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Welcome to the World of Sailing

Sailing is one of the oldest sports on earth. By learning to sail, you join millions of people who have explored Earth’s oceans by harnessing the power of wind.

Sailing opens up the entire world for travel, living, and exploration. It is the ultimate wanderlust sport. Once you learn to sail, you will forever be changed as the world of journeys and opportunities open up. Sail weekends on your local lake or explore the Italian coast chartering a boat with your family that you skipper yourself.

There is much to learn, and knowing exactly where to start can be confusing. As the world’s leader in sailing education, American Sailing (ASA) has an extensive library of resources and tools to help prepare you for taking on-the-water classes at one of our more than 400 schools worldwide.

Begin your sailing education with American Sailing’s structured curriculum, starting with ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing. This foundational class introduces you to essential sailing terminology, boat parts and functions, basic sail trim, and fundamental navigation rules. Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat in light to moderate conditions.

3 Resources for new sailors

Textbooks

ASA’s official textbooks, such as Sailing Made Easy and Coastal Cruising Made Easy, are guides that complement your hands-on training. Richly illustrated and clearly written, they cover essential concepts and techniques, serving as invaluable references throughout your sailing education.

Articles

Dive into a wealth of knowledge with ASA’s extensive collection of articles. Covering topics from beginner tips to advanced techniques, these articles are crafted by seasoned sailors and educators to deepen your understanding of the sailing world. Regularly updated, they serve as a valuable resource for continuous learning and staying informed about the latest in sailing.

Apps

Enhance your learning experience with ASA’s mobile applications. The “Sailing Challenge” app offers interactive simulations to practice sailing maneuvers, while the “Go Sailing” app connects you with fellow sailors for shared adventures. These tools provide practical, on-the-go learning and networking opportunities to complement your formal training.

Get ASA Certified

ASA offers a certification program recognized by charter companies and sailors worldwide. Starting with basic keelboat sailing and advancing to offshore passagemaking, each certification builds upon the previous, ensuring a structured learning path. These credentials not only validate your skills but also enhance your credibility when chartering boats globally.

ASA Logbook

Track your sailing progress with the ASA Logbook. This personal record allows you to document courses completed, certifications earned, and sea time accumulated. Maintaining an up-to-date logbook is essential for advancing through ASA’s certification levels and serves as a testament to your sailing experience.

International Proficiency Certificate

The ASA’s International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) is an important document for sailors aspiring to charter vessels internationally. Accepted in many countries, the IPC certifies that you meet the competency standards required for bareboat chartering abroad, simplifying the process and broadening your sailing horizons.

Veterans Program

ASA honors military veterans by offering specialized programs and discounts. These initiatives aim to make sailing education accessible to those who have served, providing opportunities to acquire new skills and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of sailing. Explore our Veterans Program to learn more about how ASA supports the veteran community.