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Boating Smarter

Before you untie the dock lines, make sure you're ready. Here's why boating safety education could be the most important thing you do this season.

Storm Tactics

Legendary sailor John Neal shares 412,000 miles of hard-won storm wisdom: heavy-weather sailing starts with preparation, long before clouds appear.

Informed Passage Planning in Offshore Sailing

Single forecasts aren't enough offshore. Learn how comparing models, wave data, and routing tools leads to safer, smarter passage planning.

It’s Not a Fashion Statement, It’s a Lifestyle

A teen survived 1+ hour alone in open water after a capsizing—because she wore her life jacket. Now she's on a mission to make wearing one a lifestyle.

Growing Sailors

Cruising with Young Children shares practical tips for safely and joyfully introducing kids to family sailing adventures.

No Such Thing as MOB

No Such Thing as MOB reframes man overboard as a preventable event through smart habits and disciplined seamanship.

You Are the Skipper… But Are You a Leader?

Discover how different leadership styles shape a skipper’s success, crew morale, and teamwork on and off the water.

Two Collisions, One Day

Capt. Craig Walker shares hard-won lessons on seamanship, safety, and knowing the Rules of the Road.

Two Important Things

Key Lessons in Safety, Sail Handling, Docking, and Navigation

Why You Should Know & Love Your Fluxgate Compass!

Your GPS may tell you where you’re going, but only a properly calibrated fluxgate compass knows where your boat is pointing. From autopilot accuracy to radar overlays, this humble instrument underpins nearly every critical navigation function. Learn why heading data matters, how to spot calibration issues, and the simple steps to keep your system reliable. Ignore it, and even the best electronics can steer you wrong.

Your Dinghy Is a Boat

Your dinghy isn’t just a tender, it’s your second boat. Cruisers Jean Levine and Jeff Grossman share hard earned lessons, safety tips, and must have gear to keep your dinghy reliable, safe, and drama free.

Storm-Ready: Choosing a Safe Spot for Your Boat

Since 2003, I’ve studied hurricane damage patterns up close. One truth has become clear: where you put your boat is just as important as how you secure it. You can do everything right with your lines and gear, but if the location is exposed to storm forces, it might not matter.

The Six Senses of Sailing

Enhance your sailing skills by engaging all six senses—sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste, and intuition—to navigate, troubleshoot, and fully experience life on the water.

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.