YES! Approximately 40% of our students have no experience. They come with a desire to learn and desire to begin a lifelong dream of sailing, and that’s all you need.
You should bring a packed lunch, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, weather appropriate layered clothing, closed toe non-marking boat or tennis shoes, ASA text book and ASA logbook,(except for ASA 101. You will be given a logbook at the start of class)
Absolutely! With a maximum of four students per class, each student receives a lot of hands on time. How well you handle the boat, is part of your grade, so your instructor is going to make sure you are comfortable with what you are doing.
We welcome sailors of all ages between 12 and 100. Students aged 12-16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Be aware that there is an element of more advanced concepts for some of our younger sailors and the parent or guardian should take that into account. Please note, sailing does require stooping, pulling, crouching and various other physical activities. If you require special accommodations, please reach out to us!
The American Sailing Association instruction is the oldest and in our opinion, the best sailing instruction available. In addition, upon certification, ASA credentials are recognized worldwide. This enables you to sail with major charter companies, many of which offer discounts to ASA members. A sailboat owner with ASA certification is offered reduced premiums by most all insurance companies…let your agent know that you have certification.
The American Sailing Association is the oldest and by far the largest certification system in America offering a full range of credentials from Basic Sailing through Offshore Passagemaking. Years of experience and constant refinement have produced a system that is simply the best available.
Norton Yachts Sailing School’s current training sailboat is a 2024 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 Limited Edition. Artemis is a 2 cabin, 1 head modern sloop rig. She boasts twin helms and twin rudders and is propelled by DCX Performance sails and a 21 HP Yanmar marine diesel. Artemis is equipped with modern Raymarine electronics and offers all the creature comforts for overnight cruises, including A/C and Heat, refrigerator, shower, and a fully equipped galley. In addition, Artemis is compliant with all USCG safety equipment requirements.
Yes, we highly recommend reading through the course material before class. After receiving your deposit, we send you the textbook and other pertinent information. Students should read and come to class prepared to learn.
Yes! You can take any of our ASA courses on your own boat as long as your boat is within a reasonable geographic distance to Deltaville. Minimum rate is for 2 students. Our instructors will reach out to you to discuss what type of equipment you have and to ensure that your vessel is up to the required USCG safety standards. Norton Yachts Sailing School will also hold private sailing lessons on your boat. Minimum of 4 hours per day. Contact Norton Yachts for more details at (804) 774-7582 or dockmaster@nortonyachts.com.
We will sail rain or shine! However, safety is our top priority. If conditions exist that will put the crew or vessel in danger, we will not sail. This will be determined between our instructors and NYSS. If possible, class will be carried out in our classroom and then if weather conditions improve, a decision may be made to go out on the boat, or perhaps the next day. If we are unable to finish the class due to weather, all efforts will be made to reschedule. We are not responsible for weather impacts on class. This can happen on short notice up to and including the day of class depending on weather conditions.
We accept all major credit cards. Payment in full is required per person in order to secure your spot. For our Basic to Bareboat (B2B-ASA 101/103/104) course for two students, a 50% downpayment is required. One month prior to the class start date, the remainder is due. See our cancellation policy for details.
Bookings can be rescheduled or canceled for any reason up to 30 days prior to the scheduled course with a full refund. Once shipped, ASA textbook cost + shipping will be deducted from any refund. Within 30 days, contact Norton Yachts Sailing School to re-schedule or to discuss options for unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances. Rescheduling will be based upon availability and all efforts will be made to reschedule.
Norton Yachts Sailing School reserves the right to cancel or delay courses due to weather, boat or instructor issues. If a course is canceled by Norton Yachts, every effort will be made to reschedule based on our boat and instructor availability. This can happen on short notice up to and including the day of class depending on weather conditions.
Become a certified ASA Sailing Instructor and take your love of sailing to the next level while getting compensated at the same time! Don’t worry if you’re not yet at certification level, the American Sailing Association conducts Sailing Instructor Qualifications Clinics throughout the United States or can be held right here in Deltaville!
If you’re at least 18 years old, have at least 3 years of sailing experience, teaching experience or can demonstrate an aptitude for communicating sailing to the novice and advanced sailor, and can perform to the ASA International Sailing Log Book Standards, you’re eligible to enroll in an IQC. Our Instructors will need to have or obtain at a minimum a USCG “6 pack” Captain’s license in order to instruct at NYSS. Click Here to learn more or contact us (804) 774-7582 or dockmaster@nortonyachts.com. We are always looking for qualified instructors to share their love and passion for sailing and getting students on the water!
