Learn To Sail Archives - Page 2 of 9 - American Sailing

Articles in the category "Learn To Sail"

How Do I Get More Sailing Experience?

Getting more sailing experience is hte best way to reinforce what you've learned in a sailing class and earn your sea legs. Learn ten ways to get more sailing experience — from sailing classes, crewing on other boats, joining sailing clubs, buying a boat, and more.

Sailing Vacation Destinations: Embark on Sailing Adventures Around the World

If the call of the open ocean beckons you, consider embarking on a sailing vacation to some of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. From the sun-kissed shores of Croatia to the tropical haven of Tahiti, and the serene beauty of the Abaco Islands to the hidden gem of Belize, a sailing adventure awaits you. 

What to Expect in Your Beginner Sailing Course (ASA 101)

A beginner sailing course typically includes a comprehensive introduction to sailing designed to teach newcomers the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to operate a sailboat safely and effectively. While specific course content and teaching techniques may vary depending on the sailing school, all American Sailing (ASA) schools follow the same curriculum. Learn what's covered in a beginner sailing course (ASA 101) from safety, to sailing gear, knot tying, weather, and more.

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 To Toss a Line: A Critical Aspect of Docking Done Well

Tossing a line is the critical point at which your sailboat makes connection with land. The toss itself is an art and science that can make this a seamless or stressful situation. Read this how-to guide to refresh your skills and keep everyone smiling when it's time to go ashore.

40 Sailing Tips

Everytime a sailor gets on the water, there are certain steps that must be taken. Whether it's your first sail or the 400th sail, these tips will keep you smart, safe, and ready to have a great day sailing. In celebration of 40 years of educating the world's sailors.

How to Prep for ASA 101

It's exciting when you still have your first sailing class ahead of you on the calendar! Here are a few steps you can take to prepare for ASA 101, including reading the textbook, playing with the sailing app, studying vocabulary, and even, yes - go sailing!

Learn to Race: Sailing Racing Terms

Learning to race is a key part of becoming a solid sailor, and the first step is learning the language. Racing terms are an added layer to an already complex sailing language, so we're offering a condensed primer here to help you to the start line.

How Do I Learn To Sail?

Learning to sail can become more than just a nostalgic daydream — here are some frequently asked questions about how to go from daydreamer to daysailer. A practical, nine-step approach that will have you on the water enjoying the magic of sailing in short order.

Nautical Flags: Origins, Meanings, and Resources

If you've ever wondered about the curious world of nautical flags, their origins, uses, and all of their various meanings, here's the primer to get you started and further resources to expand your horizons.

5 Places to Learn to Sail This Summer

Why do we sail? Is it the tranquility, the adventure, or the breathtaking beauty of the outdoors? It is a touch of all those things wrapped into a sailing vacation in a foreign destination. Answer the ocean's call this summer by learning to sail with American Sailing schools at one of these five destination locations — Rhode Island, Catalina Island, Grenada, Greece, and Europe.

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.

Sail Catalina with Blue Pacific Yachting

American Sailing School, Blue Pacific Yachting have added new learn to sail classes to their already lengthy collection of sailing courses.  Their 6 day/5 night "0 to Hero" liveaboard class is conducted on their new 2023 Excess 11 catamaran or their very popular 2019 Jeanneau 440. Students complete our ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 classes in 6 days. The first two days are in Marina del Rey, and then on day #3, they take off for Catalina Island for the remaining 4 days.

Parts of a Sailboat – The Deck

Understanding the deck of a sailboat is all part of learning to sail. Essentially, the deck of a boat is both your office and your supply cabinet, from the helm, to the cockpit and stowages, the sidedeck, foredeck where the anchor is stored, and obstacles on the deck that need to be navigated as you sail.

Celebrating 40 Years with 40 Reasons to Sail

Do you love sailing? Do you need some inspiration to get out on the water? We're celebrating our 40th anniversary by listing 40 reasons to sail. From thrill to freedom, from adventure to beauty, you’ll find plenty of reasons to raise your sails and join the sailing community.

Learn to Sail While On Vacation

What could be better than getting away and learning to sail to refresh your zest for life? If you have completed your ASA 101 training and have been sailing for a while, it might be time to move to the next level. This is the time to consider advancing your sailing education by earning your ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising

How to Graduate from Cruiser to Racer — Steps to Start Racing Sailboats 🔉

So often in the sailing world, we’re presented with a question that takes binary form — “are you a cruiser or a racer?” Sure, people tend to have their preferences, but I’d like to propose one can embrace both dimensions of sailing in the same way one can appreciate both fine art and Formula 1. I have two boys who

7 Tips For The Beginning Sailor

There are the obvious things you need when you go sailing, sunscreen, a hat, a windbreaker, non-skid shoes, and wind. However, what do you really need to be ready to head out on the water? These are a few sailing tips to keep you safe and that ensure that you have a fun time out on the water. Looking to