FAQ
Q: How many students are in a class?
We usually do not have more than four students on a boat for the ASA 101 course or more than five on the Combo course.. However, we frequently have classes with as many as 20 people in the classroom resulting in 5 boats on the water. Large classes add to the learning experience as it provides more opportunity to practice “right of way”.
Q: What is your class schedule?
We have Basic Keelboat (ASA 101) and the Combo course (ASA 103 and 104) every weekend except for Christmas. Fast Track Coastal Navigation (ASA 105) and Advance Coastal Cruising are held 4 times each year. ASA 101 is from 9 am till 5 pm both days. The Combo class starts usually on Friday at
9 am and finishes Sunday at 5 pm. We can finish on Sunday by 3 pm if one schedule requires.
Q: How do I enroll for a class?
Enroll for any of our classes by calling our office at 281.334.4179. A short telephone call helps ensure you get the course you want and that the date you want is available.
Q: What to bring?
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Footwear such as tennis shoes but without black bottoms that will leave scuff marks on the boats.
- Dress for a windy day in the park. You will not be getting in the water
- Rain Jacket in case a shower happens while we are on the water.
- We provide life jackets but you are welcomed to bring your own Coast Guard approved jacket.
- For ASA 103, 104 and 105 do bring your ASA ID number so you can record it on the ASA exam.
Q: What should I wear or bring to class?
Keel boats are not generally wet, so dress like you were going for a walk on a windy day. You should always wear shoes that will not leave marks on the deck (black soles). For a complete list of what to bring click here.
Q: What is a Mentor Session?
A mentor session is a free session with an instructor on a boat of 27 feet to 34 feet. Students completing the Basic Keelboat Course (ASA 101) will receive 1 free mentor session on a Saturday morning. There is no time limit for when the mentor sail may be used. This sail introduces students to a sailboat with wheel steering, inboard diesel, and roller furling.
Q: How long should I wait after I complete the BKB (ASA 101) course until I take the Combo course?
Some individuals take the Combo course (ASA 103 and ASA 104) the next weekend and do well. Other individuals find it beneficial to first do the Mentor Session and sometimes the free charter.
Q: Do you offer discounts for more than one student?
We do have a $25 per person discount if you have four or more individuals taking the course at the same time.
Q: Do you offer discounts for enrolling more than course?
Yes, we do offer a discount of $80 for each course (Combo and subsequent courses) you enroll in at the same time you enroll in the BKB (ASA 101 course). Only the deposit for each subsequent course is necessary to lock in the savings. You decide later when to take the other courses. This enrollment is to be done before starting the first course to receive the discount.
Q: Do I need to bring lunch?
It is not necessary for the ASA 101 (BKB) class as we will break for lunch after the classroom portion of the course Saturday morning. We will sail in the afternoon. On the second day, we begin sailing in the morning and get back to the dock for a late lunch before the review and exam.
The Combo course (ASA 103 and ASA 104) will have time for a lunch break each day where you can go to a local restaurant.
Q: Can you recommend accommodations in your area?
There are numerous places to stay in the area including RV parks.
Q: Do you have gift certificates?
Yes. Gift certificates for sailing lessons or charters make great gifts for any occasion. We will email you a gift certificate or send you a gift certificate, or both. The entire arrangement can be done over the phone.
Q: Which Houston airport should I fly into?
Houston has two major airports: Bush International (IAH) and Houston Hobby (HOU). Hobby is about 30 to 45 minutes away and Bush is about 45 minutes to one hour away depending upon traffic.
Q: What happens if I do not pass the written exam or the sailing skills evaluation?
Very few of our students have any difficulty in passing the courses the first time. However, if one should fail the written exam one can take it over at a later time at no charge. If additional on the water training is required, the student may return and complete their boat work at a later date. There are no additional charges. We cannot certify a student that does not meet the standard, we are prepared to assist the individual in meeting the standard.
Q: Do you have boats that I can use when I complete my training?
Yes. Bay Area Sailing School’s affiliate is Sackett’s Sailing Center which has boats from 22 feet to 39 feet available for charter.
Q: How do I become an ASA sailing instructor?
Attend an Instructor Qualification Clinic and pass the written and on the water evaluations. We are often looking for more instructors. We do look for instructors who are friendly and relaxed on the water. More information can be obtained on the “instructor tab” at the ASA website ASA.com.
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Memoriam Robinson Crusoe
Our beloved Cat, passed away July 24, 2020. Robinson is greatly missed