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Competent Crew

Introduction to sailing. Learn how to become an active crew

Bareboat Skipper

Recreational sailing yacht skipper of vessels up to 78 feet

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10 days live aboard course on power or sailing yacht. The key objective of the course is to teach candidates to become a recreational sailing yacht skipper and be able to charter and handle big cruising yachts on their own.

Ideal for those who already have little sailing experience and would like to learn coastal navigation.

• navigation at sea
• collision regulations
• practice at sea 200nm
• Skipper on a yacht up to 78ft. / 24m
• 20 miles offshore in day time
• in moderate weather conditions

5-day sailing course on board of a cruising yacht. The main objective of the course is to teach basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, basic sail trim, helm commands, seamanship and safety.

Ideal for candidates with little to no previous sailing experience who wish to train to become an active crew member on a power or sailing yacht.

• no special requirements
• Crew on a yacht up to 78ft. / 24m
• in sight of land and in fair weather
• only with professional skipper

Choose your sailing program. Where to start?

Introduction to sailing, on the coast.

Sailing knots - 3 hours

Understanding of the boat - 3 hours

On the water

Basic keelboat - 3 hours

Basic cruising

Safety on board - 3 hours

Live aboard sailing boat - 5 days

Live aboard power boat - 7 days

Bareboat cruising

Mandatory shore-based course for navigation and collision regulations at sea

Passage planning

Collision regulations

Practice at sea

Sailing boat - 10 days

Motor boat - 7 days

Advanced coastal cruising

Take additional shore-based courses prior to practice at sea

Long-term passage planning

Tidal navigation

Night sailing

Celestial navigation

Live-aboard course in tidal waters

Sailing yacht - 7 days

Upcoming courses

Blue water sailing practice

from ₽18,630

Availability

Competent crew

from ₽10,890

Marine weather forecasting

from ₽1,350

“Perfect boat”

A trust company. Very professional, one small problem we had with an error displayed on one of the oil pressure motors. They came after us and fixed the problem. We had a Lagoon 40 (2021) a very good boat.

Sailing School

AMERICA’S #1 SAILING SCHOOL®

Learn to cruise & see the world, offshore sailing school — america’s top sailing and cruising academy, adventures that change lives.

Offshore Sailing School is America’s top sailing and cruising academy, offering life-changing adventures and industry-leading sailing and powerboat instruction. For over 60 years, Offshore Sailing School has set the standard in comprehensive training for beginners and advanced sailors and boaters. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced sailor or boater, Offshore Sailing School has the right course for you.

• Learn to Sail: Start your journey with our beginner course, the gateway to confident sailing.
• Learn to Cruise : Gain the skills and certification to skipper and handle a live-aboard monohull or catamaran yacht with ease and enjoy world-wide bareboat chartering.
• Passage Making :  Master blue water sailing with the ultimate sailing certification and expand your horizons under sail.
• Competitive Racing: Elevate your sailboat racing skills as you learn sailboat racing rules and tactics from expert racing coaches.
• Advanced Cruising Courses:   Enhance your live-aboard catamaran or monohull cruising boat confidence, master challenging conditions while docking and maneuvering in close quarters.
• Team Building:   Strengthen bonds and communication through challenging and fun team sailing activities.
• Powerboat Training: Become a skilled powerboat skipper with confidence to charter and captain your own yacht.
• Flotilla Vacations: Explore the world under sail with Colgate Sailing Adventures® hosted sailing vacations on bareboat charter yachts.

Offshore Sailing School Fast Track® Programs provide the certifications and powerboat credentials you need to unlock a world of life-changing adventures! 

Led by Steve and Doris Colgate , our expert team of instructors is dedicated to making you a confident skipper, ready to explore waters near home or in distant ports. Choose from our Offshore Sailing School locations in Florida or the British Virgin Islands for The Greatest Classroom in the World®!

