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Adventure, Glory, and Bugs

The Race to Mackinac blends adventure, chaos, and magic—Great Lakes sailing’s highlight with storms, stars,...

Seasickness Prevention 101

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness triggered when the brain receives conflicting messages from...

Centered on Effort

Centered on Effort

Centered on Effort explores why mindset, motivation, and commitment matter as much as skill when...

What Is A Refit?

Planning a boat refit for long-term cruising? Learn the top 5 priorities every cruiser should...

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.

Are You Ready To Sail Greece?

This June, American Sailing sailors will join a flotilla with Fairwinds Sailing Greece and visit destinations well known to travelers but less inhabited by tourists. The anchorages at Syvota, Lakka, Gaios, and Parga are a taste of what Greece has to offer sailors willing to explore the lesser known but equally majestic destinations.

40 Sailing Terms: How to Talk Like a Sailor

In 1983, the American Sailing Association was founded by Lenny Shabes. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of sailors have become certified in the ASA sailing curriculum. This year, we celebrate 40 years as the leading sailing education entity in the United States. So when you get out on the water, you can be sure that ASA-certified sailors are sailing

Sailing Tips From American Sailing Textbooks

American Sailing textbooks provide you with the basis of knowledge required to earn your sailing certifications. If you want to begin your journey to becoming a certified sailor through American Sailing, take a look at our textbooks and begin your journey to becoming a competent sailor.

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.

7 Global Sailing Races to Follow

An overview of seven of the big races, regattas, and race series that occur regularly around the world. These are iconic events, both old and new, that shape the world of racing and have inspired sailors for generations to challenge themselves to new heights, both on and off the water.

Racer-Cruiser Royalty Fit for a Legend

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be part of the unveiling of Lenny, Beneteau’s new First 44, dedicated to the memory of my mentor and friend Lenny Shabes, founder of American Sailing. As his wife, and ASA President, Cindy Shabes unveiled the name of Beneteau’s new First 44, I felt emotional and happy. It’s a world-class yacht — a befitting tribute to our founder— and I’m pleased today to be able to share this beauty with the community of sailors Lenny founded 40 years ago.

May 2023 Sailor of the Month: Mark Hejtmanek

This month we were inspired by Mark Hejtmanek's story and he is our May Sailor of the Month. We sat down with Mark and asked him a few questions about how American Sailing has played a role in helping him establish his dream of a sailing lifestyle. His story resonates and shows so much ambition met with swift accomplishment!

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.

Featured Instructor: Captain Chris Cooper

Meet this month's American Sailing featured instructor, Captain Chris Cooper, of Anchors Aweigh Sailing School in New London, Connecticut. He has been sailing for more than 40 years on all styles of boats, from a 14-foot Sunfish to a 48-foot catamaran. He has his 100-ton Near Coastal Captain’s License, and he is a retired Navy Commander.

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.

Featured School: Anchors Aweigh Sailing School

Anchors Aweigh Sailing School in New London, CT, is located on the Thames River. Their goal is to help you reach your sailing potential while introducing you to their philosophy that sailing is also a connection with the environment.

Who is Kirsten Neuschäfer and Where is She Sailing?

The Golden Globe Race is currently winding down, and the sailors are headed back to Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. In fact, they are a few days out from returning. The race is fairly basic in nature as it began in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, on September 4th, 2022, and the contestants sail solo, non-stop, around the world, via the five Great Capes

Earth Day 2023: American Sailing Launches Sustainable Membership Cards

As part of American Sailing’s ongoing commitment to our environment through the Plastic Pollution Purge Initiative, beginning this Earth Day, we are no longer issuing plastic membership cards. We are releasing newly designed, sustainable, print-at-home membership cards to reduce our use of plastic and so that our members and instructors can still enjoy the benefits of carrying a physical card

Should You Choose A Charter Sailing Vacation?

A great piece of advice given to me by American Sailing Founder Lenny Shabes, when considering sailing with others. Have six people over for dinner on your boat. 4 for a daysail and 2 for an overnight trip. These are words of wisdom when considering a chartered sailing vacation. How, when, and where you go decide on your sailing vacation

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