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TAKE A SAILING CLASS

WIN A DREAM VACATION

Learning to sail
is just the
beginning...

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Founded in 1983

400+ Sailing Schools

607,816 Certified Sailors
Online Intro To Sailing

NEW  ONLINE INTRO TO SAILING

This online sailing course introduces the fundamentals of sailing including important vocabulary, safety skills, and how sailboats work. By completing the lessons in this online course you will be ready to report to an American Sailing school for on-the-water sailing lessons.
Enroll Now

Upcoming Events

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TUE SEP 10, 2024 • 4:30 PM PT

Storm Tactics

Learn storm survival tactics from John Neal, one of the world's most experienced sailors.
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THU SEP 12, 2024 • 4:30 PM PT

Sailboat Refit for Blue Water Cruising

Learn the right approach to outfitting a sailboat for blue water cruising.
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TUE SEP 17, 2024 • 4:30 PM PT

Boat Winterization Essentials

Protect a boat from the harsh winter weather and prevent damage with these tips and step-by-step guide on how to winterize your boat effectively.
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SEATTLE, WA • SEP 18-22, 2024

On-The-Water Sailing Clinic

Master racing trim, helming, and boat handling with practical on-water training and shoreside seminars taught by seasoned coaches.
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THU SEP 19, 2024 • 4:30 PM PT

Sailing in Limited Visibility

Learn how to prepare for sailing in limited visibility at night and other conditions such as fog.
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SEP 2024

Turkey

Turquoise waters, secluded anchorages, small restaurants, and amazing gastronomy is the recipe for a memorable flotilla vacation.
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TUE SEP 24, 2024 • 4:30 PM PT

Catamaran Charter Secrets

Learn about chartering a catamaran, the best brands/models, favorite catamaran destinations, and top tips for your first catamaran charter.
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THU SEP 26, 2024 • 4:30 PM PT

Navigation Theory

A solid introduction to the nautical chart, its symbols, and essential navigation tools
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4 CLASS SERIES • OCTOBER 2024

Racing Strategy, Tactics, and Rules

This series of four online classes teaches the strategy and tactics you need to turn your speed into a podium finish.
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ANNAPOLIS, MD • OCT 11-13, 2024

Live Seminar Series

Join us during the Annapolis Boat Show for live, in-person seminars led by some of the world’s most esteemed and well-known sailors covering an array of topics.
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Annapolis, MD • OCT 11, 2024

Secrets To Successful Cruising

For cruisers and aspiring cruisers intrigued by the secrets to setting sail with confidence and joy. Learn self-sufficiency, how to navigate the challenges at sea, boat maintenance, and more. 
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Annapolis, MD • OCT 11, 2024

How To Sail Around The World

Learn tips, tricks, and shortcuts for launching a safe and successful circumnavigation in this comprehensive, information-packed live seminar on How To Sail Around The World.
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Annapolis, MD • OCT 12, 2024

Cruise With Confidence

Whether you're dreaming of setting sail or living the liveaboard life, this live seminar will offer valuable insights to cruise with confidence & clarity for successful extended cruising.
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Annapolis, MD • OCT 12, 2024

Guide To Boat Buying

Gain insight on how to find the right boat with current market prices & trends. Learn how to navigate the purchase process & learn necessary procedures for selecting an ideal sailing yacht.
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Annapolis, MD • OCT 13, 2024

How To Troubleshoot & Fix Common Diesel Engine Problems

Unlock the secrets of diesel engine troubleshooting. Perfect for current or future boat owners, learn how to diagnose and fix common diesel engine issues. 
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Annapolis, MD • OCT 13, 2024

Electrical Systems Troubleshooting For Boaters

Dive into common boat electrical system issues and learn how to maximize solar power utilization to enhance onboard life and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
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OCT 22 & 24, 2024 • 4:30 PM PT

Introduction to Marine Diesel

Learn about internal combustion and how to troubleshoot, winterize, and maintain your engine
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TUE OCT 29, 2024 • 4:30 PM PT

Smart Storage Hacks for Life at Sea

Innovative ideas to help you create an enjoyable, well-organized living space aboard your sailboat
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NOV 2024

Islands of Belize

Experience the beauty of Belize on this sailing flotilla. Explore new locations every day, enjoy snorkeling, and more.

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DEC 2024 • 8 DAYS

Explore Greece aboard Kairos

Enjoy a sailing voyage through Greece's stunning Saronic Gulf. Explore history and indulge in leisurely island-hopping.
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DEC 2024

The Bahamas, Caribbean

Explore turquoise waters, encounter dolphins, reefs, and sea turtles, during this extraordinary Bahamas flotilla - guided by the experts at Whitecaps Sailing.
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DEC 2024

Islands of Belize

Experience the beauty of Belize on this sailing flotilla. Explore new locations every day, enjoy snorkeling, and more.

