Local Travel Features

Lighthouse Landing Offers Sailing School

April 3, 2017 | Jessica Perkins

Whether you own a sailboat and want to hone your sailing skills or you’re simply looking to learn some basics of the trade in order to charter a sailboat almost anywhere in the world, the American Sailing Association’s (ASA) Sailing School at Lighthouse Landing is a great place to get educated.

Lighthouse Landing has educated sailors on Kentucky Lake since 1977. The resort offers two four-day ASA-certified courses: Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising. Both courses offer sailors a broad range of sailing techniques. Each course accommodates four people, age 16 or older. (NOTE: There is a Practical Sailing Course designed for families with six individuals and will accommodate younger children. Call 1-800-491-7245 for details).

ASA Certification

ASA Certification offers sailors credentials that will give them confidence in sailing almost any waters, including those waterways with heavy commercial traffic. ASA certification is internationally recognized by most charter companies, as well as insurance companies. Some insurance plans offer discounts to ASA members.

Type of Sailboat

Lighthouse Landing utilizes a Colgate 26 (C26) for its sailing courses. These boats are nimble, responsive and unsinkable and work well for teaching sailors how to easily operate and navigate a sailboat. In fact, the C26 is used by the United States Naval Academy in its Sail Training Program.

ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing

In this introduction to sailing, you’ll learn how to skipper a 20’-27’ sloop-rigged keelboat in light to moderate winds on the waters of Kentucky Lake during the day. You’ll learn sailing terminology, as well as the various parts and functions of the boat, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety. By the time you complete this course you’ll know the rules of navigation and will be able to avoid collisions and hazards while on the water.

ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising

Lighthouse Landing teaches this as part of its Practical Sailing Course. It’s a great way to learn how to skipper a sloop-rigged 25’-35’ keelboat during the day. You’ll learn to navigate the waters of Kentucky Lake in moderate winds and sea conditions. You’ll learn sailboat cruising terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engines operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.

Physical Fitness Requirements

Those taking these courses will be required to move easily around the boat, therefore some moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Sailing School Schedule and Fees

Check the website for a complete schedule with fees.

If you’re new to sailing or just want to refine your sailing techniques, the ASA Sailing School at Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers is a great place to get started.

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