American Sailing Launches Sailing Made Easy – Second Edition

American Sailing today announced the release of Sailing Made Easy – Second Edition, the newest evolution of one of the most influential sailing education textbooks ever published.

For decades, Sailing Made Easy has served as the educational backbone of sailing instruction throughout North America and beyond. As the official manual for ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing, the book has helped introduce hundreds of thousands of sailors to the sport while establishing a trusted foundation for safe, confident seamanship.

Used by more than 400 sailing schools worldwide, Sailing Made Easy has become the trusted resource instructors teach from, students learn from, and sailors return to throughout their entire sailing journey.

Now fully updated for today’s sailors and sailing schools, the Second Edition modernizes the learning experience while preserving the proven instructional philosophy that made the original an industry standard.

“This is far more than a revision of a sailing book,” said Peter Isler, American Sailing, Chairman of the Board and two-time America’s Cup Winner. “Sailing Made Easy has become the foundation of modern sailing education. It is the textbook instructors teach from, students learn from, and sailors return to throughout their entire sailing journey. The Second Edition raises the standard once again.”

The newly redesigned edition includes:

• Newly designed best-selling book with updated images and instructional diagrams
• Updates pertinent to Coast Guard requirements and modern safety protocols
• Updated ASA 101 Standard integration
• Updated ASA 101 Exam and support materials
• Much of the same trusted content from the first edition, refined for greater clarity and improved teaching potential

The release reflects the continued evolution of sailing education itself. At a time when many new sailors rely on fragmented online tutorials and disconnected video content, Sailing Made Easy – Second Edition reinforces the importance of structured, professional sailing instruction.

“Videos can teach isolated skills,” Isler added. “But great sailors are built through comprehensive education, proven teaching systems, and real understanding. This book delivers exactly that.”

The Second Edition combines modern instructional design with the practical, hands-on seamanship skills that have made the book an international best-seller.

Readers will learn:

• How to read wind and choose the right course
• How to trim sails effectively
• Practical skills for docking, maneuvering, and safety
• How to sail confidently and independently

The new release also captures the emotional side of learning to sail — the freedom, adventure, and confidence that comes from understanding the wind and taking command at the helm.

“Feel the moment the sails fill and the world opens up,” the book’s introduction states. “This book shows you how sailing really works. Step by step, you’ll build the skills to take the helm and enjoy every role on the boat.”

Whether stepping aboard for the first time or pursuing a lifelong dream of sailing, the book is designed to provide sailors with the knowledge, confidence, and seamanship foundation needed to succeed on the water.

For sailing schools and instructors, the Second Edition represents more than a textbook update — it serves as a reaffirmation of professional instructional standards and educational excellence across the sailing community.

Sailing Made Easy – Second Edition is expected to continue its legacy as one of the most widely used and respected sailing education textbooks in the world.

About American Sailing

American Sailing is one of the world’s leading sailing education organizations, helping people learn to sail safely and confidently through a network of affiliated sailing schools, instructors, educational resources, and certification programs. Through innovative curriculum development and hands-on training, American Sailing has helped shape modern recreational sailing education for generations.