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summertime sailing

The Summer I Started Sailing

A sailor reflects on a transformative first summer learning the unglamorous realities of sailing —...

Your GPS Is Out – Now What?

Your GPS Is Out Now What? Learn the timeless navigation skills that keep you safe...

Vermin & Bugs & Wildlife Aboard, Oh My!

From mosquito swarms and stowaway rodents to curious wildlife, learn how experienced cruisers handle nature’s...

Reefing Techniques

Reef Early. Sail Smarter. Learn when to reduce sail, stay in control, and confidently handle...

Sailing in Los Angeles

When you think of Los Angeles you probably have images of Hollywood or Disneyland. You might think about Santa Monica Beach or Malibu but most likely you don’t automatically think about sailing. You should be thinking about Sailing in Los Angeles. Sailing within minutes of Downtown Los Angeles is easily attainable. Whether you decide on Sailing in Santa Monica Bay

Learning To Sail Is Just The Beginning

It’s Just the Beginning Do you remember the first time you were on a sailboat? What captured your interest – was it the wind in the sails, the sound of the water or the feeling of the tiller in your hand? What captured your imagination? The idea of daysails with your friends, visiting faraway shores or escaping your life and

Is Sailing Stressful?

What do you worry about when going sailing? Is sailing stressful or are you confident in all situations?

How to Plan a Daysail

So you’ve just added that ASA 101 seal to your logbook, and you’re excited to get underway for your first day sail. After all of your hard work, studying, and practicing, it’s finally your time to rally some sailing friends (your crew) and reap the rewards of the sailing lifestyle. This is a big moment in a sailor’s journey as

What is Seamanship?

How is seamanship defined? It is pretty much everything that happens on a vessel.

How To: Basic Anchoring and Anchoring Etiquette

Quite a long time ago…decades ago. I sailed over to Catalina Island from my marina near ASA headquarters. I was young. It was my first time embarking across the channel. My crew was a good friend and his cousin who was celebrating his 21st birthday. They drank beers the entire time. In simple terms, I was a solo sailor. I

5 Reasons to Sail to St. Barths

As if you need another reason to drop anchor in St. Barth we suggest these five reasons to sail your bareboat charter boat to this gem of an island that is the South of France in the heart of the Caribbean. Close your eyes and you’ll hear France all around you, lift a fork and you’ll taste the cuisine and

Places to See, Things To Do and the Beach Bars That Must Be Visited in the BVI

The British Virgin Islands are a famously popular spot for bareboat charters in the Caribbean. In fact, more ASA students choose the BVI as their destination of choice than any other charter destination. After you have obtained your ASA 104 certification and you want to head to the British Virgin Islands for a bareboat charter, how are you going to

Seven Destinations For Your Charter Sailing Vacation

So you are thinking about a bareboat charter vacation. Maybe you are thinking about a crewed charter sailing vacation. Either way, you probably are thinking about the British Virgin Islands as we find that an overwhelming majority of ASA graduates list the BVI as their charter destination of choice. However, let’s look past the BVI as a destination and focus

Plan Your Sailing Vacation With American Sailing Vacations

Each summer American Sailing Members and non-members set sail with groups of like-minded people in destinations around the globe. Our flotillas are consistently full of sailors looking to explore new destinations, and it’s not too late to plan your next adventure for this summer’s sailing season. Our luxury cruises aboard Arabella have been introducing sailors to New England for years,

Featured Instructor: Captain Rose Ann Points

As the owner of St. Augustine Sailing, Captain Rose Ann Points manages the company’s various member clubs, the local SailTime franchise, American Sailing Association School, and the new and used boat sales brokerage. Rose Ann founded a variety of team-building programs and sailing activities. She established Women on the Water (WOW) to enhance the lives of women through education, practical

Need a Sailing School?

Where do you sail? Where do you want to sail? American Sailing has sailing schools in locations around the world so you will always be able to find one near you. All you have to do is schedule a date and start working on your sailing education. Take a look at a few of our featured schools in locations near

Getting Ready for ASA 104

Captain Cam Seamus from Harbor Sailboats in San Diego California shared a few tips about the journey to taking ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Made Easy and eventually going on your first Bareboat Charter Sailing Vacation. So, you’ve realized that it’s time to pursue your dream to bareboat charter – chartering boats without a licensed captain. Fortunately, the American Sailing Association

Understanding a Lee Shore

Captain Cam Seamus from Harbor Sailboats in San Diego California shares a few tips about handling and understanding a Lee Shore. Understanding a lee shore, the possible consequences, and how to avoid them is a necessity for anyone, anywhere, who is behind the helm of a boat. It’s an important and yet often overlooked concept. In fact, as I started compiling my

Bite Sized Lessons : Wind Terminology

In this lesson we take a look at some sailing terminology used when talking about wind. Learn what an easterly wind is and the difference between onshore and offshore breezes.

Hurricane Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources

UPDATE: This Hurricane season has already wreaked havoc on sailors and the American Sailing family. Hurricane Fiona affected Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian crossed over Florida and the Carolinas. While some of our schools were sparred heavy damage others are trying to make their way back to business as they attempt to assess the heavy damage to their boats and

Endless Summer

Where Sailing Season Never Ends The Summer sailing season is not over! Just because summer has ended does not automatically mean that the sailing season has ended. In fact, an argument can be made that you have been sailing all summer just to be able to do some serious sailing in the dead of winter. Take a look at these

Preparing For Your First Sailing Vacation Charter

The idea of chartering a boat for a sailing vacation is on your mind so why not just take the plunge and plan that trip? Well, you have a few questions, right? We have compiled some resources to help you make the decision to charter a boat for a sailing vacation much easier. Take a look, take a class, plan