Home ⁄ Equipment

Articles in the category "Equipment"

View All Articles

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.

Dinghies & Their Outboards: A Troubleshooting Guide for Hassle-Free Adventures

A guide to troubleshooting outboard engines on sailboat dinghies. Learn how to address and resolve common issues with your dinghy's outboard motor.

Gear Guide for Beginner Sailors and Enthusiasts

If you're just starting out with sailing, having the right gear is essential. Here's a detailed guide to help you and your family select the best sailing gear to start your sailing adventures. Each recommendation comes with possible uses and the type of conditions they are suitable for, catering to both novice sailors and sailing enthusiasts.

Soft-Sided Travel Bags for Sailors

There are many benefits to learning how to pack for the unique needs of traveling on a sailboat. We present a selection of our favorite soft-sided and water-resistant or waterproof bags to get you ready for travel season.

The American Sailing Mother’s Day Gift Guide

This Mother's Day give women who sail the gifts they really want — Somand jackets, Sperry topsiders, Nomadix blankets, and Stream2Sea beauty.

What Type of Sailboat is This?

Do you know the difference between a junk and a sloop? What about a Yawl and a Ketch? This guide to sailboats will have you identifying boats like a lifelong sailor.

What is a PFD (lifejacket)

In the official language of the USCG, a wearable device that will keep you afloat should you fall in the water is a “personal flotation device” or “PFD.” Lifejacket and PFD are interchangeable terms. PFDs are officially classed as Types I, II, III, IV, and V, according to their design, construction, and intended use. The specific type required aboard depends

How to Tie 3 Important Sailing Knots

There are as many sailing knots as there are stars in the night sky — or so it seems. But the reality is that most sailors can get along with only knowing a few, as long as they’re the right ones. In this blog I’ll single out three very important sailing knots, explaining what they’re used for and how to

Product Review: Ronstan Rope Bag, Winch Handle Pocket & Drink Holder

I don’t enjoy admitting this, but I am a messy sailor. I don’t always coil the lines correctly, and my knots don’t look as good as they should. In addition, my cockpit lacks organization, and when I look through some of the compartments on my boat, I start to rethink if I have what it takes to be called a

Member Benefit Spotlight – Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO)

One of my long-lasting memories of bareboat chartering has become a ritual when in the perfect anchorage. My family enjoys catamaran sailing so we typically bareboat charter a catamaran in the 40 to 48-foot range with a trampoline at the bow. If you have the right hammock you attach it under the trampoline and you hover a few inches

Mid-Summer Sailor’s Buying Guide

With the summer sailing season in full swing, you have probably figured out that you need new gear. If you spend any time on the water you will see equipment and apparel that you need to have to enhance your sailing experience. That is where we come in to help you find a few more pieces to round out your

Safety Equipment Required on a Boat

The USCG requires certain safety equipment on a boat and it is imperative that you make sure that your vessel is properly outfitted with this equipment. These minimum standards require U.S Coast Guard “approved” or “certified” equipment. This equipment includes: Life Jackets All recreational vessels must carry one wearable life jacket for each person on board. Any boat 16 feet

Should You Wear A PFD?

The question that is asked most often when going on a daysail has to be: Should I wear a lifejacket? The answer is YES, you should wear a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while sailing. Is the answer clear? The data suggest that drowning is the leading cause of death aboard vessels. An overwhelming majority of these victims

The Best Gifts For Sailors This Father’s Day

Don’t go shopping for a tie this father’s day. This year your father’s day gift is going to be meaningful. Every sailor likes getting gear so why not get a fathers day gift that is perfect for every sailor. ASA members enjoy discounts on sailing gear and apparel. Already a member? Access Your Benefits Ronstan Quick Lock Winch Handles The Ronstan

What’s in a Rig? The Sloop

What’s in a Rig? Today we begin our new series about sailboat rigs with the one that many of us sail – the Sloop Rig.

The Anatomy of a Boat

The parts of a boat will soon become second nature when you learn to sail.

Product Review: Vanguard Binoculars

A couple of friends went sailing with me recently. They flew in from Texas and had never been to the Pacific Ocean. They had never been sailing. As the story has been told countless times now, I whispered into the wind and whales appeared. There, along the port side of my 33-foot sailboat, were a couple of Pacific Grey Whales

What Is In Your Sailing Bag?

I bought the perfect sailing bag in Newport, Rhode Island. I didn’t need it but, it called me in the window. A big number #3 stitched to the side of the bag made out of an old sail. It’s ample in size and could fit so many cool things. It made me think about the importance of having the right