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Safely Disposing of Expired Flares: A Boater’s Guide

Learn about the risks and proper disposal methods for expired marine flares, including legal options, environmental considerations, and safer alternatives like electronic flares.

Charting Seas and Dreams: Jimmy Cornell’s Lifetime of Sailing Adventure & Essential Voyage Planning Insights

Discover the remarkable life of sailing legend Jimmy Cornell. Explore his adventures, from circumnavigations to remote expeditions, and gain essential voyage planning insights. Join his online class with American Sailing for expert guidance in navigating today's maritime challenges. Enroll online now and embark on your own sailing odyssey.

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.

Interview with Nigel Calder and Jan Athenstadt of BoatHowTo.com

American Sailing sat down with Nigel Calder, author of the best-selling ‘Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual’ and co-founder of BoatHowTo.com before the two-part online class series, Trouble Free & Optimized Electric Systems and Diesel Engine Fundamentals.

Unlock Trouble-Free Sailing: Expert Insights from Jan Athenstadt and Nigel Calder on Boat Maintenance Essentials

Dive into the essentials of boat maintenance with American Sailing's upcoming online class hosts and experts Jan Athenstadt and Nigel Calder. Learn from their vast experience in engine maintenance and electrical systems while gaining practical advice and tips based on firsthand accounts.

Free PDF Download: A Guide to VHF Channels

For coastal cruising sailors, the VHF radio serves as the foremost lifeline. It also plays a crucial role in sharing safety-related information both with fellow vessels and the shoreline. Check out this helpful guide to become proficient with VHF channels and message protocols.

How and Why to Heave To

"Heaving-to" is a classic technique employed to endure severe weather conditions while at sea. Heaving-to is an essential skill for all mariners, as it proves valuable in various situations. This maneuver allows you to delay your arrival at a port until more favorable light or tide conditions prevail or simply "park" the boat while attending to necessary repairs.

How to Deal With Seasickness While Sailing

Don't let seasickness ruin your ability to enjoy sailing. There are plenty of seasoned sailors who started out with complications from motion sickness and they have since earned their sea legs. There isn't a one-size fits all solution, but most people seem to find their personal combination of actions to keep from missing a day on the water.

Tips for Diving Into the Sailing Season

As you embark on the sailing season, it is always a good idea to be well-prepared. Here are some early-season tips to get you off to a great start with sailing this year, and a helpful link to our reference cards.

Handling Marine Emergencies

Emergencies at sea are extremely serious and require a prepared crew to take control of the situation. While you may take sailing courses to become proficient out on the water, emergencies can arise, and being prepared for anything that comes your way is essential. Experience will teach you how to determine whether an incident is an irritant you can remedy

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

Handling Emergencies: Man Overboard

Every man or woman overboard situation should be treated as a very serious matter, even in seemingly balmy conditions. In cold waters or cold weather, in restricted visibility or at nighttime, or in rough seas, the chances for a positive outcome diminish. Any delay in recovering the person in the water stacks the odds against his chances of survival. the

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

Operating a Dinghy Safely and Responsibly

Dinghies are an integral part of sailing for the charter customer or for the cruiser who hopes to step onto shore once they reach their desired destination. However, do you know the rules and the etiquette that are the best practices with regards to dinghy use? Those sailors who have earned ASA 103 and ASA 104 certifications have learned about

Reefing is Important

We’re talking about reefing - a foreign concept for some, a tried and failed practice for others - either way it's an important skill for real sailors.

Danger Areas on a Boat

When you take ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing, your instructor will reinforce many safety lessons in the curriculum. You will become so well versed in safety terminology that your ability to sail safely and confidently will be rooted in the basic mechanics of being aware while on a sailboat and underway. However, there are a few things that you should

Toxic Sunscreen: A Sailboat Captain’s Experience

By Kim Walther, ASA Instructor Working as a boat captain, I see a huge variety of sunscreen brands. It’s always interesting to check out what my sailing school students or charterers bring with them. I like to read what’s on the front, and then look at the back. It’s absolutely incredible that some brands that we perceive as being very