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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

Adventure, Glory, and Bugs

The Race to Mackinac blends adventure, chaos, and magic—Great Lakes sailing’s highlight with storms, stars, bugs, and unforgettable stories.

Ready, Set, …Instruct?

Dreaming of a career on the water? Becoming an ASA sailing instructor offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to share your passion for sailing while helping others grow their skills. The world needs more instructors, why not you?

Sailboat Racing – Is It Right for You?

When I first started sailing, racing was the easiest way to get on a boat. Walk the dock the day before or even the morning of the race with a six-pack of good beer and you’ll get noticed. Greet the crew and ask if they need help. Someone always does. Crew drop out at the last minute, and skippers are desperate for “rail meat.”

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.