Fast Track® Sail & Power Courses

FAST TRACK® TO COASTAL PASSAGE MAKING

Start with the in-depth Online Coastal Navigation course, then step aboard for 6 days of intensive training covering night operations, advanced navigation, and coastal passage making on a catamaran or monohull. 105/106

FAST TRACK® TO OFFSHORE PASSAGE MAKING

Take a deep dive into long distance sailing with 5 days of celestial navigation, followed by 6 days of hands-on experience, gaining skills and confidence for offshore passage making and navigating without heavy reliance on electronics. 107/108

FAST TRACK® TO PERFORMANCE SAILING

In just five days, gain a solid foundation in sailing with focus on learning the basics, then mastering performance techniques, essential for excelling in local club races and enhancing your boat handling skills as skipper and crew. 101/102

FAST TRACK® TO POWER CRUISING

Learn to skipper a big powercat, manage its electronics and systems; dock, moor, and anchor in various wind conditions. In 6 days, gain skills and confidence to charter on your own with family and friends. No prior experience required. OSS 112

FAST TRACK® TO MONOHULL CRUISING

Dive into sailboat cruising on monohulls with two days learning on a Colgate 26, then board a 44′-50’ monohull for 6 days of exciting big boat instruction. Perfect course for cruising on your boat or a chartered yacht. 101/103/104

FAST TRACK® TO CATAMARAN CRUISING

Go from couch to the captain’s chair with two days learning to sail on a Colgate 26, then 6 days of comprehensive big boat instruction on one of our impressive 40′-45′ cruising catamarans. 101/103/104/114

Individual Sailing Course Options

LEARN TO SAIL

Start your sailing lifestyle with an exciting, comprehensive three-day course, covering all the fundamentals of sailing on a fun, safe, sophisticated, and easy to sail Colgate 26 daysailer. No prerequisites. 101

PERFORMANCE SAILING

Sailboat racing classes in the Offshore Sailing School OSS 102 Performance Sailing Course are taught on award-winning, high performance Colgate 26 sport sailboats. These sailboat racing lessons are the next step up from Offshore Sailing School’s Learn to Sail Certification Courses – OSS 102.

BASIC & BAREBOAT CRUISING

Transition from day sailing to confident cruiser in this six-day course and go from big boat basic cruising skills to ready-to-skipper and charter a cruising catamaran or monohull yacht. 103/104 or 103/104/114

BOAT HANDLING & DOCKING

A comprehensive, specialized 4-day course for seasoned sailors, designed to refine your sailing proficiency, with emphasis on boat handling abilities, docking competence, and maneuvering skills on larger monohull and catamaran yachts. 111

COASTAL PASSAGE MAKING

Take the helm with our Coastal Passage Making course: a perfect blend of practical training and advanced navigation. Join us for a hands-on experience to refine your skills and prepare you for your next sailing adventure. 106

OFFSHORE PASSAGE MAKING

Adventure into long distance cruising in an intensive six-day course, focusing on night sailing out of sight of land, standing watches, voyage planning and provisioning, celestial and electronic navigation. 108

CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

A five-day shore based course with intensive use of sextants, in preparation for offshore Passage Making or setting off on your own. Includes extensive use of sextants and tables to calculate your position at sea. 107

WEEKEND WARRIOR SERIES

Take your sailing to the next level with our advanced programs. Sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and explore new challenges with expert guidance.

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Our Online Courses

COASTAL NAVIGATION

Comprehensive, self-paced online course tailored to advance navigation skills in preparation for the Advanced Cruising Course. Focus is on chart navigation and includes all necessary tools and materials for a complete learning experience.

ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION 1

An engaging and flexible online program designed to build a solid foundation for all sailors and boaters, in the context of Modern Navigation equipment, using Electronic Systems, essential skills and techniques.

Jump-start your sailing education with this fascinating way to learn the basics of sailing. A great tool for beginners and “rusty” sailors, interactive online lessons compliment what’s covered in Offshore Sailing School’s Learn to Sail 101 course.

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See What Our Graduates Are Saying

Jhon Schepler

“Time well spent! Definitely will be back for more. Our instructor was excellent, patient and quick to act when assistance was needed.”

OSS 101 LEARN TO SAIL

Shea Gottshall

CHARLOTTE, NC

“Such a great experience, amazing trip and class! I learned much more than I ever thought possible. Great instructors, incredibly knowledgeable in all aspects of sailing, patient and detailed in their lessons. I recommend this program to anyone interested in learning about sailing, particularly for a novice like me.”

