ASA BEARINGS July 2017

ASA Bearings Newsletter

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In June the ASA school directory on ASA.com was viewed 23,866 times.

An Electronic ASA Logbook

Now that ASA has deployed a new membership system we are looking to take it to the next level. The next logical evolution is an Electronic Logbook. Students can already login to view their membership and certifications online via members.asa.com but we’d like to build a mobile app that makes it even easier. This app will include an electronic membership card and electronic certifications that would allow a student to instantly prove their level of certification - no more stickers! The app will also include a sailing log that will automatically track sailing activity allowing members to create an authentic resume of their time on the water.

Of course we’d like to hear your ideas on what features you’d like to see included in an Electronic Logbook app. What are some of the issues you encounter on a daily basis that could be addressed by such an app? What kinds of features do you think would really benefit your students?

Please contact us and share your thoughts…

ASA Instructor Tips

by Lenny Shabes

I was asked to write some tips or anecdotes that might be useful to ASA instructors, this is what I came up with. So with tongue in cheek here goes:

Do smile; it’ll make your students think you’re friendly.

Do not yell at your students till at least lesson two or three.

Do keep a positive and instructional tone at all times.

Do not get flustered or upset; they are only poor newbies.

Do give positive input and encouragement.

Do not rip the tiller out of your students’ hands!

Do be a role model; you’re the newbie’s hero.

Do not discuss politics on board.

I remember the instructor who taught me how to sail 40 years ago, as I’m sure you remember who taught you. We make a difference; we are changing people’s lives by teaching them how to sail. I’m really proud to be an ASA instructor and I hope you are too.

ASA in China

by Elbert “Ash” Ashbaugh

The recent growth of ASA in China has created the need for us to examine every aspect of how sailing education is conducted in the 21st century. We are learning how to serve a market that has emerging business and personal cultures, different language and symbolism, large time zone shifts, financial bureaucracy, and unpredictable shipping of books and certification materials. In doing this, we are realizing that changes need to be made, and that many of these changes will be for the better for all of ASA: Affiliates, Instructors and Students.

There are signs that ASA is becoming more and more of an international standard. There is awareness that the ASA provides a “Professional Sailing School in a Box”. The US blueprint for establishing and certifying a sailing school, creating and obtaining certified Instructors, and defining Student courses and certifications, yet operating as an independent business with a unique market plan and vision is very adaptable to the international market. Although we have been growing in Europe and Latin countries, the recent main international growth spurt has been in China.

Beneteau ASA First 22

Built To Teach Sailing. This Boat Continues To Be A Success!

Great news! The world’s largest boat builder Beneteau and the ASA have renewed their partnership and will continue to build and market the Beneteau “ASA First 22”.

The snappy little boat that took the sail training industry by storm is built to teach sailing to a group of 4 comfortably. Its high gunwales and angled seat backs make for a secure environment for students. Your students’ safety is further ensured by positive buoyancy making the boats virtually unsinkable.

Easy and fun to sail, and a breeze to teach on…

ASA schools have bought over 60 boats and are very pleased by the boat’s durability and ease of maintenance. The First 22 is fitted with oversized Harken hardware to help with your students' transition from small trainer to 40-foot cruising boat. It might be time for you to buy your new ASA 22. Find out more >>

Wait… There’s More…

Virtual Sailing On An ASA First 22

Now your students can sail their own ASA First 22 on a crystal clear cyber sea by downloading ASA’s best selling App, “Sailing Challenge”.

The App was originally designed as a teaching aid to help your students quickly understand the basics of sailing, but it has quickly become America’s number one sailing game. The App uses one of the most advanced techniques of teaching known as gamefication, the combination of gaming and education.

The virtual ASA 22 was built using Beneteau’s original 3D model and the sailing characteristics are based on the actual polars of the boat.

After completing all the teaching modules students can take everything they’ve learned and go sailing, on a virtual ASA 22! The newest version of the app (out soon) has 6 great sailing courses including a night time sailing course and a new BVI course located right in front of the Bitter End Yacht Club!

Sailing Challenge will allow your instructors to spend more time on the water and will accelerate your students’ learning curve, rapidly making them better sailors, and will save your school time and money. That’s what it was designed to do.

So tell your students to download ASA’s Sailing Challenge App and have your instructors check out ASA's lesson plan for ideas on how to incorporate the Sailing Challenge App into their classes.

Useful links for Instructors & Affiliates

www.ASA.com