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UPCOMING FLOTILLAS

All Around The World

Join a flotilla and enjoy the freedom of skippering your own boat with added support and advice from an expert sailor to help with navigation and local weather.
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JAN 31 - FEB 7 • 2025

British Virgin Islands, Caribbean

Join Annapolis Sailing School for an unforgettable voyage through the British Virgin Island's azure waters. Enjoy daily sailing excursions, island hopping, and leisurely activities like snorkeling and beachcombing.
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JAN 8 - FEB 15 • 2025

British Virgin Islands, Caribbean

Join Annapolis Sailing School for the adventure of a lifetime in a tropical paradise. Sail through azure waters, indulge in leisurely activities like snorkeling and beachcombing while island hopping. 
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JUL 2025 • 8 DAYS

Sailing the Grenadines Aboard Chronos

Join American Sailing on an unforgettable sailing adventure aboard the elegant Chronos, exploring the stunning Grenadines.
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JUN 2025 • 7 DAYS

Lenny Shabes Sailing Festival • BVI

American Sailing presents an epic flotilla experience in the British Virgin Islands. It’s going to be an action-packed sailing adventure!
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JUL 2025 • 8 DAYS

Explore Croatia aboard Cataleya

A week-long cruise of Croatia onboard a fully crewed luxury yacht.
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JUL 2025 • 8 DAYS

Explore The Amalfi Coast Aboard Chronos

Join American Sailing as we discover the Amalfi Coast (Amalfi, Positano, Capri, and more) from Luxury Yacht Chronos.
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SEP 2025 • 8 DAYS

Explore Croatia aboard Cataleya

A week-long cruise of Croatia onboard a fully crewed luxury yacht.
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OCT 2025 • 8 DAYS

St Tropez to Mallorca Aboard Chronos

Set sail from the glamorous port of St. Tropez toward Marseille and onwards across the Mediterranean to the Balearic Islands

ASA TEXTBOOKS

Sailing Made Easy
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AD: SailTime
AD: SailTime

Beginner

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Learn to Sail

You have wanted to learn to sail your entire life. ASA can bring you closer to fulfilling your dream. Our collection of resources will get you out on the water safely and confidently. With 400 schools worldwide you can find a school near you. To help you get started, we have an large collection of new sailor resources including beginner sailing lessons, online courses, webinars, and mobile apps. Become an ASA member and enjoy the many benefits of being part of the largest sailing education organization in the world.

Intermediate

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Build your Skills

So you know how to sail. Now what? Now you'll work on getting better, feeling more confident, and taking your sailing to the next level. Now that you have a basic foundation of sailing it's time to have fun with your new knowledge. You can focus on expanding your sailing resume to make you a more effective skipper. We have continuing education classes like Celestial Navigation (ASA 107), Offshore Passagemaking (ASA 108), Cruising Catamaran Sailing (ASA 114), and more.

Advanced

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Sail the World

You are now ready to entertain the thought of sailing around the world, sailing in exotic destinations or quiting your job and living on a boat. You can safely navigate a boat in most conditions and you are only limited by your imagination. Your ASA certifications open the door to bareboat charters in Greece, flotillas in Croatia and family sailing vacations in the Caribbean. ASA partners, affiliates and schools are worldwide and they can help you find the sailing adventure that fits you best. ASA members get steep charter discounts - join today.

AD: North Sails
AD: North Sails
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Your First Sail - Free Online Course

Start Now
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North U Courses & Webinars

Since 1980 North U has been the most prestigious organization in performance sailing education in the world...

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Inside Sailing with Peter Isler

Inside Sailing with Peter Isler is a captivating series that immerses viewers in the beautiful world of sailing. The series explores sailing...

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Online / Interactive Learning

It is important to understand that you cannot learn to skipper a boat without actually being on a boat but you can learn some of the information...

Your First Sail - Free Online Course

Start Now
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Docking Made Easy

Learn how to dock a sailboat under sail, or under power, in a variety of different scenarios. Sailing legend Peter Isler walks...

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Bite Sized Lessons

We know that learning to sail can be overwhelming and there is a lot to take in. In an effort to help we’ve created...

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Knots Made Easy

There are as many sailing knots as there are stars in the night sky — or so it seems. But the reality is that most sailors...

Find A Sailing School


Sailing Challenge App

Sailing Challenge

4.5/5.0 Stars Sailing Challenge combines the most innovative thinking in the digital education field with ASA’s experience in teaching sailing to create a game that lets players climb aboard and sail off on a virtual sea of fun.
Catamaran Challenge App

Catamaran Challenge

4/5 Stars The app includes five learning modules that will teach you the basics of operating a twin-engine catamaran, how to perform a looping turn, and how to maneuver the boat at slow speeds using just the throttles.
GO SAILING APP

Go Sailing App

4/5 Stars Go Sailing lets you share your passion for sailing with others, allowing you to create or join sailing trips, meet new friends and easily share trip expenses.
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Sailing Challenge

Sailing Challenge combines the most innovative thinking in the digital education field with ASA’s experience in teaching sailing to create a game that lets players climb aboard and sail off on a virtual sea of fun.
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Catamaran Challenge

The app includes five learning modules that will teach you the basics of operating a twin-engine catamaran, how to perform a looping turn, and how to maneuver the boat at slow speeds using just the throttles.
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Go Sailing App

Go Sailing lets you share your passion for sailing with others, allowing you to create or join sailing trips, meet new friends and easily share trip expenses.

Membership Benefits

  • Your membership supports the important environmental and charitable initiatives that help to keep our waterways clean and give back to sailing communities.

  • ASA members enjoy unique discounts on charters around the world, paying for the cost of annual membership in a single day sail.

  • Discounts off sailing products including West Marine, iNavX, DAN Boater, Sailflow, and more.

  • Discounts on ASA Educational Video Series, ASA Webinars, magazine subscriptions and more!

Learn More

Put your skills to use,

Teach others.

Share your passion for sailing as you teach others to sail. Teach at a local school on the weekends or get out on multi-day excursions and share your knowledge. Becoming an instructor is easier than you think.

#NeverStopLearning