OSS 101/103/104 /114 Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising

MUSKEGO, WI

“Offshore made it easy to learn! From easing us through the many tactical details related to arrival and expectations with extensive email communications, to the excellent books to the truly remarkable instructor who made learning a joy – the Fast Track to Cruising was one of the best weeks ever. Great memories, excellent skills development. What more could one ask for?”

OSS 101/103/104 Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising

Jacques Mayo

“Our instructors were excellent. They let the students try many new things by themselves that increased our confidence level. They were very patient and reassuring. We had a tough passage from Miami to Captiva via Key West in bad weather. The sailing was difficult, and the learning experience was outstanding.”

OSS 107/108 Fast Track® to Offshore Cruising

SPARTANBURG, SC

“Money well spent. Would do it again, but I don’t need to! After only 5 days of classroom and power cruising time, I feel confident that I can better handle my boat in a variety of situations.”

OSS 109 Fast Track® to Power Cruising

Kristin Mahendra

ST. CHARLES, MO

“My instructor’s overall enthusiasm for sailing was so contagious, he has me addicted to sailing and craving more! He did an amazing job identifying my strengths and weaknesses in the classroom and on-water, and tailored his teaching to meet my needs and abilities.”

Courtney Stroot

“That’s me steering a big catamaran. It was absolutely the best seven-day adventure ever. An amazing instructor, exuded knowledge, skill and most of all, patience. I loved rafting up with the other students from the class.”

OSS 101/103/104/114 Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising

Wyatt Blasingame

MORRISON, CO

“My wife and I had an absolutely wonderful experience in the Fast Track to Cruising Course in the British Virgin Islands. The instructors were excellent – extremely knowledgeable and patient. I had some small boat experience and my wife was a complete novice, but we’re now comfortable and excited to take our first bareboat charter on our own.”

OSS 101/103/104 Fast Track® to Cruising

Naomi and Jeff Weingart

WESTPORT, CT

IOSS 101/103/104 /114 Fast Track® to Catamaran Cruising

Merzi Dubash

OLD BRIDGE, NJ

“This is the second time I’ve taken the Learn to Sail course. The last was 10 years ago. The experience was awesome. My instructor was excellent, gave me plenty of opportunity to practice, and never shied away from answering questions. In 3 days, he provided all the knowledge needed to sail. I recommend this course for any sailing enthusiast.”

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A week of sailing education, a lifetime of adventure.

Blue Water Sailing School is an American Sailing Association certified sailing school with lessons for sailors at every experience level. Our week-long, live-aboard cruising and sailing courses give dedicated students the experience and confidence to achieve their dreams of nautical adventure. We’re based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and have additional sailing schools in Rhode Island, the Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas.

We’re one of the only sailing schools in the United States to offer sailing certification at every level of the American Sailing Association curriculum , and they’ve given us the ASA ’s Outstanding School award five times . Sailing education is all we do — with our specialized approach, you can be assured of the finest training available.

Learn more about Blue Water Sailing School and our award-winning instructors .

We teach sailing classes at every level, from basic sailing to offshore passagemaking. Whether you dream of daysailing on the lake with family and friends, becoming a charter captain, or crossing the ocean in your own boat — we’ll give you the training and experience you need to realize your vision.

View our course catalog to find out what we have to offer.

We actually went somewhere (Key Largo), rather than returning to the dock each evening. The course was made to be an adventure, as well as simply instructional. The weather was “made to order” — sun and gentle breeze Saturday through Wednesday, then Force 8 for our ‘foul weather instruction’ on Thursday.

I thought it was an excellent, challenging course. It definitely wasn’t a “cruise.” The instructor expected a lot from the students. I like that.

I have nothing but the utmost praise for your entire operation and the quality of the instruction that I received. Al Hatch is a consummate instructor and brings to this activity a love and a passion that is genuine and expansive. I hope to be able to return to Blue Water to experience some of the higher-level courses of instruction, and I certainly would have no trouble at all recommending your company to anyone.

