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How Do I Learn To Sail?

Learning to sail can become more than just a nostalgic daydream — here are some frequently asked questions about how to go from daydreamer to daysailer. A practical, nine-step approach that will have you on the water enjoying the magic of sailing in short order.

Nautical Flags: Origins, Meanings, and Resources

If you've ever wondered about the curious world of nautical flags, their origins, uses, and all of their various meanings, here's the primer to get you started and further resources to expand your horizons.

How to Deal With Seasickness While Sailing

Don't let seasickness ruin your ability to enjoy sailing. There are plenty of seasoned sailors who started out with complications from motion sickness and they have since earned their sea legs. There isn't a one-size fits all solution, but most people seem to find their personal combination of actions to keep from missing a day on the water.

June 2023 Sailor of the Month: Heidi Petrowicz

American Sailing's June Sailor of the Month is Heidi Petrowicz from Howland’s Landing, Kingston Bay, Duxbury, MA. Starting with childhood trips to the beach to finding ASA online classes Heidi's story is a story of aspirations realized.

The Ocean Race Sails Into Newport with a Warning About the Health of the Seas

The Ocean Race stopped over in Newport, Rhode Island in mid-May 2023 with a message about the health of the seas and an exciting outlook toward the future of sailing. Sail Newport raised $2M in sponsorships to bring the race to the area with a focus on sharing the sport and raising environmental awareness.

5 Places to Learn to Sail This Summer

Why do we sail? Is it the tranquility, the adventure, or the breathtaking beauty of the outdoors? It is a touch of all those things wrapped into a sailing vacation in a foreign destination. Answer the ocean's call this summer by learning to sail with American Sailing schools at one of these five destination locations — Rhode Island, Catalina Island, Grenada, Greece, and Europe.

Are You Ready To Sail Greece?

This June, American Sailing sailors will join a flotilla with Fairwinds Sailing Greece and visit destinations well known to travelers but less inhabited by tourists. The anchorages at Syvota, Lakka, Gaios, and Parga are a taste of what Greece has to offer sailors willing to explore the lesser known but equally majestic destinations.

40 Sailing Terms: How to Talk Like a Sailor

In 1983, the American Sailing Association was founded by Lenny Shabes. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of sailors have become certified in the ASA sailing curriculum. This year, we celebrate 40 years as the leading sailing education entity in the United States. So when you get out on the water, you can be sure that ASA-certified sailors are sailing

Sailing Tips From American Sailing Textbooks

American Sailing textbooks provide you with the basis of knowledge required to earn your sailing certifications. If you want to begin your journey to becoming a certified sailor through American Sailing, take a look at our textbooks and begin your journey to becoming a competent sailor.

Tips for Diving Into the Sailing Season

As you embark on the sailing season, it is always a good idea to be well-prepared. Here are some early-season tips to get you off to a great start with sailing this year, and a helpful link to our reference cards.

Sail Catalina with Blue Pacific Yachting

American Sailing School, Blue Pacific Yachting have added new learn to sail classes to their already lengthy collection of sailing courses. Their 6 day/5 night "0 to Hero" liveaboard class is conducted on their new 2023 Excess 11 catamaran or their very popular 2019 Jeanneau 440. Students complete our ASA 101, 103, 104, and 114 classes in 6 days. The first two days are in Marina del Rey, and then on day #3, they take off for Catalina Island for the remaining 4 days.

7 Global Sailing Races to Follow

An overview of seven of the big races, regattas, and race series that occur regularly around the world. These are iconic events, both old and new, that shape the world of racing and have inspired sailors for generations to challenge themselves to new heights, both on and off the water.

Racer-Cruiser Royalty Fit for a Legend

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be part of the unveiling of Lenny, Beneteau’s new First 44, dedicated to the memory of my mentor and friend Lenny Shabes, founder of American Sailing. As his wife, and ASA President, Cindy Shabes unveiled the name of Beneteau’s new First 44, I felt emotional and happy. It’s a world-class yacht — a befitting tribute to our founder— and I’m pleased today to be able to share this beauty with the community of sailors Lenny founded 40 years ago.

May 2023 Sailor of the Month: Mark Hejtmanek

This month we were inspired by Mark Hejtmanek's story and he is our May Sailor of the Month. We sat down with Mark and asked him a few questions about how American Sailing has played a role in helping him establish his dream of a sailing lifestyle. His story resonates and shows so much ambition met with swift accomplishment!

Soft-Sided Travel Bags for Sailors

There are many benefits to learning how to pack for the unique needs of traveling on a sailboat. We present a selection of our favorite soft-sided and water-resistant or waterproof bags to get you ready for travel season.

Featured Instructor: Captain Chris Cooper

Meet this month's American Sailing featured instructor, Captain Chris Cooper, of Anchors Aweigh Sailing School in New London, Connecticut. He has been sailing for more than 40 years on all styles of boats, from a 14-foot Sunfish to a 48-foot catamaran. He has his 100-ton Near Coastal Captain’s License, and he is a retired Navy Commander.

Parts of a Sailboat – The Deck

Understanding the deck of a sailboat is all part of learning to sail. Essentially, the deck of a boat is both your office and your supply cabinet, from the helm, to the cockpit and stowages, the sidedeck, foredeck where the anchor is stored, and obstacles on the deck that need to be navigated as you sail.

The American Sailing Mother’s Day Gift Guide

This Mother's Day give women who sail the gifts they really want — Somand jackets, Sperry topsiders, Nomadix blankets, and Stream2Sea beauty.