Recent Articles
Parts of The Whole: Understanding Sailboats and Sailing – The Keel
September 27, 2021The keel is a fixed appendage on the bottom of the hull that provides the sideways resistance needed to counter the force of the wind on the sails. The keel also carries ballast, usually iron or lead, the weight of which counteracts the force of the wind that... Read More >
Featured School: Southern Most Sailing School
September 23, 2021Keywest conjures up images of the Conch Republic, Jimmy Buffet, and tropical-tasting boat drinks. The action on Duval street, the humidity, and the sweet smell of south Florida all paint a picture of a completely different kind of place. This... Read More >
ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising – What You’ll Learn
September 22, 2021We dropped the anchor in about 15 feet of crystal clear water. From the dolphin striker, I could see the anchor chain all the way to the hook in the white sand. Fish darted below the boat as if they were accustomed to getting fed by the new arrivals. The four of... Read More >
Update: Hands Across The Sea Continues To Deliver Books
September 20, 2021Hands Across the Sea is at it again packing and sending books for kids in the Caribbean. While many schools continue to grapple with how learning will be held this upcoming school year, Hands Across the Sea’s library and literacy programs continue to respond to... Read More >
The Little Blue Book of Sailing Wisdom
September 19, 2021The Little Blue Book of Sailing Wisdom is a unique book of quotes, verses, and traditional sailing axioms compiled by editor Stephen Brennan. Read More >
7 Ways to Sail Greener and Protect Your Local Waters!
September 17, 2021Sailing is an amazing sport, powered by wind and so close to the water – it’s impossible not to feel connected to nature – and that’s why we love it! This wonderful feeling comes in sharp contrast to the fact that whether you sail on a lake, river, bay or... Read More >
Do You Want to Be an ASA Sailing Instructor?
September 15, 2021Have a conversation with a non-sailor about sailing and quite often they will give you a bewildered look as if you own the keys to some secret paradise. While sailing is an involved task that requires time and effort to learn, it does not have to be like being... Read More >
Where Is All the Plastic Going?
September 14, 2021We 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 >
Join Us In Celebrating Coastal Cleanup Day
September 13, 2021In the 1980s, a small group of volunteers in Texas rallied their community together to take a day to clean up their coastal area. They organized a team and trekked a couple miles of beach to remove a few bags of trash from the shoreline. Thirty years later, over... Read More >
Environmental Updates
7 Ways to Sail Greener and Protect Your Local Waters!
September 17, 2021Sailing is an amazing sport, powered by wind and so close to the water – it’s impossible not to feel connected to nature – and that’s why we love it! This wonderful feeling comes in sharp contrast to the fact that whether you sail on a lake, river, bay or... Read More >
Where Is All the Plastic Going?
September 14, 2021We 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 >
Join Us In Celebrating Coastal Cleanup Day
September 13, 2021In the 1980s, a small group of volunteers in Texas rallied their community together to take a day to clean up their coastal area. They organized a team and trekked a couple miles of beach to remove a few bags of trash from the shoreline. Thirty years later, over... Read More >
The Ocean Quiz
July 3, 2021Do we really know how much plastic is on our ocean? We love to sail but do we know enough about what is beneath the surface of the water that we enjoy? Take this quick quiz on what lies beneath the surface as well as what gets into the ocean. Read More >
World Ocean Day
June 8, 2021World Oceans Day is held every June 8 to spotlight, celebrate and work to raise awareness about the health of our world ocean. When seen from space, the earth looks like a giant blue marble. It is said that earth day was created because that picture from space of... Read More >
Meet the SeaKeepers
April 29, 2021The American Sailing Association has an exciting new partnership with the International SeaKeepers Society to promote ocean research and conservation. The International SeaKeepers Society promotes oceanographic research, conservation, and education through... Read More >
Learn To Sail Articles
Parts of The Whole: Understanding Sailboats and Sailing – The Keel
September 27, 2021The keel is a fixed appendage on the bottom of the hull that provides the sideways resistance needed to counter the force of the wind on the sails. The keel also carries ballast, usually iron or lead, the weight of which counteracts the force of the wind that... Read More >
ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising – What You’ll Learn
September 22, 2021We dropped the anchor in about 15 feet of crystal clear water. From the dolphin striker, I could see the anchor chain all the way to the hook in the white sand. Fish darted below the boat as if they were accustomed to getting fed by the new arrivals. The four of... Read More >
Your First Charter Sailing Vacation
August 22, 2021Planning your first Sailing charter vacation can be as easy as asking; Where do you want to sail? Who is going to sail with you? How much do you want to pay? However, once you get past the obvious planning logistics the not so obvious questions arise. Read More >
Your First Charter Sailing Vacation
August 22, 2021Planning your first Sailing charter vacation can be as easy as asking; Where do you want to sail? Who is going to sail with you? How much do you want to pay? However, once you get past the obvious planning logistics the not so obvious questions arise. Read More >
Bite Size Lessons : MOB First Response
August 18, 2021In this lesson we take a look at what happens when there is a "man overboard" and learn the important Y.T.P.S.C. acronym that reminds us what the first 5 steps should always be. Read More >
ASA 101, New Sailor Resources
July 26, 2021Congratulations, you have earned your ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing certification! It’s time to go sailing and build upon your sailing education. Remember, ASA has you covered with plenty of new sailor resources. You are now part of a large sailing... Read More >
Cruising Destinations & Tips
What Flag Are You Flying?
September 7, 2021Do you know your code flags? International Nautical flags are used for communication at sea. Read More >
Flotillas: Advanced Concentrated Learning and Fun!
August 31, 2021Being part of a flotilla is the perfect way to test your new sailing skills with the safety net of having someone more experienced on hand if you need it! Read More >
ASA Member Event: Arabella Grand Tour 2021
August 27, 2021The first Grand Tour of New England aboard Arabella is almost complete. What started out as a trip that Hurricane Henri was threatening to cancel has turned out to be a pleasant sailing adventure around the islands of Massachusetts. These ASA member... Read More >
Charter Sailboat Resources
August 26, 2021You might be daydreaming about a sailing vacation so we have put together a resource to help you plan your next great sailing adventure. Whether you have just begun to sail and have recently earned your ASA 101 certification or if you have already mastered... Read More >
Your First Charter Sailing Vacation
August 22, 2021Planning your first Sailing charter vacation can be as easy as asking; Where do you want to sail? Who is going to sail with you? How much do you want to pay? However, once you get past the obvious planning logistics the not so obvious questions arise. Read More >
The Charter Quiz
August 15, 2021Do you have the urge to put your sailing education to use on a bareboat charter? Are you considering a crewed charter? Test your knowledge with this quick and fun charter quiz to give you some of ideas during the planning process of your sailing vacation. Read More >