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

‍ Key Takeaways

• A sailing school can help teach you new skills or give you insights to sailing
• Some schools allow you to learn to sail in beautiful places like the British Virgin Islands
• Whether you do recreational sailing or professionally there is a sailing course for you
• Most people take beginner courses to improve their learning time or take private lessons
• A bareboat charter is a good way to test your skills on a boat without additional help

‍ A sailing school is arguably the best place to learn sailing as these sailing classes can teach you the basics. But what sailing schools are best?

The best sailing schools vary by location and what you want to learn with top choices being San Juan Sailing School and Blue Water Sailing School or even Club Nautique. Other good choices around the world include RYA Sailing School and Andaman Yachting but also Nautilus Sailing School.

In my experience sailing schools will differ based on the competent crew course and how good your sailing instructor will be. Your sailing skills will also develop over time with more practice in addition to any knowledge obtained from the American Sailing Association.

Table of contents

‍ Top Eight Best Sailing Schools

Sailing schools are all over the world but you will need to take the sailing course that is meant for your skill level. In addition you will need sailing certifications once you pass the sailing courses.

Depending on where you are in the world you might be able to learn to sail in your backyard or turn it into a vacation to learn sailing across the world. Check out which sailing schools are deemed the best around the world.

San Juan School of Sailing

The San Juan Sailing School is in Bellingham, Washington and offers a range of courses and teaching vessels from 30 to 49 feet. Notably they have an advanced coastal course in Desolation Sound priced around $1400 per stateroom or $700 per person for a couple.

Despite being a smaller institution they prioritize quality with low teacher-student ratios. This is perfect if you are new to sailing and want more personal instruction from experienced sailors.

• Has a 4.6 out of 5 star reviews
• Offers basic and some advanced courses
• Does not have smaller boats under 30 feet

Blue Water in Florida

Blue Water Sailing School is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is an ASA-affiliated institution with a 21-year history and a history of being named ASA School of the Year. It has four locations in Fort Lauderdale, St. Thomas Newport and the Bahamas to meet various needs to failors.

The school offers a range of sailing courses catering to both those looking to charter a boat and those interested in full-time cruising. The courses are live-aboard cruises with varying destinations depending on what course you are taking taught on 40 to 50-foot Beneteaus and catamarans. A one-week course costs $1895 and includes accommodations, instruction provisions and certification fees.

• Has a 4.7 out of 5 star reviews
• Features desirable sailing destinations perfect for the sport
• Do not typically offer one day courses

Club Nautique of California

Those wanting to learn on a luxury sailing yacht can check out Club Nautique in San Francisco Bay with locations in Alameda and Sausalito California since 1980. They specialize in certifying intermediate and advanced level students in coastal and offshore passagemaking for both sailboats and powerboats.

They are a US Sailing-affiliated school offering a diverse fleet of 50 boats within 26 to 50 feet in length and have Coast Guard certified instructors. They provide an 8-day basic cruising skippers package for $1295 and have a successful track record.

• Has ratings of 4.0 out of 5 stars
• Best for beginners but can expand to all experience levels
• Has mixed reviews depending on skill level

Royal Yachting Association Schools

RYA Sailing school has locations around the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. One popular option is situated on Procida which is the smallest island in the Bay of Naples offering an authentic Italian sailing experience. Located away from the typical tourist destinations Procida provides a unique blend of local life and beautiful coastal scenery.

The school offers a variety of sailing courses allowing students to explore the many different islands. Prices for the RYA Competent Crew Course start around $800 with courses running from April to October making it a fantastic option for those seeking a genuine Italian sailing adventure.

• Has a 4.5 out of 5 star reviews
• Plenty of options to consider
• Could potentially have a language barrier

Andaman Yachting in Thailand

Andaman Yachting has sailing schools in Thailand's coastal region especially around Phuket which is a sought-after destination for adventure enthusiasts and sailing enthusiasts. It provides an ideal setting for sailing adventures with numerous nearby islands and even the possibility of sailing to Malaysia.

They showcase beginner-friendly courses equipping participants with the skills and confidence to be effective crew members. Prices for their 5-day courses begin at THB 35000 (approximately $1160).

