You can learn to sail while on vacation! Many American Sailing schools and programs, including American Sailing Vacations, offer courses that combine a vacation experience with hands-on sailing instruction. These courses are usually structured to provide a relaxed learning environment, allowing you to enjoy the destination while gaining sailing skills. Your vacation will allow you to earn sailing certifications while gaining confidence by logging more time on the water.
If you are just starting and have zero sailing experience, you should consider our Online Intro to Sailing Course before you start. Also, explore our Sailing Challenge App, where you get on a virtual sailboat and get a feel for some of the content in ASA 101 Keelboat 1 Course.
Are you ready? Let’s figure out your sailing pathway. Once you have an idea of what you want to learn, you’ll be able to decide on the best learn-to-sail vacation for you.
Little to no formal training. Little to no sailing experience. A beginning sailor is a novice who is new to sailing and lacks extensive experience and knowledge of sailing techniques. They are in the early stages of learning basic skills, including boat handling, sail trim, and understanding wind direction.
Your Path: ASA 101
Certified ASA 101 Sailor with significant sailing experience. An intermediate sailor has progressed beyond the beginner stage and possesses moderate sailing experience and knowledge. Proficient in basic sailing skills, boat handling, sail trim, and navigation. Intermediate sailors are confident in a variety of sailing conditions.
An experienced sailor with certifications in basic keelboat sailing (ASA 101), coastal cruising (ASA 103), and bareboat cruising (ASA 104) is highly skilled and safety-conscious with significant practical sailing experience. They possess advanced sailing expertise, including navigational proficiency and effective communication skills.
Your Path: ASA 104 – ASA 105 – ASA 106 – ASA 107 – ASA 108 – ASA 119 – ASA 120
An expert sailor is seasoned and highly skilled with a deep understanding of sailing, proficient in various aspects of boat handling, navigation, and safety. They have a wealth of practical experience in diverse sailing conditions and environments. Their mastery extends to advanced techniques, such as sail trim, complex navigation, and emergency protocols.
Your Path: ASA 105 – ASA 106 – ASA 107 – ASA 108 – ASA 119 – ASA 120 – ASA 201 – ASA 203 – ASA 204
A day sailor is a casual or recreational sailor who enjoys short sailing trips, typically lasting a few hours, and rarely ventures on multiple-day outings. They appreciate sailing as a leisure activity, relishing the experience of being on the water briefly rather than engaging in extended or overnight voyages.
Your options for a learn to sail vacation are plentiful. Most American Sailing Schools offer ASA 101. Find a school here
Your Path: ASA 101
A coastal cruiser is a skilled and safety-conscious sailor who adeptly navigates and explores coastal waters. They possess knowledge in coastal navigation, are familiar with local sailing obstacles. They relish short trips and prefer to stay within sight of land. Proficient in handling their vessel, they navigate in moderate weather, exploring nearby destinations for single-day excursions and brief overnight stays.
Your options for a learn to sail vacation include schools with multi-day courses in the USVI or the BVI or schools in the Great Lakes areas that offer multiday courses.
Your Path: ASA 101 – ASA 103 – ASA 105
A bareboat sailor is experienced and self-reliant. They aim to travel to sail and experience foreign waters by way of a sailboat. They possess sailing certifications, navigational skills, and expertise in handling various boats. Safety-conscious and skilled in boat handling, they can operate sailboats and catamarans confidently. Seamanship is of utmost importance to bareboat charterers.
Your options for bareboat charters are offered worldwide, but if you want a safety net while on one, consider a flotilla for your sailing vacation.
An offshore sailor is a seasoned and highly skilled seaman who specializes in long-distance voyages across open seas. They possess extensive expertise in navigating and handling boats in challenging offshore conditions and demonstrate advanced knowledge of weather patterns, ocean currents, and celestial navigation. Offshore sailors are well-prepared for extended journeys and ensure safety, self-sufficiency, and resilience during prolonged periods at sea.
Your options for an offshore learn to sail vacation reside with schools that offer passagemaking or ASA 108. These are advanced courses.
Your Path: ASA 101 – ASA 103 – ASA 104 – ASA 105 – ASA 106 – ASA 107 – ASA 108
Sailboat racers are highly skilled, strategic, and competitive individuals. They possess deep expertise in sailing techniques, boat handling, and racing strategies, often gained through years of experience. These racers excel in teamwork, adapting their tactics based on changing conditions and relying on effective communication among crew members.
Your options for a learn to sail vacation can be found with North U racing clinics.
Your Path: ASA 101 – ASA 103 – ASA 104 – North U Sailing Curriculum
A sailing instructor highly skilled and knowledgeable. They are excellent communicators, patient, and supportive, fostering a positive learning environment for students. Safety-conscious and passionate about teaching, they adapt their methods to cater to students’ needs and customize lessons accordingly. Instructors are well-versed in local waters, hold recognized certifications, and bring practical experience teaching.
Your options for instructor clinics while on vacation are limited due to instructor clinics being held primarily at American Sailing Schools. Find a school for intructor clinics. Find a sailing school here
Your Path: ASA 101 – ASA 103 – ASA 104 – ASA 201 – ASA 203 – ASA 204
This is sailing on freshwater lakes, rivers, or canals. It is usually done with small boats that have one mast and one sail, such as dinghies. Inland sailing is ideal for beginners, as the conditions are relatively calm and predictable. Inland sailing does not involve tides, but may have currents or obstacles.
Your ideal learn-to-sail vacation includes American Sailing schools that offer ASA 101
Your Path: ASA 101
Coastal Sailing is sailing within sight of land. It is done with keelboats that have one or more sails, such as sloops, cutters, or catamarans. Coastal sailing involves skills acquired in ASA 101 and is a good training ground for ASA 103 and ASA 104. The weather and wind can vary, making it challenging and exciting.
Your ideal learn-to-sail vacation would be a flotilla with an ASA 103 option.
Bareboat chartering and sailing in foreign waters while being responsible for itineraries, navigation, and excursion planning. Bareboat Chartering involves all aspects of seamanship, as the entire responsibility for the crew resides with the skipper.
Your ideal sailing vacation is a multi-day course that includes ASA 104 and ASA 114.
Offshore sailing involves long-distance voyages on open seas, far from the coastline. Sailors navigate challenging ocean conditions, relying on advanced skills in boat handling, navigation, and seamanship. Offshore sailing often requires careful planning, preparedness for varying weather patterns, and the ability to handle extended periods at sea, making it a demanding and rewarding aspect of the sailing experience.
Your ideal learn-to-sail vacation option would be Offshore Passagemaking ASA 108
Your Path: ASA 101 – ASA 103 – ASA 104 – ASA 105 – ASA 106 – ASA 107 – ASA 108
