Welcome to the Passion Yachts Sailing School!
Passion Yachts, formerly known as The Sailing Life, has provided 
sailing classes on the Columbia River since 2006. Our location has been know as the “The sailors destination for over 24 years”.
We offer fully sanctioned ASA sailing classes to both beginners and advanced students. In fact, 40% of our students have no boating experience. The American Sailing Association (ASA) is the oldest, and in our opinion, the best sailing curriculum available. ASA credentials are recognized world wide and enable certified sailors to charter sailboats at major charter companies in the world.
Passion Yachts teaches on Hunter sailboats with outboard/inboard power and tiller/wheel steering. Boat sizes range from 20 to 34 feet. Passion Yachts will even teach students on their own boat if it is properly equipped. “Hands-on instruction” is paramount in Basic Sailing to Bareboat Cruising. We believe that students learn best when 60%-90% of the instruction is on the water. Our instruction is comprehensive, yet relaxed! We want sailors to have fun while they are learning.
ASA Standards / Curriculum
BASIC KEELBOAT (ASA 101)
Prerequisites: None
General Description: Able to sail a boat of about 20 feet in length in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision. A preparatory Standard with no auxiliary power or navigation skills required.
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TAKE THE CHALLENGE (ASA 101)
Prerequisites: None
General Description:Sailors who already have the skills necessary to pass the Basic Keel Boat level can challenge the course. There is a private on the water skills portion, including a knot test, as well the written exam. Sailors should read Sailing Made Easy by ASA to see if they will be prepared for the challenge. The challenge will generally take 3 ½ hours or less to complete.
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BASIC COASTAL CRUISING (ASA 103)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate
General Description: Able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary powered sailboat of about 20 to 34 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.
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TAKE THE CHALLENGE (ASA 103)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate
General Description: Sailors who already have the skills necessary to pass the Basic Coastal Cruising Class Keel Boat level can challenge the course. There is a private on the water skills portion, including a knot test, as well the written exam. Sailors should read Sailing Made Easy by ASA to see if they will be prepared for the challenge. The challenge will generally take 3 ½ hours or less to complete.
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BAREBOAT CHARTERING (ASA 104)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising Certification
General Description: An advanced cruising Standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew of a 30 - 50 foot boat sailing by day in coastal waters. The Standard includes knowledge of boat systems and maintenance procedures.
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COASTAL NAVIGATION (ASA 105)
Prerequisites: None
General Description: Able to demonstrate the navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters. There is no Sailing Skills part to this Standard and practical application of this sailing knowledge is found in the Advanced Coastal Cruising Standard.
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GRADUATE CRUISING COURSE (GCC)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate
General Description: Graduate students that already have their Basic ASA 101 certification and are looking to use their skills on a regular basis can sign up for a three week class that offers three evening classes for three hours each, aboard one of our fleet boats with an instructor. There are no materials needed other than you at the helm and having a good time.
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INTRODUCTION TO SAILING (ITS)
Prerequisites: None
General Description:This three hour on the water class for the non-sailor will demonstrate the joy of sailing, the maneuvers and handling of a cruising sailboat. Class participants will have the opportunity to experience steering and handling of lines during the process of tacking and jibing and discuss required and recommended safety practices and equipment.
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DOCKING ENDORSMENT (ASA 118)
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate
General Description: This course further develops basic docking skills, developing tehniques for handling single engine sailboats in tight quarters as well as methods of securing sailboats to docks in a variety of conditions.
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SPINNAKER HANDLING
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing Certificate
General Description: This 8 hour course teaches you how to use the grand daddy of them all, the spinnaker sail. The spinnaker sail adds performance and speed. This course covers the terminology and use of equipment, different types of spinnakers, how to pack, hoist, set, jibe, trim and douse the spinnaker. Using the spinnaker can add tremendous exhilaration to your sailing.
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Contact Us: lessons@passion-yachts.com or phone: 503-289-6306, School Calendar
260 NE Tomahawk Island Drive, Portland Oregon, 97217