US Sailing Certification Courses on Lake Travis, Basic Keelboat to Bareboat Cruising
US Sailing certification track
A clear path from beginner to global charter.
Three certifications, one logbook. Start with Basic Keelboat, build through Basic Cruising, and finish with Bareboat Cruising, the credential charter companies look for worldwide.
Save up to 20%
10% off when you combine two or more classes, stackable with another 10% off as a Texas Sailing Member.
US Sailing Certification
Basic Keelboat
The fundamentals of safe, confident daysailing on a keelboat from 18 to 27 feet in light to moderate winds. Walk in a true beginner; leave a competent sailor.
Length
24 hours
Prerequisites
None
What you'll learn
- Rig and prep a keelboat, board safely, run a full presail check
- Leave and return to the dock or mooring under sail and power
- Steer through tacks, jibes, and points of sail with proper trim
- Handle close-quarters maneuvering, heaving-to, and getting out of irons
- Reef and depower in building breeze
- Execute Quick-Stop and Figure-8 crew-overboard recoveries
- Read charts, aids to navigation, and right-of-way rules on Lake Travis
- Respond to safety and emergency scenarios, from distress signals to sudden storms
Learn the theory online. Sail the practical with us.
Texas Sailing is a certified NauticEd hands-on sailing school. Do the theory at your own pace through NauticEd's interactive online courses, then come to the lake for the practical. We can issue the Verified Practical Sailing Competency stamp, letting you design a certification path that fits your schedule and goals.
Perfect if you have limited time but are serious about proper sailing education. Two free courses and a free electronic logbook are waiting for you at NauticEd now, courtesy of Texas Sailing.
Save your seat
Pick a course and we'll send the next available start dates within one business day.
Common questions
US Sailing certification, answered.
What is a US Sailing certification and why does it matter?+
US Sailing certifications are the most widely recognized sailing credentials in North America and are accepted by accredited charter companies and sailing schools worldwide. Each course you complete is logged in your US Sailing Official Logbook, which acts as your passport for renting and chartering sailboats from the BVI to Croatia. Texas Sailing on Lake Travis is a US Sailing–certified school, so the certifications you earn here are issued directly by US Sailing.
How long does it take to get a US Sailing certification?+
Basic Keelboat is a 24-hour course typically delivered over two weekends in our group format. Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising each run 18 hours and are usually completed in three six-hour sessions. Private classes can be scheduled to finish faster, sometimes in a single intensive week, depending on availability and the student's pace.
Do I need experience to start the certification track?+
No, Basic Keelboat is the entry point into US Sailing certification and requires no prior experience. Basic Cruising requires Basic Keelboat certification, and Bareboat Cruising requires Basic Cruising. If you've already taken non-certification classes with us, those skills carry over and accelerate your progress through Basic Keelboat.
How much do US Sailing certification courses cost?+
Basic Keelboat group classes start at $1,195 per student, and Basic Cruising starts at $1,195. Bareboat Cruising is $1,695 for one private student. Combine two or more classes for 10% off, stackable with another 10% off as a Texas Sailing Member, for up to 20% in total savings.
What's the maximum class size for certification courses?+
Group certification classes are capped at four students per boat to ensure plenty of hands-on time at the helm. Private one-on-one instruction is also available seven days a week if you prefer a faster, more personalized track. Class boats range from 18 to 41 feet depending on the certification level.