American Sailing

Home V3

The world needs skilled sailors.

It takes a courageous soul to take the helm of a sailboat and set out for distant waters – one whose heart beats to answer the call, and whose mind is in tune with all the sea and sailboat will require of them. Sunsets, stories – even family legacies – await just over the horizon. Whether your sailing stories have yet to be written or you’re ready for your next chapter, the world needs competent, safe, well-educated sailors who know how to create a great day on the water for everyone aboard. Welcome aboard, sailor.

Beginners

Learn to sail and become a sailor.

Sailors

Earn advanced sailing certifications.

Professionals

Become a sailing instructor.

ASA certifications for every sailor

AD: SailTime
AD: SailTime

ADVERTISEMENT

Continuing education with online classes

As an extension of our core curriculum offered at ASA Affiliate Schools, American Sailing offers ongoing sailing education from the comfort of your own home. Each class is a supplement to one of our certification courses, and is structured with interactive presentations by seasoned sailors who answer your live questions during the class. Many of the classes are available on-demand as well, and all classes are available on-demand for a limited time to attendees. Take advantage of this powerful continuation to your sailing education today! American Sailing members enjoy discounted rates.

AD: North Sails
AD: North Sails

ADVERTISEMENT

Latest articles

Summer Sailing Trip Buying Guide at West Marine

As the summer winds continue to blow, we romanticize the long days at the dock or afternoons lounging on the hook in our favorite anchorages.  Whether you’re cruising for a weekend or planning a longer voyage, having the right gear on board can mean the difference between “laid-back luxury” and “where’s the duct tape?”

Smooth Sailing Starts Ashore

Before you chase the horizon, take the time to inspect the boat that’ll carry you there. A smooth sail starts with smart preparation – topside, below deck, and in every system in between.

Prepare to Cross an Ocean

You might join a finely tuned crew with a seasoned skipper – or a boat making its first big leap. Either way, preparation is critical. Success offshore starts long before you leave the dock.

Wind vs. Wifi

There’s an old saying passed down through seasoned skippers: You don’t really know sailing until something goes wrong. No matter how many hours you spend watching videos or reading manuals, nothing prepares you quite like the sudden slap of wind, the crunch of a bad tack, or when your rigging breaks in the middle of a daysail.

Swimming with Outboards

When a 25HP Yamaha slipped into 16 feet of Caribbean water, a simple sail day turned into an unexpected recovery mission. What followed was a crash course in corrosion control, mechanical triage, and lessons in complacency. With quick thinking, fresh water, and a lot of patience, the engine was revived, starting on the first pull. This salty tale proves even sunken gear can be saved if you act fast, stay calm, and never underestimate the power of preparation.

Seasickness Prevention 101

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness triggered when the brain receives conflicting messages from the eyes, inner ears, and sensory nerves. While your body may be on a stable deck, your inner ears feel the rise and fall of the waves, and the disconnect can send your system into a tailspin.