• Has 5.0 out of 5 star reviews
• Great for entry level sailors
• Does not offer more advanced offshore sailing

Nautilus School of Sailing

Nautilus Sailing offers luxury sailing courses in various locations like the Caribbean Mexico Spain South Pacific and Croatia. Students experience live-aboard training on catamarans or monohulls during the one-week course gaining a strong foundation in sailing skills.

Successful completion leads to ASA certification and membership with the course price inclusive of three daily meals on board. Prices begin at $5475 for the Monohull course and $6275 for the Catamaran course with certifications for various courses that you chose.

• Has a 5.0 out of 5 star reviews
• One of a kind learning experience
• One of the more expensive sailing schools out there

How to Find the Right Sailing School

Finding the right sailing school for you will be different from what others might be trying to do. Everyone has their own budget and sailing goals that will likely be different from yours so take the time to figure out your sailing goals.

You may be taking a sailing course to improve your knowledge with yacht charters before a vacation or want to have more control of your surroundings while at sea. No matter your desires there is a sailing course designed with that in mind.

Once you have your goals and budget figured out it is time to see where you would like to conduct these courses. Location matters especially if you are crunched for time.

Time Crunch

If you are pressed for time and need to learn a sailing course within a given period consider combination classes and destination courses. These provide sailors with a faster paced learning style and allow more certifications to be earned. But rushing anything in sailing is never a good thing.

It is recommended that you take your time and study then apply your skills with practice before jumping into something new. If you have more experience you can likely learn more things at one time.

Experienced Staff

A sailing school cannot survive or thrive without a good sailing instructor. The person responsible for teaching your class has a responsibility to convey sailing as a memorable time.

The instructor must be a positive person and a good leader. Having someone to look for in guidance during tough lessons can prove to be key in your success.

Additional Classes

When choosing a sailing school consider whether you want to continue with that school for additional courses as some offer multiple levels of instruction. Continuing with the same school can offer benefits such as familiarity with their boats instructors and the local area.

Alternatively you may prefer gaining experience in a different setting. If you have specific interests like docking or navigation check which courses the school offers. Inquire about options like private classes couples or classes flexible schedules on weekends and weekdays and the school's policy regarding classes during busy holiday weekends when waterways may be crowded.

Check the Curriculum

Enrolling in a sailing school with a structured curriculum provides reassurance through standardized skill development ensuring a methodical learning process. This structured approach unlike learning from a friend prevents skipping essential skills and facilitates skill assessment.

Additionally it ensures clear communication of your progress to other sailing companies. When choosing a sailing school consider the balance between on-water and classroom instruction based on your preferences and expectations.

Read Reviews

Not every review you see online is going to dictate how good or bad the class can be but the reviews should aid in your decision to some degree. If a lot of people are raving about how good the class was there is a good chance you may like it too.

To make an informed decision about spending money on a class it is advisable to research reviews. The ASA recognizes outstanding sailing instructors based on positive reviews from students.

This gives you an opportunity for what to expect based on what other people have gone through. If there is any doubt consider giving the instructor a call to ask the many questions such as helm time and class sizes.

Consider Age and Size of Boats

Getting your feet wet for sailing might not matter a lot depending on how old the sailboat is but it must be in good shape. If you intend to use one or more charter boats in your life you might want to consider training on one before renting it. Some schools have many options to choose for their boats.

Keep in mind the type of boat and the condition it is in before making the leap to take the course. Some courses have newer boats more often than others and it could make an impact on your learning experience.

The size of the boat matters too as you typically want to have a smaller or mid-sized boat if you are new to sailing. Larger ones are fine too but you will be learning more information at the same time to navigate the boat.

Certifications Matter

The course you are taking might have different certifications in different locations around the world. For example ASA schools and USS Sailing standards are similar but have different focuses.

If you come across a good sailing school that has slightly different certifications ask about how that applies to you and your sailing goals. You do not want to miss a key element that you may need to know somewhere else in the world.

You need to be honest with yourself about how much money you can spend on a sailing course. It might make sense to wait several months or longer to save up for a sailing school.

Some schools might be more expensive up front but might be necessary to learn a specific course to get a proper sailing education. In addition some schools include the costs of other things bundled into the sailing lessons such as food gear and fees for certifications.

