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Learn to sail in Miami: ASA sailing lessons on
Biscayne Bay
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a nonprofit, registered ASA sailing school in Coconut Grove. Whether you want to learn to sail from scratch or sharpen your skills, our sailing classes follow the American Sailing Association standard and are taught by ASA-certified instructors on an accessible fleet.
See ASA 101.avif)
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The certification ladder
ASA certifications build on each other. Start with ASA 101 and work your way up — each one stays with you for life.
Keelboat Sailing 1
Become a sailor. Learn the language of sailing and the essential skills — hoisting sails, tacking and navigating safely on the water.
Keelboat Sailing 2
Refine your sail trim, boat handling and manoeuvring, and learn to crew well as part of a team.
Coastal Cruising
Step up to larger boats and more independent cruising, and learn to navigate coastal waters.
Bareboat Cruising
Skipper a mid-sized cruising boat on multi-day trips, responsible for every aspect of boat and crew.
The nonprofit behind the course
Shake-A-Leg Miami is a registered 501(c)(3). Since 1990 we have used the marine environment to improve the health, education and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges.
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We teach on adapted keelboats — ASA certification for sailors with and without disabilities. Every hull was either designed for stability, agility and movement on board, or modified until it was. Sailing with a disability? Read our guide to adaptive sailing in Miami.
A universally accessible community watersports center on Biscayne Bay, where people with disabilities, their families and anyone else can sail, paddle, fish and stay.
Scholarships are available for those who qualify, and veterans pay a reduced rate on ASA 101. Ask the course team about dates, prerequisites or accessibility — that is what they are there for.
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Start with ASA 101
Courses run on weekends and are open to sailors of all abilities. Questions about dates, prerequisites or accessibility — just ask.
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What our ASA 101 sailors say
Notes from students who have already finished the course on Biscayne Bay.
“Going through the ASA 101 program at Shake-A-Leg was one of the highlights of my year. The best part, by far, was the people. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by a community that genuinely cares. Everyone shows up with a positive attitude and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you’re learning and having fun.”
“The on-the-water training was the highlight of the course. The instructors did an outstanding job balancing safety, hands-on practice, and encouragement. They took the time to ensure every student developed confidence at the helm… I walked away from the course with a solid foundation in sailing, greater confidence on the water, and an even deeper appreciation for the sport.”
“What sets this program apart isn’t just the great classes and outstanding instructors, it’s the welcoming, supportive community you’ll find on the water. I’ve already recommended it to everyone I know, and I can’t wait to be part of the next regatta!”
ASA 101 dates, schedule and price
ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1 runs on five Saturdays and combines classroom time with time on the water. The fall 2026 cohort (November 7 to December 12) is full, and 2027 dates are coming soon. It is open to sailors 16 and older, with or without a disability.
- A registered American Sailing Association (ASA) school
- US Sailing Outstanding Community Sailing Program Award, 1997
- General participant: $800
- Veterans: $680
- Teachers and Miami-Dade County employees: $680
- Students and Sea Scouts: $85
- People with disabilities: $45
- Veterans with a disability: $45
Pick your category on the registration form. Some rates ask for proof, such as a student ID or a veteran ID.
What you’ll learn in ASA 101
By the end of the course you can skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of 20 to 27 feet in daylight, in light to moderate conditions with winds up to 15 knots. Along the way you learn sailing terminology and the parts of a boat, points of sail and how to read the wind, sail trim, tacking and jibing, helm commands and crew communication, docking basics, navigation rules and buoy markers, and safety equipment and procedures. To earn the certification you show real skill on the water and pass a written exam.
Why learn to sail in Coconut Grove
Our campus at 2620 S Bayshore Dr sits right on Biscayne Bay, with onsite parking and accessible spots near the entrance. The same docks host racing every season: we were the host venue for the M32 World Championship in November 2025, and the Bacardi Invitational Winter Series comes to Shake-A-Leg Miami on January 22–24 and February 19–21, 2027.
Sailing lessons FAQ
Do I need experience to take ASA 101?
No. ASA 101 is for complete beginners. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to get out on the water.
How long is the course, and when does it run?
ASA 101 runs on five Saturdays and combines classroom time with time on the water. The fall 2026 cohort (November 7 to December 12) is full. 2027 dates are coming soon.
What will I be able to do after ASA 101?
Skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of 20 to 27 feet in daylight, in light to moderate conditions with winds up to 15 knots.
How much do sailing lessons cost?
ASA 101 is $800 for general participants. Veterans, teachers and Miami-Dade County employees pay $680, students and Sea Scouts pay $85, and people with disabilities and veterans with a disability pay $45. You pick your category on the registration form.
Is there a test?
Yes. To earn ASA 101 you show real skill and confidence on the water and pass a written exam. ASA certifications build on each other and stay with you for life.
Which textbook do I need?
Sailing Made Easy, published by the American Sailing Association.
How old do I need to be?
ASA courses at Shake-A-Leg Miami are for sailors 16 and older.
Can I take sailing lessons if I have a disability?
Yes. We teach on adapted keelboats and work with each sailor to accommodate physical, sensory, cognitive and other disabilities. Our boats are accessible, and a caregiver can come on the boat with you. Ask the course team before you sign up.
When will ASA 102, 103 and 104 run?
They are coming soon. Email the course team at ASA.course@shakealegmiami.org and we will let you know when dates open.