American Sailing Announces The Art of Teaching on the Water: A Practical Guide for Sailing Instructors

Marina del Rey, CA May 12, 2026 — American Sailing and American Boating today announced the release of their newest educational title, The Art of Teaching on the Water by Jenny Wight. Designed specifically for sailing instructors, the book delivers a comprehensive approach to on-the-water teaching, combining proven educational techniques with real-world sailing instruction.

Available now, the book equips instructors with the tools they need to develop confident, capable sailors through effective, engaging, and safety-focused instruction.

Readers can purchase the book directly through the American Sailing online store:
The Art of Teaching on the Water – Store Link

Created to support instructor development across American Sailing and American Boating programs, The Art of Teaching on the Water explores the essential skills required to successfully teach in a dynamic marine environment. Each section offers clear, practical guidance on lesson planning, communication, student engagement, risk management, and adapting instruction to varying skill levels and conditions. Through real-world scenarios and actionable strategies, the book helps instructors translate theory into impactful teaching moments on the water.

While rooted in sailing, the book’s teaching philosophy extends far beyond the marine environment. The Art of Teaching on the Water offers valuable insights for educators in any discipline—whether in classrooms, outdoor programs, or professional training settings—by focusing on universal principles like experiential learning, clear communication, adaptability, and building student confidence. Its practical, real-world approach makes it a useful resource for anyone looking to become a more effective and engaging instructor.

Written by Wight, a USCG captain and American Sailing instructor, the book reflects more than twenty years of experience as an educator. Wight brings a thoughtful, experience-driven perspective to the art of instruction, emphasizing not only what to teach, but how to teach it effectively in a constantly changing environment.

“After twenty years as an educator, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative great instruction can be,” said Wight. “Writing The Art of Teaching on the Water has been a true joy. My goal is to equip fellow instructors with the tools, confidence, and perspective they need to not just teach sailing, but to shape strong, capable sailors who carry their skills and love of the water forward.”

As both a professional development resource and a practical onboard guide, The Art of Teaching on the Water is structured to support instructors at every stage of their journey. Topics include building effective lesson plans, fostering student confidence, maintaining safety standards, and creating meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond certification courses. With a focus on clarity, adaptability, and real-world application, the book is an essential addition to any instructor’s toolkit.

American Sailing recently featured the book and its educational philosophy in a dedicated article available here:
Read the American Sailing Feature Article

Viewers can also watch an in-depth interview with author Jenny Wight on YouTube:
Watch the Author Interview on YouTube

The Art of Teaching on the Water reinforces American Sailing’s mission to make boating more accessible and safer through high-quality education. By investing in instructor excellence, the organization continues to strengthen the foundation of sailing education and ensure that students around the world receive the highest standard of training.

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