You might even find a good deal on a sailing school depending on the time of year as they have their busy and slow seasons too. They could offer discounts if you have a friend to bring along or a small group package but these vary based on school.

Refunds or Cancellations

Check with the school of choice to see about refunding your money if something were to come up. If you need to cancel for any reason this is important to know if you are getting your money back or not.

Make it a Vacation

If you live in Florida but do not want to train in local waters around you you could consider taking classes overseas. While the conditions will be different depending on where you go you can still learn what you need and apply it back home.

A handful of people will make it a vacation and travel to excotic places to learn sailing. Who would not want to learn how to sail in Croatia especially near the Dalmatian Islands?

Related Articles

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Your dream of sailing can easily become a reality. The Sailboat Club is an accredited training facility of the American Sailing Association (ASA) and offers instruction to fit any schedule. View Courses

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Seattle yachts sailing academy.

Seattle Yachts Sailing Academy, an American Sailing Association (ASA) affiliate school based in Anacortes, WA, can help you realize your dream of learning to sail, whether you are a beginner or experienced sailor.

Our friendly instructors have been certified by the ASA and are licensed as Captains by the US Coast Guard. They have a passion for passing on their love of sailing to students and have many years of experience teaching sailing.

Accelerate Skills Development

Experiential education, asa 101 course.

Students learn to sail on a boat approximately 20-27 ft in length, designed specifically for ASA 101 classes.

ASA 103 Course

Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered (inboard or outboard engine) keelboat of approximately 25-35 feet in length by day in moderate winds (up to 20 knots) and sea conditions.

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Learn to apply navigational theory and practices for safe piloting of a vessel in coastal and inland waters. This is a classroom-only course and no prior experience is required.

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Asa 118 course.

This 1-day course is designed to practice docking in various wind and current angles. Learn basic theory and hands-on docking techniques needed to safely approach and depart in an efficient manner without damage or injury in an auxiliary powered sailboat.

ASA 103/104 Combo Course

This is a 5-day 4-night course certifying students for ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising and ASA 104 Bareboat Chartering. Learn to skipper a 30'-50' charter sailboat during this liveaboard cruising course in moderate to heavy wind and sea conditions.

Docking Endorsement Instructor (ASA-218)

Coastal navigation instructor qualification clinic (asa-205 iqc), bareboat cruising instructor (asa-204), basic coastal cruising sailing instructor (asa-203), basic keelboat sailing instructor (asa-201 iqc), coastal navigation (asa-105) evening course, basic keelboat (asa-101) evening course, gift cards (anacortes), learn to sail, boating education.

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Below you will find NauticEd's Sailing Courses arranged in logical and convenient bundles or presented individually.

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Sailing course bundles (save $), select a different bundle. the more advanced, the more you save, select from these individual courses which meet your goals, other courses, individual sailing courses, remaining courses, sea talk testimonials.

Thanks for your quick reply. I like your approach based on sound theory and emphasis on the practical skills (my approach too in my area of work). Thanks for the link to the article and for the time you take to answer my questions. Be assured that I will recommend NauticEd far and wide (and also to our local sailing school). Roger A , Student

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9 Best Sailing Courses for Beginners (Anyone Can Take)

Whether you prefer learning to sail online for free, investing in an affordable online course, or gaining hands-on experience with in-person lessons, the opportunities are endless. In this article, we've compiled the nine best sailing courses for beginners to help you achieve your sailing goals of exploring new waters or sharpening your skills.

The best sailing courses for beginners include NauticEd's free and paid courses, ASA 101, and RYA Day Skipper Theory. ASA’s First Sail is designed to familiarize you with the basics of sailing in a fun and engaging way. Udemy courses, BoatUS Foundation Courses, and Offshore Sailing School complete the list.

NauticEd's courses cater to both free and paid learning preferences, while the American Sailing Association and other institutions provide comprehensive programs to suit your needs. What makes their courses the best? Let's find out.

• You can explore affordable online options from NauticEd and Udemy.
• American Sailing Association also offers a wide range of sailing courses.
• In-person sailing courses are available to provide hands-on experience.
• These top nine courses offer a comprehensive sailing education and equip students with the necessary skills to become confident sailors.

