Welcome to South Portland Sailing Center – Your Next Adventure Awaits!

At South Portland Sailing Center, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your sailing dreams. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced sailor ready for advanced certifications, our courses are designed to provide the perfect mix of practical experience and in-depth knowledge.

Exciting News: Our Courses Now Offer Even More!

Starting this season, we’ve enhanced our courses to include an extra day of instruction—without taking away any of the hands-on sailing time you love! You’ll still receive the same high-quality, in-person training as before, but now, you’ll also have access to easy-to-follow online videos and coursework to reinforce key sailing concepts before stepping on the boat.

This blended learning format allows you to absorb essential theory at your own pace, making your on-water sessions even more effective and enjoyable. By the time you set sail, you’ll be more prepared than ever to put your knowledge into practice.

Get ready to learn smarter, sail better, and make the most of your time on the water! Your adventure starts here.

If you don’t see a date that works for you please send us an email we will be adding a few more classes in the next couple of weeks and should be able to accommodate you.

We are also now offering IPC by challenging the 104 certification.

ASA 101 - BASIC KEELBOAT SAILING COURSE

ASA 103 - BASIC COASTAL CRUISING

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

• Cruising Sailboat Terminology

• Safety Equipment & Emergency Procedures

• Coastal Navigation & Weather

• Sail Plan and Reefing

ASA 101 & 103 COMBO COURSE

FOUR DAY BLENDED COURSE. (1 day online + 3 days on the water)  

This course combines both curriculums into an exciting 3 day course. It’s an efficient way to learn without losing any momentum, with the added benefit of a cost savings over taking 101 & 103 separately.  Great for fast learners, or those who have prior sailing experience, and those and have spent some time studying theory and are looking to tie together their experience.

PRICE per seat weekday $1,280/ weekend $1380

**** The course is a four day blended with three days in person course but when you look at the calendar it will only show the first day. The class will be the day show in the calendar and the immediate following two days. ******

Price includes one-year membership to the American Sailing Association. Sailing Made Easy text book, and Coastal Cruising Made Easy Text book are not included. Classes run from roughly 10 am to 5 pm. Please bring a lunch with you.

ASA 104 COURSE

THREE DAY COURSE. 2 nights 3 days

Depart Friday Morning, return Sunday afternoon.

Course Overview:
Take your sailing to the next level and learn hands on cruising skills necessary for bareboat charter.

With a strong focus on navigation, sailing handling, anchoring, boat systems, emergency procedures and trip planning, you’ll get to experience everything that goes into making a safe and fun voyage.

We will visit the best parts of Casco Bay and possibly beyond. The exact itinerary will be based on the weather conditions, which will help you learn the perimeters of trip planning in real time.

ASA 104 is all about learning while having fun, so expect to visit pristine islands, hike along picturesque coast lines, and take in amazing sunsets, all while enjoying good food and honing your cruising skills.

PRICE per seat $2,200 Special Price for 2025 $1,499

What You'll Learn:

• Coastal cruising and advanced navigation techniques

• Bareboat chartering skills, including provisioning and boat systems

• Overnight anchoring and watchkeeping practices

• Seamanship for extended passages and varying weather conditions

In 2025, this course will be held aboard Tamarak, a Farr 43—an exhilarating high-performance sailing yacht. Designed for speed and adventure, Tamarak offers a hands-on, authentic sailing experience. While she may not be a luxury cruiser, she’s equipped with everything you need for a safe and comfortable trip. If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey that focuses on skill-building and real-world sailing, this is the perfect course for you! Check out Tamarak’s photos or call Capt. Tyler at (209) 471-4050 for more details

 Other Classes and Offerings

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private Lessons are a great way to learn sailing in a 'one on one' format or with your own sailing crew. They can be taught on our school boats, or on your personal boat. Our captains will custom tailor a lesson plan to your goals and learning style to get the most out of every hour you spend training.  Contact us now to book

• Half Day session: $545                                   (SPSC Members $379)

• Full Day Session: $990                                   (SPSC Members $675)

• Lesson Blocks 10hr-20hr call for details     (SPSC Members call for details)

Sail Dayz!

Finally an affordable and easy way to sail! Instead of a class, this is more like a mentorship. Your instructor already knows your strengths and weaknesses and can custom tailor the experience to your needs. Building skills is all about repetition and refinement. Sail Dayz allows you to you to continue refining your helmsmanship and sail handling, navigation and situational awareness, bringing you closer to becoming an experienced skipper.

Sail Dayz: Saturday 12-4pm : $225/person Wednesday 6-8pm: $100/person

Prerequisite: ASA 101 or equivalent

Get out in the water and have fun! 

IPC (ASA INTERNATIONAL PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION)

Planning a Mediterranean adventure? Ensure a smooth sailing experience with the International Proficiency Certification (IPC) from ASA. When chartering or sailing in Europe, proof of competency is often required. At our sailing school, we offer ASA courses to help you obtain the ASA IPC. Alternatively, if you already possess the necessary skills and knowledge, you can challenge the written test and on-water assessment. Contact us today to learn more about obtaining your IPC and embark on your European sailing journey with confidence.