American Sailing

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The world needs skilled sailors.

It takes a courageous soul to take the helm of a sailboat and set out for distant waters – one whose heart beats to answer the call, and whose mind is in tune with all the sea and sailboat will require of them. Sunsets, stories – even family legacies – await just over the horizon. Whether your sailing stories have yet to be written or you’re ready for your next chapter, the world needs competent, safe, well-educated sailors who know how to create a great day on the water for everyone aboard. Welcome aboard, sailor.

Beginners

Learn to sail and become a sailor.

Sailors

Earn advanced sailing certifications.

Professionals

Become a sailing instructor.

ASA certifications for every sailor

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Continuing education with online classes

As an extension of our core curriculum offered at ASA Affiliate Schools, American Sailing offers ongoing sailing education from the comfort of your own home. Each class is a supplement to one of our certification courses, and is structured with interactive presentations by seasoned sailors who answer your live questions during the class. Many of the classes are available on-demand as well, and all classes are available on-demand for a limited time to attendees. Take advantage of this powerful continuation to your sailing education today! American Sailing members enjoy discounted rates.

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Latest articles

Situational Awareness

Pilots know exactly what this phrase means. For everyone else, the concept becomes clear with practice – lots of it. True situational awareness eventually becomes intuitive, but it starts as a conscious effort.

Lessons From the Sea: Top Five Things I Learned on a Caribbean Learn-to-Sail Vacation

From navigating by paper charts to mastering teamwork in tight quarters, a week aboard a Fountaine Pajot catamaran taught us that sailing is as much about personal growth as seamanship.

Sailing Lingo Decoded

Every community has its own language, and sailing is no different. Step aboard a sailboat, and you might suddenly feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret society with its own code. “Ease the sheets!” someone might shout. “Mind the boom!” another warns. You nod along, pretending to understand, while quietly wondering why ropes are called lines and the bathroom is a head.

Why You Should Know & Love Your Fluxgate Compass!

Your GPS may tell you where you’re going, but only a properly calibrated fluxgate compass knows where your boat is pointing. From autopilot accuracy to radar overlays, this humble instrument underpins nearly every critical navigation function. Learn why heading data matters, how to spot calibration issues, and the simple steps to keep your system reliable. Ignore it, and even the best electronics can steer you wrong.

Your Dinghy Is a Boat

Your dinghy isn’t just a tender, it’s your second boat. Cruisers Jean Levine and Jeff Grossman share hard earned lessons, safety tips, and must have gear to keep your dinghy reliable, safe, and drama free.

Learn to Sail in Greece with Athens Sailing Academy

Learn to sail in the stunning waters of Greece with Athens Sailing Academy, the oldest ASA-affiliated school in Europe. Based on Poros Island, we offer week-long courses for all skill levels, including women’s programs, advanced navigation, and offshore mile-building. Sail through the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades aboard modern Jeanneau yachts while learning from expert instructors. Enjoy warm seas, ideal weather, rich culture, and unforgettable cruising in one of the world’s most celebrated sailing destinations.