get in and out of. We have added a Dockmaster lesson to the shore classes and the docking workshop. You may also ask to come shadow an experienced Dockmaster.