I'm looking to take an ASA101 course this fall. I live in Southern Washington in the Columbia River Gorge but all the courses in Portland or the San Juans are done for the season. This brings me to a fun adventure option to take the class in the Bay Area. I've kited there and am aware that it's a very dynamic body of water.
I have spent most of my life in the water from class 5 kayaking, rafting, kiteboarding, wingfoiling, and downwind foiling. I have basic non-technical sailing experience on a Sunfish, O'Day Daysailer, and Laser. A few years ago I puked off a 40 footer on a honking day on Lake Michigan. We own a Bayliner motorboat and I'm competent trailering, docking, reading water and navigating the Columbia River.
I'm 54.
Short term goals are Salish 100/family cruising/bareboat charter. Long term goal is WA360. Stretch goal is R2AK.
What do you think of doing an ASA 101 in late October/early November the Bay? I'll likely take more classes in the San Juans next year.
There are 2 schools with classes that fit my schedule:
\-Tradewinds Sailing School has a 3 day class on Capri 22 with a 3:1 student to instructor ratio
\-Modern Sailing School has a 4 day class on 30-32' boats with a 4:1 student to instructor ratio
Any thoughts on these schools / programs?
Thanks in advance!