On this page:

Top sailing courses for beginners, free online courses, cheap online courses, in-person sailing courses.

Here's a list of the nine best sailing courses anyone can take:

• NauticEd - Skipper Rank
• Udemy - Sailing Basics
• American Sailing Association's Your First Sail
• NauticEd - Qualified Crew Member
• BoatUS Foundation Courses
• Udemy's Beginner Sailing Courses
• American Sailing Association (ASA) - ASA 101
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centers - RYA Day Skipper Theory
• Offshore Sailing School

The right sailing course ensures you build a solid foundation in sailing basics, enabling you to progress faster and sail safely.

A well-rounded curriculum caters to individual learning preferences . For instance, some people might enjoy theory-based learning, while others benefit from hands-on experience. If you carefully analyze the available course options, you can find a suitable match for your specific needs and aspirations.

Investing in a quality sailing course is an investment in yourself. So, choose a course that resonates with your goals and gets you closer to your dreams of sailing the open seas.

NauticEd - Skipper Rank course : This free online course offered by NauticEd covers the basics of sailing for beginners and helps you earn your Skipper Rank. This course teaches basic sailing concepts, including sail trim, steering, and safety tips. It is perfect for beginners who want to earn a certification recognized by charter companies worldwide. The course is self-paced and can be completed on your own time, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.

Udemy - Sailing Basics : This free course on Udemy introduces beginners to sailing fundamentals, basic knots, boat handling, sail trimming, and safety procedures, making it a valuable starting point. This online course is a great option for those who are just starting out in sailing. It is designed for complete beginners and covers the basics of sailing in an easy-to-understand way.

American Sailing Association's Your First Sail : This short, online course familiarizes you with the world of sailing, sailboat workings, common commands, and basic sailing terminology. The course takes only 30–45 minutes to complete and is perfect for those who are new to sailing and want to get a taste of what it's like on the water.

NauticEd - Qualified Crew Member course : With only $39, this course teaches essential sailing skills, improving crew competence at an affordable price. The course covers topics such as sail trim, boat handling, safety procedures, and navigation, making it a valuable resource for those who want to become competent crew members. It is a self-paced course that can be completed on your own time, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.

BoatUS Foundation Courses : The BoatUS Foundation has several inexpensive online courses ideal for beginners , including boating safety, navigation, and boating skills. These courses are affordable, with prices ranging from $19 to $39. The courses are self-paced and can be completed at your own pace, making them convenient for those with busy schedules.

Udemy's Beginner Sailing Courses : A variety of affordable sailing courses ranging from sailboat selection to sailing basics and navigation, with prices starting at $14.99. These courses are perfect for beginners who want to learn at their own pace and on a budget. The courses are designed for complete beginners and cover the basics of sailing in an easy-to-understand way.

American Sailing Association (ASA) - ASA 101 : Beginners can start with their ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing course, which teaches essential sailing skills and terminology, to equip you with the skills to helm a keelboat confidently. The ASA 101 course provides hands-on sailing education for all skill levels and is available at various ASA-certified sailing schools. The course is typically taught over several days and includes classroom instruction and on-the-water training.

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centers - RYA Day Skipper Theory : This RYA course is designed for novices looking to learn essential navigation, meteorology, and safety procedures, regardless of their sailing experience. The course is typically taught over several days and includes classroom instruction and practical exercises. RYA training centers offer a range of sailing courses for beginners and experienced sailors alike, making them a great option for those looking for a comprehensive sailing education.

Offshore Sailing School : The Offshore Sailing School offers a variety of in-person sailing courses designed for beginners. Their Learn to Sail course covers basic sailing skills while providing hands-on experience and expert instruction. With multiple locations across the United States, you have the opportunity to learn sailing in a convenient and picturesque setting. This renowned school provides comprehensive learn-to-sail programs in various locations across the United States.

How free, paid, and in-person courses differ

Accessibility : Free online courses are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Paid online courses are also accessible to anyone who is willing to pay the course fee. In-person courses are often limited by location and availability.

