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7 Lessons Experienced Sailors Learn the Hard Way

7 Cruising Lessons Experienced Sailors Learn the Hard Way shares practical wisdom for safer, smarter,...

Vermin & Bugs & Wildlife Aboard, Oh My!

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

fenders hanging over the side of a sailboat

Stow Your Fenders!

Your fenders did their job. Let them rest. Forgetting to stow your fenders while underway...

Electronics for Show

Electronics for Show, Mathematics to Know explores why real offshore confidence begins with seamanship and...

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.

Sailing Arabella with American Sailing

There are eight sails on Arabella, and when she is fully outfitted to move in the wind, she is majestic. When you see her from shore, you ponder what it would be like to feel the movement on her decks. When you are on board, you sit in awe. She is elegant and poised as she adapts under full sail.

Considering a Catamaran Charter? Know The Language

If you are considering a charter there is a good chance you’ll be thinking about a catamaran for your sailing vacation. While you should pick up ASA’s Cruising Catamarans Made Easy or consider taking ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran, you might want to brush up on the vocabulary that is specific to catamarans. If you feel like you need a major

Sailing Terms and Multiple Meanings

Do you have those moments when you say one thing but those around you think you meant something else? Well, welcome to life on a sailboat. Sailing vocabulary is riddled with plenty of words that you think you know the meaning of but they seem to mean something entirely different once you get out on the water. In fact, quite

History of the Yacht

When does a boat become a yacht? One answer has always been, you can tell a yacht when you see one. But, It really has nothing to do with size of the boat, weight of the boat, its style, sleeping quarters, heads, tillers, or a wheel. A yacht is a boat that was designed for the express pleasure of its

Coastal Cruisers Vocabulary

As you consider expanding your sailing education, you might think about coastal cruising and taking ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising. With this course, you will be able to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (inboard or outboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25 to 35 feet length by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions. Your knowledge of

Where to Sail Now: The Mediterranean

Where to Sail? The Mediterranean Overview With a storied history and a rich culture, the “Med” is a dream destination for many sailors. The ports are endless from Greece to Turkey to Mallorca to…well you get it. ASA has sailing schools in Greece and in the Adriatic as well as schools that sponsor flotillas in the region. Depending on your