Recent Articles

Top 5 Ways You Know You’re a Cruiser Not a Racer

Two common types of sailor are "The Racer" and the "The Cruiser" and there are some clear distinctions that separate the two... Read More >

2021 American Sailing Outstanding Instructors

ASA has selected the Outstanding Instructors of the Year for 2021. This Award honors the top 1% percent of all active status ASA Instructors as determined by Instructor Surveys that are submitted by their students. Of the 2332 Instructors in 2021 who had active... Read More >

Newport for Sailors

Writer and Editor, Bob Curley, is a Rhode Island Expert who offers up some tips for your visit to New Port, Rhode Island. Don’t let the mansions and the parade of summer visitors trolling the boutique shops of Thames Street fool you: Newport, R.I., is first and... Read More >

Summer Sailing

Summer approaches and all you can think of is the warm weather and being on the water. Yes, that is exactly how we feel. If you are looking to optimize your time on the water we want to help you find the resources to spend as much time on a sailboat as possible.... Read More >

Bareboat Charter Checklist

It was not that long ago that I boarded my first ever bareboat charter. The excitement with which we approached the catamaran is something I still feel today. This was to be the greatest vacation of our lives. The top of the bucket list was going to be... Read More >

Featured Sailing School: Erie Islands Sailing School

Erie Islands Sailing School was founded over ten years ago by Tim McKenna and purchased last year by former students Kent and Tricia Purvis. How cool is that to have former students continue to help teach others? The school has always been based on education,... Read More >

Treat Yourself – The Sailing Stuff You Need to Start the Season

Oh lordy – the birds are chirpin’, the snow’s melted and that boat is ready to gallop around for another spring and summer (at least). Here’s a list of some presents to get yourself and your lovely to make it a more pleasant sailing season. Read More >

Environmental Updates

8 Ways To Foster Environmental Awareness

When we step on a sailboat we often overlook that the bodies of water that we use to enjoy our sailing lifestyle are vital. The health of our oceans and lakes can seem like an afterthought when we glide across the surface and rarely think about what lies... Read More >

7 Things Sailors Can Do to Make for a Healthier Environment

A sailor’s task is to keep watch over the oceans & waterways and it’s our duty to be responsible and not leave it in worse condition than when we found it. Read More >

Ecology Tips For Sailors

ASA is committed to helping its members, students and partners obtain knowledge about environmental issues. Read More >

Where Is All the Plastic Going?

We all know there is a plastic problem and we come in contact with the issue on a regular basis. Sailors commonly see plastic floating on the surface and beachcombers pick up their fair share of marine debris on the sand. ASA continues to support the... Read More >

The Science of the Ocean

The ocean is a vast space, and sailors inhabit just the surface. Below us, around us, and even above us, we are all affected by what goes on in the oceans. The ocean is where we sailors yearn to be. After all, if you had a choice, would you rather be at your desk... Read More >

Learn To Sail Articles

Summer Sailing

Summer approaches and all you can think of is the warm weather and being on the water. Yes, that is exactly how we feel. If you are looking to optimize your time on the water we want to help you find the resources to spend as much time on a sailboat as possible.... Read More >

How A Boat Sails Upwind

A sailor’s life revolves around the wind. Its direction and its strength govern where he can sail, with what degree of difficulty or comfort, and how quickly. Naturally, the language of sailing reflects how sailors orient themselves and everything around... Read More >

Sailing Terms and Multiple Meanings

Do you have those moments when you say one thing but those around you think you meant something else? Well, welcome to life on a sailboat. Sailing vocabulary is riddled with plenty of words that you think you know the meaning of but they seem to mean something... Read More >

Sailing Terms and Multiple Meanings

Do you have those moments when you say one thing but those around you think you meant something else? Well, welcome to life on a sailboat. Sailing vocabulary is riddled with plenty of words that you think you know the meaning of but they seem to mean something... Read More >

Coastal Cruisers Vocabulary

As you consider expanding your sailing education, you might think about coastal cruising and taking ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising. With this course, you will be able to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (inboard or outboard engine) keelboat of... Read More >

The Benefits Of Sailing For Kids

As a kid, I never sailed. I lived close enough to the ocean that people I knew would go there, but my working-class father never really saw it fit to head to the shore for a day at the beach. He certainly did not need to be on a boat. “I have legs that... Read More >

Cruising Destinations & Tips

Newport for Sailors

Writer and Editor, Bob Curley, is a Rhode Island Expert who offers up some tips for your visit to New Port, Rhode Island. Don’t let the mansions and the parade of summer visitors trolling the boutique shops of Thames Street fool you: Newport, R.I., is first and... Read More >

Bareboat Charter Checklist

It was not that long ago that I boarded my first ever bareboat charter. The excitement with which we approached the catamaran is something I still feel today. This was to be the greatest vacation of our lives. The top of the bucket list was going to be... Read More >

Treat Yourself – The Sailing Stuff You Need to Start the Season

Oh lordy – the birds are chirpin’, the snow’s melted and that boat is ready to gallop around for another spring and summer (at least). Here’s a list of some presents to get yourself and your lovely to make it a more pleasant sailing season. Read More >

Reefing is Important

We’re talking about reefing - a foreign concept for some, a tried and failed practice for others - either way it's an important skill for real sailors. Read More >

Sailing Arabella with American Sailing

There are eight sails on Arabella, and when she is fully outfitted to move in the wind, she is majestic. When you see her from shore, you ponder what it would be like to feel the movement on her decks. When you are on board, you sit in awe. She is elegant and... Read More >