Flexibility : Free online courses and paid online courses are often self-paced, allowing students to complete the course in their own time. In-person courses, on the other hand, are often scheduled at set times and require students to attend classes in person.

Learning style : Online courses are often more suitable for those who prefer to learn at their own pace and in their own environment. In-person courses are often more suitable for those who prefer hands-on learning and interaction with instructors and other students.

Cost : Free online courses are, as the name suggests, free of charge. Paid online courses and in-person courses often require a fee, with in-person courses often being the most expensive due to the cost of materials and instructors.

Course content : Free online courses may not offer the same level of depth and detail as paid online courses and in-person courses. In-person courses often offer the most comprehensive and hands-on learning experiences.

Certification : Free online courses may not offer a certification upon completion, while paid online courses and in-person courses often offer a certificate or diploma. In-person courses often offer the most recognized certifications.

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Do you know where I can find online sailing courses in Spanish ?

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You may also like, nauticed online sailing course review: worth it.

There are a lot of ways to learn to sail, and if you look online, you'll see a variety of online learn-to-sail programs. One program we've mentioned in the past is …

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Welcome to Your First Sail , the American Sailing Association’s short, fun, online sailing course designed to familiarize you with the world of sailing, one that some see as a sport and others choose as a lifestyle.

Q: Who should take this online sailing course? A: If any one of the following describes you, this course is for you!

• I have never been sailing.
• I’ve been sailing a couple of times as someone’s guest, but I couldn’t tell you the difference between a close tack and a broad reach.
• I’m not interested in taking a sailing class at this time, but I would like to know enough to be helpful on a sailboat.
• I’ve enrolled in a basic sailing class, but I’d like to get a solid head start before my first on-the-water lesson.

After completing this course, you’ll understand how a sailboat works, the common commands used to steer one and some basic sailing terminology. You’ll not only get the most out of your time on the water, but also be able to actively participate in the magic of sailing!

Q: How long will it take to complete the online sailing course? A: Anywhere from about 30 to 45 minutes.

Q: Do I need any books or other study materials? A: No, the course is fully self-contained. You can start the course at any time and do some or all of it at a time.

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Home  Education  Adult Sailing

Adult Sailing

Learn to sail with us sailing, whether you’re a first-time sailor or an experienced instructor... we have an educational opportunity for everyone....

Part of US Sailing’s vision is to introduce as many people as possible to this great sport. We want to make sure you’re learning in a safe, fun, high-quality environment…because if you’re a well-trained, competent sailor you’ll love sailing as much as we do.

US Sailing provides education and instruction in four separate areas: Small Boat (i.e. day sailing), Keelboat, Powerboat and Windsurfing. Learn more about the different programs offered by US Sailing schools and instructors. We’ll help you decide what kind of boat you want to learn on and find a course to take – and we’ve written the books ourselves to make sure they’re the best around.

Sailing Certification Courses

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Have you ever dreamed of sailing to an exotic destination?  Perhaps you are looking for a sport to do with your family or better yet, it is on your bucket list.  Whatever the reason, sailing is easy to learn and unlike some other sports, it is something you can do throughout your lifetime.

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Interested in learning how to sail, but not sure if you are ready for a full commitment?

Sailing is the perfect activity for anyone who enjoys water sports and outdoor recreation. Sailing can be exciting or relaxing. You can compete in racing or take a leisurely sail with family and friends. Regardless of age, ability or limitation, sailing has something for everyone.

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Access to the sport of sailing for all.

Sailing is a sport of freedom –of the wind, water, body and spirit. Our Adaptive Sailing resources, courses, and events are designed to share the freedom of sailing with people with disabilities. Looking to incorporate an adaptive program at your organization? Looking to connect with disabled sailors or find a place to sail? US Sailing is here to support you.

Download the Adaptive Sailing Resource manual

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Safety At Sea

Be prepared for uncertain and trying at sea scenarios.

The four types of SAS courses offered are designed for sailors of all types and levels — cruisers and racers, novices and experts and will prepare you for unsafe conditions and at sea challenges.

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Karen Davidson Adult Program Coordinator Email Karen Davidson (401) 342-7934

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