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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

Your First Charter – Catamaran or Monohull

The American Sailing Association believes that a great charter experience is truly the reward of a superior sailing education.

Top 5 Ways You Know You’re a Cruiser Not a Racer

Two common types of sailor are "The Racer" and the "The Cruiser" and there are some clear distinctions that separate the two...

Newport for Sailors

Writer and Editor, Bob Curley, is a Rhode Island Expert who offers up some tips for your visit to New Port, Rhode Island. Don’t let the mansions and the parade of summer visitors trolling the boutique shops of Thames Street fool you: Newport, R.I., is first and foremost a sailing town, and that’s been the case since the city was

Summer Sailing

Summer approaches and all you can think of is the warm weather and being on the water. Yes, that is exactly how we feel. If you are looking to optimize your time on the water we want to help you find the resources to spend as much time on a sailboat as possible. This summer, achieve your goals when it

Bareboat Charter Checklist

It was not that long ago that I boarded my first ever bareboat charter. The excitement with which we approached the catamaran is something I still feel today. This was to be the greatest vacation of our lives. The top of the bucket list was going to be checked off. A bareboat charter with my family. The dream of this

The Sailor’s Bucket List

The bucket list is that imaginary document in your head that holds your fantasies. What is on your sailing bucket list? We share ours with you, share yours with us.

Treat Yourself – The Sailing Stuff You Need to Start the Season

Oh lordy – the birds are chirpin’, the snow’s melted and that boat is ready to gallop around for another spring and summer (at least). Here’s a list of some presents to get yourself and your lovely to make it a more pleasant sailing season.

Social Media and the World Ocean

Social Media and the World Ocean

ASA Way to Foretell a Lowering Sky

“When in evening, say ye, ‘Fair weather, for the heaven is red’. And if in morning, say, ‘Today will storm, for the sky is red and lowering’.” – The Book of Matthew 16:2-3 In late winter and spring precipitation begins its transition from snow to rain. As rain clouds form, they become thicker and lower in the sky, usually as

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.

Featured Instructor: Captain Jeremiah Swetel

Captain Jeremiah Swetel of Erie Islands Sailing is This Month’s Featured Instructor Jeremiah started his journey with boating at the age of ten in Cleveland. He has extensive experience sailing and boating in all parts of Lake Erie. Jeremiah also enjoys racing at his yacht club and sailing with friends and family. Jeremiah holds his USCG 25T Master Near Coastal license with

8 Ways To Foster Environmental Awareness

Captain Jeremiah Swetel of Erie Islands Sailing is This Month’s Featured Instructor Jeremiah started his journey with boating at the age of ten in Cleveland. He has extensive experience sailing and boating in all parts of Lake Erie. Jeremiah also enjoys racing at his yacht club and sailing with friends and family. Jeremiah holds his USCG 25T Master Near Coastal license with

7 Things Sailors Can Do to Make for a Healthier Environment

A sailor’s task is to keep watch over the oceans & waterways and it’s our duty to be responsible and not leave it in worse condition than when we found it.

Ecology Tips For Sailors

ASA is committed to helping its members, students and partners obtain knowledge about environmental issues.

Where Is All the Plastic Going?

We all know there is a plastic problem and we come in contact with the issue on a regular basis. Sailors commonly see plastic floating on the surface and beachcombers pick up their fair share of marine debris on the sand. ASA continues to support the Plastic Pollution Purge as we encourage sailors to refrain from using single-use plastics and

The Science of the Ocean

The ocean is a vast space, and sailors inhabit just the surface. Below us, around us, and even above us, we are all affected by what goes on in the oceans. The ocean is where we sailors yearn to be. After all, if you had a choice, would you rather be at your desk or on a boat? While many

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.