BECOME A SAILING INSTRUCTOR
Enhance your career, become an ASA instructor
When you are an American Sailing Association instructor, you are internationally recognized and qualified to teach sailing to the highest standards.
If you have good sailing experience and want to become a Sailing Instructor, you need to get credentials to teach ASA sailing classes (101/102/103/104/105) which are called 201, 202, 203, 204 and 205 instructor certifications.
You will be able to teach classes from Basic Keelboat Sailing to Offshore Passage making and Advanced Navigation.
Join an Instructor Clinic to become and instructor
Narragansett Sailing School has the ability to certify students and we can help you become a sailing instructor.
Every year, we offer a full certification program called Instructor Sailing Certification Clinic. You can take ASA 201 to ASA 205 and be certified to teach ASA 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105.
Include buttons to JOIN the clinic.
Who can become a Sailing Instructor?
You may join a clinic if you wish to become a true sailing professional and you need to :
- Be 18 years old or older
- Have at least 3 years of sailing experience
- Have teaching experience or can demonstrate an aptitude for clearly communicating sailing to the novice and advanced sailor
- Are capable of performing all the Standards as stated in the ASA Sailing Log Book
What is the schedule for 2026?
The schedule for the 2026 Instructor Clinic is From April 17 to April 25:
- ASA 201 – From Friday, April 17 afternoon until Sunday evening: Basic Sailing
- ASA 203 – Monday, April 20: Basic cruising
- ASA 204 – Tuesday, April 21: Bareboat Cruising
- ASA 205 – Wednesday, April 22 – Advanced Navigation
- ASA 218 – Thursday, April 23 – Advance docking
- ASA 202 – Friday, April 24 – Keelboat Sailing
What is the cost to become a Sailing Instructor at NSS?
You will need to have ASA 101 certification prior to taking the sailing instructor level. We can help you with that if you do not have it. You’re welcome to take just the ASA 201 or all of them.
Instructor ASA Membership $89 (you need to join American Sailing Association) and the instructor certification (IVN) is $99 per certification.
2 and half days for 201 – $520
1 day for 202, 203, 204, 205, 218 – $385
- COURSE OVERVIEW -
ASA 101 - Basic Keelboat Sailing
3 Days - 9am to 5pm
30’ boat with a wheel
4 students max per instructor
Women only courses available
Starting at: $955
Package Option
ASA 101 Basic Sailing
Price: $955
ASA 101 Basic Sailing
Price: $955
Related Courses
ASA 118 Advanced Docking
Students will register for three 7- hour days
Students will register for three 7- hour days
Students will register for three 7- hour days
ASA 101 Practice Session
ASA 103 is a prerequisite
All boat expenses are included. Food is extra.
Students will register for three days
TESTIMONIALS
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What will I learn during the clinic?
You’ll learn how to teach ASA courses, manage students on the water, demonstrate maneuvers clearly, apply risk management, and deliver safe, professional, and engaging sailing instruction.
Why become an ASA-certified instructor?
Becoming an ASA instructor allows you to teach nationwide, gain professional credentials, join a respected sailing network, and pass on your knowledge while spending more time on the water.
Is this clinic about sailing skills or teaching skills?
Both—but the focus is on how to teach. You must already sail confidently. The clinic refines your demonstrations, communication, student management, and real-world teaching scenarios.
How am I evaluated during the ASA Instructor Clinic?
You are evaluated on sailing proficiency, safety awareness, lesson delivery, student interaction, and your ability to clearly demonstrate and explain maneuvers on the water.
Can I teach at NSBS after the instructor clinic?
Just to let you know that we do need instructors for all levels, although we don’t guarantee that you can be an instructor here. We really look for people that not only have the skills, but know how to communicate and teach well. This all becomes evident during the clinic. The folks that impress us, we invite to be sailing instructors at our School. We also require you to have a Captain’s license and to be CPR/First Aid certified.