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Gear Guide for Beginner Sailors and Enthusiasts

If you're just starting out with sailing, having the right gear is essential. Here's a detailed guide to help you and your family select the best sailing gear to start your sailing adventures. Each recommendation comes with possible uses and the type of conditions they are suitable for, catering to both novice sailors and sailing enthusiasts.

The Echo 14-Day Course With Sailing Caribbean: Young Adult Sailing Adventure

American Sailing School Sail Caribbean has been sending young people on ocean adventures for over 40 years. They have perfected the art of transformation. When a young adult leaves the dock for the first time they are a blank canvas, a moldable piece of clay. When they return to the home base they have gained leadership skills, social skills, seamanship, and the art of self-reliance.

November 2023 Sailor of the Month: Keith Allman

This month we were inspired by Keith Allman's story and he is our November Sailor of the Month. Keith resides in New York and his home port is Liberty Harbor, New Jersey. Keith has been sailing for over 25 years, and most recently he has spent the past few years chartering with friends and credits his education from American Sailing with the confidence and knowledge to go out and make beautiful memories in idyllic destinations. We love seeing how sailing can add so much vibrance to a vacation with people you enjoy.

Why Join a Boat Club?

As a boat owner who utilizes his sailboat like a front porch, commuter vehicle, and the lobby of a hotel, I wanted to understand the allure of joining a boat club. American Sailing has over 20 sailing schools that are part of the SailTime network of boat clubs, so I went right to the source to get a better idea about the advantages of joining a boat club like SailTime.

Secrets from Sailing High Above the Arctic Circle

Captain Stacey Brooks tells her story of sailing north of the Arctic Circle through the cold, foggy, beautiful fjords of Norway.

Experiencing Greece on an American Sailing Flotilla

Greece's Ionian islands offer a tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that enrich your soul and rejuvenate your spirit. From the vibrant Corfu Town to the tranquil bays of Syvota, the elegance of Gaios, the vividness of Parga, and the serenity of Mpenitses, this sailing odyssey is your own Greek epic that influencers on social media will not replicate.

Boats, Sailing, and Good Books

One of the great pleasures in the life of a sailor is the ability to sit in a quiet cove on the deck of your boat, alone with your thoughts and a good book. Add a hot cup of coffee on a cool morning, and things cannot get any better. Here's a list of books with pages you can get lost in.

8 Common Misconceptions about Sailing

Sailing is a popular and enjoyable activity, but it can also be surrounded by various misconceptions. Eight common misconceptions about sailing are set straight in this article — let us steer you back on course!

How Do I Get More Sailing Experience?

Getting more sailing experience is hte best way to reinforce what you've learned in a sailing class and earn your sea legs. Learn ten ways to get more sailing experience — from sailing classes, crewing on other boats, joining sailing clubs, buying a boat, and more.

October 2023 Sailor of the Month: Elizabeth Henderson

This month we were inspired by Elizabeth Henderson's story and she is our October Sailor of the Month. She hails from San Francisco, CA, and in only fifteen months, she has taken ASA certifications 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 114, 118, 107, and 108 with Puget Sound Sailing School and Modern Sailing in Sausalito, CA. Truly her spirit has been captured by the call of the sea. It might be said that Elizabeth's story is what every sailor dreams of encountering each time we cast off the lines. She tells it all here in the latest episode of American Sailing's Sailor of the Month.

Sailing Vacation Destinations: Embark on Sailing Adventures Around the World

If the call of the open ocean beckons you, consider embarking on a sailing vacation to some of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. From the sun-kissed shores of Croatia to the tropical haven of Tahiti, and the serene beauty of the Abaco Islands to the hidden gem of Belize, a sailing adventure awaits you.

What to Expect in Your Beginner Sailing Course (ASA 101)

A beginner sailing course typically includes a comprehensive introduction to sailing designed to teach newcomers the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to operate a sailboat safely and effectively. While specific course content and teaching techniques may vary depending on the sailing school, all American Sailing (ASA) schools follow the same curriculum. Learn what's covered in a beginner sailing course (ASA 101) from safety, to sailing gear, knot tying, weather, and more.

Free PDF Download: A Guide to VHF Channels

For coastal cruising sailors, the VHF radio serves as the foremost lifeline. It also plays a crucial role in sharing safety-related information both with fellow vessels and the shoreline. Check out this helpful guide to become proficient with VHF channels and message protocols.

Clean and Green-Up Your Sailboat’s Bilge

While it’s definitely not many boaters’ favorite places on their boat, it’s one that can have direct contact with the marine ecosystem: the bilge. With much of my life spent messing about in boats, I’ve seen a range of bilges, from pristine and orderly to dark, smelly, and grimy. While it goes without saying that the clean bilge is more pleasant to work in and be around, did you know that it’s also better for the environment? Here are 6 tips to make your boat’s bilge better for both you and the ocean.

Mastering Sailboat Racing Tactics: A Winning Approach

Sailboat racing demands a unique blend of skills and expertise. The dynamic nature of racing, with its ever-changing winds and currents, requires sailors to excel in various aspects to secure victory. Sailboat racing success is built on a pyramid comprising Boat Handling, Boat Speed, and Tactics, with Tactics reigning supreme at the pinnacle.

Regional Sailboat Races in the USA

Let's set sail into the thrilling world of regional sailboat races! These competitions offer a unique and exciting twist on the traditional sailing experience.These events serve as a rallying point for local racers, as sailors hailing from nearby towns and yacht clubs come together to showcase their skills. It's not all about the competition!

How and Why to Heave To

"Heaving-to" is a classic technique employed to endure severe weather conditions while at sea. Heaving-to is an essential skill for all mariners, as it proves valuable in various situations. This maneuver allows you to delay your arrival at a port until more favorable light or tide conditions prevail or simply "park" the boat while attending to necessary repairs.

September 2023 Sailor of the Month: Sherry Roth

American Sailing's August 2023 Sailor of the Month is Sherry Roth who hails from Barnegat Bay, near Toms River, NJ. In just one short year, Sherry has taken ASA certifications 101, 103, and 104, and a couple of pretty life-changing trips, first in Croatia, and also along the Florida coast from Tampa to Key West. She tells it all here in the latest episode of American Sailing's Sailor of the Month.