Sailing Courses

Bluenose Sailing School offers a wide range of courses from “Introduction to Sailing” to advanced coastal and offshore cruising and racing. All our instructors are ASA certified and have years of experience sailing all types of boats. We believe in the importance of practical, hands-on experience, and maximize the time on the water for our students.

Whether you are new to sailing or looking to go to the next level, Bluenose Sailing School offers the right course for you!

Basic Keelboat Sailing - ASA 101

Learn to skipper a keelboat in sheltered waters and moderate winds. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts of the boat, sail trim, points of sail, how to helm, seamanship, safety, basic navigation, and how to avoid collisions and hazards.

Basic CoasTal Cruising - ASA 103

Learn to skipper a keelboat in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking, sail trim, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety, and seamanship.

Bareboat Cruising - ASA 104

Learn to sail a 37’ sailboat during a 4-day cruise of Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound and get your ASA 104 Bareboat Certification. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, and anchoring & docking.

Coastal Navigation - ASA 105

Learn the navigational theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters. Combine with ASA 103, 104 and 106 for the on-water elements.

Advanced Coastal Cruising - ASA 106

Learn to safely operate a 30’ to 50’ sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters, day or night, in all conditions. Visit Newport, Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard on this 5-day course with instructor onboard.

Basics to Bareboat - ASA 101, 103 & 104

Learn to sail a mid-size sailboat and get your bareboat certification. This 5-day, liveaboard course on a well-equipped Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379 combines ASA 101, 103 & 104.

Women on the Water

This five-session program run by women for women provides an ideal, low-pressure, and fun way to learn to sail. Enjoy an evening sail on Narragansett Bay with the girls and become a competent sailor along the way.

Adult Keelboat Classes

Learn to sail during five, 3-hour evening sessions on the water. Come on your own or with your significant other or friends. A perfect introduction to the joys of sailing.

Private Lessons

Take private lessons on any of our boats or on your own boat. The personalized one-on-one instruction focuses on teaching you the skills and confidence to be a better sailor and enjoy your time on the water.