Articles

Let’s Talk About the Ocean

Sailors are in a unique position to make a meaningful difference. We are the eyes and ears of the ocean. We see what others can’t. We witness the changes—floating plastic bottles, discarded fishing nets, and dying coral reefs. But we can also be the solution.

Deaf Sailors Navigating New Waters: Overcoming Challenges in Sailing Education

For deaf sailors, the thrill of taking to the water is paired with unique challenges. Learning to sail can be demanding for anyone, but for those who are deaf, the experience requires adjustments, patience, and often customized teaching methods. While instructors and students must work around these barriers, many deaf sailors successfully navigate the learning process and thrive.

Women in Sailing – Captain Laurel Seaborn

This Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting Laurel Seaborn—sailor, maritime historian, and director of a new Women’s Sailing Program at Athens Sailing School. From growing up on a sailboat to crewing historic tall ships and studying seafaring women of the past, Laurel brings a wealth of experience and passion to empowering women on the water. Her all-women classes focus on confidence, community, and hands-on training in the Aegean Sea.

The Legendary S/V Bubbles Return with ASA-Certified Virgin Island Sailing School

S/V Bubbles, the legendary sailboat from Chasing Bubbles, is back! Now restored, she offers ASA-certified courses with the Virgin Island Sailing School. Learn to sail in the Caribbean while supporting youth programs that empower at-risk kids.

SailGP Brings High-Octane Racing to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York

Sailing isn’t just about following official rules—it’s also about respecting the unwritten ones. From anchoring etiquette to VHF communication and marina manners, here’s how to sail with courtesy and seamanship.

Cooking at Sea: How to Manage the Motion of the Ocean

Explore the essential skills to manage cooking in motion, keeping things efficient, safe, and delicious with Gio and Julie Cappelli.

Sink or Sail?

ASA Director of Education Jenny McCain shares her story of learning to sail in an opti at summer camp as a youth.

VHF Confidence: Five Pro Tips

Improve your VHF radio communication skills with these five pro tips for sailors. Learn how to use working channels, scan important frequencies, hail vessels effectively, make securité calls, and avoid common mistakes for safer and clearer communication on the water.

What is a Refit? 

Planning a boat refit for long-term cruising? Learn the top 5 priorities every cruiser should focus on, from hull integrity to rigging, sails, electrical systems, and self-steering. Ensure your boat is safe, reliable, and ready for the open sea.

Celebrating the Sailors of American Sailing in Twelve Fair Winds Photos

Celebrating the sailors of American Sailing in twelve Fair Winds Photos. Send in your photo to be featured and win a Fair Winds hat.

Chasing the Dream to Circumnavigate

What does it take to sail around the world? For many cruisers, the dream of circumnavigating is where it all began. Whether they find bliss under countless stars far from land or anchored in gin clear Bahamian water waiting for the green flash at sunset, the allure of sailing the world got them there. What’s the next step to chase the ambitious goal to sail around the world?

Cruise with Confidence

Through over 20 years of mentoring and preparing sailors for the cruising lifestyle, Lisa and Andy Batchelor have developed sound advice for the aspiring cruiser. From discovering your "why" to planning, stress management, and education, the Batchelors set the stage for smooth seas.

Choosing Your Offshore Escape Vessel

The dream of buying a boat and sailing to exotic islands is a powerful and exciting one and an important part of achieving that dream is selecting the right boat to take you over the horizon in safety and comfort. Here’s how to successfully go about it.

American Sailing Welcomes Zhik as Official Apparel Partner

American Sailing (ASA), a global authority on sailing education, is excited to announce Zhik, a global leader in sailing and watersports apparel, as their official apparel partner. This partnership brings together ASA’s commitment to sailing excellence with Zhik’s innovative performance gear, providing American Sailing members with exclusive access to top-tier sailing apparel.

American Sailing Announces Bulova Watches as Official Watch Partner

American Sailing, the premier organization for sailing education across North America, is pleased to announce its exciting new partnership with Bulova Watches. Bulova will become American Sailing's official watch partner.

Destination Planning With Noonsite.com

Planning to take your yacht abroad for the first time? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from obtaining visas and skipper certification to organizing crucial documents and understanding clearance procedures. Prepare months in advance to ensure a smooth, hassle-free sailing adventure to your dream destination.

The First Annual Lenny Shabes Sailing Festival is in the Books

Fourteen boats, 85 guests, and numerous islands to explore—this was what the Lenny Shabes Sailing Festival was all about. It celebrated sailing while honoring the legacy of ASA Founder Lenny Shabes. When a group of sailors gathers, you can imagine the tales spun over rum drinks. Whether on catamaran decks or sandy beaches, we all became part of the ASA Family in the British Virgin Islands.

Secrets of Successful Cruising

Join Julie Cappelli, of Pelagic Cruising Services, as she breaks down tips for mastering the secrets of successful cruising. Learn essential skills from sailing basics to self-sufficiency, and gain insights on boat selection and preparation. And don't miss the opportunity to hear directly from the author, transformed full-time sailor from landlubber, at the Annapolis Sailboat Show October 11, 2024!