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Plastic pollution

What One Sailing School Is Doing for the Environment

7 Simple Ways to Be a More Earth Friendly Boater starts with small habits that...

Women Who Made History on the Water

A Voyage Through Centuries of Sail explores pirate queens, circumnavigators, and modern racers who changed...

Off-Season Sailing in Miami

A rare Miami cold front challenges sailors to adapt. Learn how layering, preparation, and mindset...

Boating Smarter: Why Boating Safety Education Matters

Before you untie the dock lines, make sure you're ready. Here's why boating safety education...

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

Sailing Guadeloupe with Sea Dog Sailing

Ahhh Oui! Guadeloupe American Sailing Captain and CEO of Sea Dog Sailing, Stacey Brooks, sails Guadeloupe and wants to share her experience with fellow sailors. Listen to her describe the Guadeloupe sailing experience and you will change your tune about planning your next charter. As the plane wheels kissed the tarmac in Guadeloupe, I could feel a rush of happiness

The Benefits Of Sailing For Kids

As a kid, I never sailed. I lived close enough to the ocean that people I knew would go there, but my working-class father never really saw it fit to head to the shore for a day at the beach. He certainly did not need to be on a boat. “I have legs that work perfectly fine on land. I

Featured Instructor: Captain Dimitris Bampakos

Captain Dimitris Bampakos of Fairwinds Sailing School Corfu is This Month’s Featured Instructor If your bucket list has space for another sailing destination you should consider Greece. If you add Greece, you need to add Captain Dimitris Bampakos. His love for sailing and the ocean is only exceeded by his love for the sailing grounds of Corfu, Greece. His passion

Channel Islands Class/Flotilla with Blue Pacific Yachting

Have you wanted to sail the Channel Islands of California? This May, American Sailing School Blue Pacific Yachting is organizing two flotillas to these islands with an opportunity to work on your sailing education. Take your sailing to the next level? This could be the trip for you! Blue Pacific Yachting is headed to the Channel Islands TWICE this May!

The Anatomy of a Boat

The parts of a boat will soon become second nature when you learn to sail.

Product Review: Nomadix Towel

Don’t judge me but I used this towel for three weeks without washing it. Sometimes you have to sacrifice in order to get a full idea of what a product can do. Before we get into the thick of it, let me explain that I have had a second Nomadix towel in a drybag, on my boat for more than

Featured Sailing School: Reef Runner Sailing

Learning to sail is a bucket list item for many people but learning to sail with your significant other is a twist on doing things to strengthen your relationship. This month’s featured school, Reef Runner Sailing does just that. A husband and wife team sharing their love of the ocean with potential cruisers. If you ever considered leaving your

2022 Sailing Adventures with American Sailing

Do You Need Sailing Vacation Inspiration This year, join American Sailing as we sail to destinations near and far. From the tropical waters of the British Virgin Islands to the culturally rich anchorages of Croatia we encourage you to go sailing with us. Join groups of American Sailing Members in New England and the Chesapeake Bay aboard Arabella or hop