LEARN TO SAIL ASA 101 KEELBOAT CERTIFICATION
Step aboard our responsive 24–27ft keelboats in Mooloolaba waters. Gain genuine tiller confidence, learn sailing principals, and earn your worldwide American Sailing keelboat certificate with Queensland’s leading instructors.
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat is the complete 2–day practical sailing course for beginners. With over 90% hands-on water time and a strict 4–student limit, you will learn sail trim, points of sail, tacking, safety maneuvers, and marina docking. No prior sailing experience required.
From First Day Sailing to Coastal Cruiser
Take the 2-day ASA 101 standalone to master day sailing, or bundle with ASA 103 on our 30-47′ yacht or catamaran to prepare for coastal cruising and chartering worldwide.
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat
Master the essentials aboard our nimble 24–27 ft keelboats in beautiful Mooloolaba waters. You walk away with instinctive tiller skills and your official worldwide American Sailing ASA 101 keelboat certificate.
- Zero experience required — 100% beginner friendly
- Complete ASA 101 International Keelboat Certification
- Official ASA Sailing Made Easy textbook & ASA Logbook
- Official ASA Free Online Course
- Rigging, sail trim, tacking, gybing, safety & more
- Strict 4:1 student ratio for maximum hands-on practice
ASA 101 + 103 Coastal Bundle
Complete your 2–day ASA 101 on our 24–27ft keelboats, then step up to our 30–45ft cruising yacht for the 3–day ASA 103. Learn inboard diesel engines, coastal navigation, anchoring, and reefing in open water.
- 2 Days ASA 101 (Keelboat skills & certification)
- 3 Days ASA 103 aboard a large 30–45ft cruising catamaran or yacht
- Auxiliary inboard diesel maintenance & operating systems
- Dual Official Certifications: ASA 101 & ASA 103
- Qualifies you to particpate in flotillas
- Flexible: Complete ASA 103 anytime within 12 months
What You Will Master in 2 Days
Practical, patient instruction that gets you comfortable at the helm from hour one.
Points of Sail & Trimming
Understand how wind generates lift. Master beating upwind, reaching across the breeze, running downwind, and reading wind indicators on the water. Learn critical seamanship skills, including knot tying, rigging, and basic crew communication.
Tiller Handling & Tackling
Take the helm to practice core maneuvers like tacking, jibing, steering, and trimming sails for all points of sail. Gain practical experience leaving and returning to the dock, anchoring, and operating safely under auxiliary power.
Safety & Navigation
Learn essential “Rules of the Road” navigation and safety protocols to confidently share the water with other vessels. Master vital emergency procedures, with hands-on practice executing life-saving crew-overboard recoveries.
- EVERYTHING INCLUDED
- \ Official ASA 101 certification exam and international registration
- \Official ASA Sailing Made Easy textbook & sailor logbook
- \Certified modern PFD lifejackets and onboard safety equipment
- \Practice knot rope, water & UPF50+ sunscreen
- \Free ASA 101 online course
- WHAT TO BRING
- \Comfortable non-marking boat shoes or sneakers
- \Sun-safe hat, sunglasses (with strap), and light windproof jacket
- \Packed lunch for the midday pontoon break (or visit local marina cafes)
- \On-shore accommodation if traveling from outside the Sunshine Coast
Why choose sunshine sailing australia
With The Experience Comes Excellence.
Our school is an RYA foundational school in Australia, and has been teaching people to sail since 1995. With 29+ years of experience, and over 15K sailors trained, we know a thing or two about sailing.
Lowest Student / Instructor Ratio
We are the only American Sailing and RYA school in Queensland that has a 4:1 Student to Instructor ratio as standard. What does this mean for you? This means more room on the boat, no sharing beds, and more time for instruction. You are getting more training for the money than any other school.
Instructors Dual RYA/AS Certified
Our instructors are not only experienced sailors but also hold dual certifications from both the RYA and American Sailing, the two largest sail training organizations in the world. You can rest assured knowing that you will be learning from highly qualified instructors.
Queensland's Premier Catamaran Sail Training
We are the leading RYA and American Sailing catamaran training center in Queensland, offering more courses on catamaran than anyone else. If you want to buy, charter, or sail a catamaran, we are the school that will help you increase your abilities so you can maximize your adventure.
You Become Part of Our Community
We have a strong sailing community of past and current students. Many have boats that love to have crew aboard for a daily, weekend, or somethings longer trips. We love to get together and have BBQ’s, concerts, and flotillas. What an amazing community you could be a part of, you will be welcomed with open arms.
No Sharing Beds w/Strangers
We know this might be something that would be a given, but it isn’t. Most schools require students (strangers) to share a bed, often with a piece of cloth or a board between them. We do not believe you should have to pay extra to have your own bed.
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat
Master the essentials aboard our nimble 24–27 ft keelboats in beautiful Mooloolaba waters. You walk away with instinctive tiller skills and your official worldwide American Sailing ASA 101 keelboat certificate.
- Zero experience required — 100% beginner friendly
- Complete ASA 101 International Keelboat Certification
- Official ASA Sailing Made Easy textbook & ASA Logbook
- Official ASA Free Online Course
- Rigging, sail trim, tacking, gybing, safety & more
- Strict 4:1 student ratio for maximum hands-on practice
ASA 101 + 103 Coastal Bundle
Complete your 2–day ASA 101 on our 24–27ft keelboats, then step up to our 30–45ft cruising yacht for the 3–day ASA 103. Learn inboard diesel engines, coastal navigation, anchoring, and reefing in open water.
- 2 Days ASA 101 (Keelboat skills & certification)
- 3 Days ASA 103 aboard a large 30–45ft cruising catamaran or yacht
- Auxiliary inboard diesel maintenance & operating systems
- Dual Official Certifications: ASA 101 & ASA 103
- Qualifies you to particpate in flotillas
- Flexible: Complete ASA 103 anytime within 12 months
What our past students have to say!
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before stepping aboard.
Do I receive my official ASA 101 certification after 2 days?
Yes. Upon successfully completing both days of on-water practical assessments and passing the ASA written exam, you will be awarded your official American Sailing (ASA) 101 Basic Keelboat certification and your AS logbook will be signed by your Instructor. This is an internationally recognized credential that never expires.
How does the ASA 101 + ASA 103 Bundle work?
The bundle allows you to lock in our discounted $1,890 AUD pricing (saving 15%). You pay upfront and book your initial 2-day ASA 101 keelboat dates right away. Immediately upon checkout, you receive an automated confirmation and a unique prepaid voucher code that allows you to book your 3-day ASA 103 Coastal Cruising course whenever you are ready in the next 12-months.
Do I have to do ASA 101 and 103 on back-to-back weekends?
No, not at all. Your prepaid ASA 103 voucher remains valid for a full 12 months. You can take ASA 103 the very next weekend if you wish to fast-track, or give yourself weeks or months in between to let your basic keelboat fundamentals sink in.
Do I need any previous sailing experience?
None whatsoever. ASA 101 is engineered from the ground up for absolute beginners. With our strict 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, our certified instructors guide you through every line, knot, and maneuver giving you a strong foundation to continue your sailing lifestyle.
Will I get seasick?
It is possible, but we have extensive experience in helping you not get sea sick. If you think you might be sea sick, speak with us early, and we can help you prepare for your course. It is very rare that we have someone who cannot complete the course because of seasickness
Reach Out to Us
Still Have Questions?
Call Before Stopping By
We are always on the move, but can meet you at the office.