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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?

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

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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.

How To Learn To Sail: Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide

Getting into sailing can seem daunting. When I first got interested, I was completely overwhelmed by all the skills, conflicting information, - and man oh man - all those insider terms. If you don't know where to start, it can be very confusing.

How to learn to sail? When first starting out, you want to gain some experience on the water, learn basic sail trim and navigation, and learn the basic safety rules. You can learn this by taking online courses, and by taking sailing lessons. With the right approach, you could get up to speed in a couple of months and for as little as $500.

Learning from my own experience, I wanted to create a very easy-to-understand guide which walks you through everything you'll need to know and learn when first starting out. In this guide, I'll walk you through all the different aspects of sailing: what to expect (ie. costs), what skills you'll need and how to learn those, and what knowledge you'll need and where to find it.

Spoiler : it's cheaper and easier to learn than you would expect.

Over the last few years, I have written on a lot of different aspects of getting into sailing. Throughout this guide, I will regularly refer to specific articles where you can learn more on a specific topic. This guide is a jumping-off point you can use to quickly get up to speed, and dive in deeper on a particular topic whenever you feel like it.

As a result, it is a long article with lots of information; it may be too much to read all in one sitting. The upside is: it's all here. I recommend bookmarking this article and coming back to it every now and then and pick up where you've left. Let's get started.

On this page:

How to get into sailing, myths that could be holding you back, how to get started, skills you need to learn to sail, things you'll need, in conclusion.

Sailing is both a practical and theoretical skill. You really should gain real-life experience, but you can also learn a lot of essential skills by reading up on them. Let me quickly walk you through my recommendation of how to getting into sailing.

7 easy steps to get into sailing:

• Focus on learning the theory first, focus on practice second
• The essential sailing skills are sail trim, navigation, and boat safety
• Start out using (free) online resources or Sailaway simulator
• After that, gain experience by taking at least a couple of sailing lessons
• To cut cost, you could also crew for an experienced captain instead
• Get your boater's license if necessary
• Hire a boat at first to cut cost and figure out what you like

By first focusing on the theory, which you can mostly do using free resources (and this website), you save on those valuable sailing lessons.

I'll break down all of these steps later. But now, we first have to talk about some common misconceptions about sailing, what it costs, and how long it takes before you sail your first boat by yourself. It's sooner than you might think.

Sailing is known to be an elite sport that costs way too much money. It's hard to learn, expensive to do, and you need all kinds of special knowledge - right? Well, all of those things can absolutely be true, if you want them to be. But sailing has always been one of the cheapest ways of transportation and can be quite easy to learn. I had a ton of those common misconceptions myself, and they were keeping me back. Maybe some of those are holding you back too?

Let me tell you some secrets that will probably change the way you think about the timeline of your sailing dream.

Sailing can be an affordable hobby

• A realistic budget for beginner sailors is $100 - $300 per month
• If you want to, you can get a decent education for as little as $500
• A decent beginner sailboat can cost between $200 - $2,000

In order to sail, you need some things that potentially cost a lot of money:

• a sailboat (preferably a 52' superyacht, right?)
• sailing lessons (and probably tons of them, right?)
• speciality gear like navigation equipment (you can't use regular water bottles, right?)

I say potentially because it really doesn't have to be that way. Sailing can be a normal hobby for regular people that have normal budgets.

Sure, you can spend tons of money on gear and lessons, as with any hobby. You can get yourself special sailing water bottles that provide more optimal water disposal flow in marine environments. You can buy a world-cruising yacht. But let's be fair: you don't own a plane (if you do, call me), yet you are able to fly to nearly every place on Earth if you want to. If you prioritize, you actually don't need all that much gear ór lessons.

In most states and countries, you actually don't even need an official education in order to sail smaller boats. I do recommend getting some training in advance. But you can really get a super decent training and tons of experience on just a $500 budget .

Want to get into sailing on a budget? I've written a detailed guide on how to learn the most important sailing skills on less than $500 . There are tips in there that cost absolutely nothing and are very good first steps.

9 Ways to Learn to Sail for (Practically) Free

A realistic starting budget is $100 - $300.

I've done research on the costs of all different aspects of sailing and I was surprised by the results. You could sail on any budget really, depending on how creative you want to get. $0 is possible but it takes work, patience, and luck. For most people, a realistic budget to get started is between $100 - $300 per month. That will allow you to hire a boat a couple of days per month, get some training, buy some gear, and eventually buy your first sailboat.

There are affordable beginner sailboats out there

Buying a boat will always cost money, but there are so many second-hand sailboats you can always find a decent deal, or even a free learning boat, as long as you don't immediately want to go out and get yourself a yacht.

In fact, you probably want to consider buying a very small beginner laser to start out. The smaller the boat, the faster you'll learn. Small, light sailboats give you faster and more precise feedback on what you do. And small lasers are pretty inexpensive. You can get good second-hand deals for just a couple of hundred bucks. This also means you can put them on a trailer and store them at home. Saves additional cost. Larger sailboats (22ft and up) get very expensive very quickly, though.

The Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Sailboat I have compared thousands of sailboat prices, and the cost of ownership. In this guide, we'll go over every dollar it will cost to own a boat . If you are unsure what it costs to buy and own a boat (and what's possible on your budget), this is a great resource for you.

But there's more cash-saving good news: you don't necessarily need to own a boat to get started.

You don't need to own a boat to get started

Hiring a boat is pretty straightforward nowadays, and more and more private owners are renting out there boat for fair prices on platforms like Boatsetter (Airbnb for boats). So when first starting out, I recommend renting a sailboat for a couple of weekends first, which should get you a good feel for the whole thing.

You can set sail within a couple of months

Learning to sail can take anywhere between 50 - 500 hours, depending on what level of skill you require. Coastal sailing and ocean passages require a lot more knowledge and experience. In contrast, you can learn to sail your recreational lake in light winds pretty quickly.

You can get started today

It's okay to not be the best sailor straight away. As with any skill worth learning, it's worth doing badly at first. As long as you don't get in anybody's way and stay safe, you can try and fail all you want. That's great because it means you can start today. You don't need hundreds of lessons before setting out on your own.

Some people like to pretend sailing is some mysterious superpower. Sure, doing something really well is always hard, and so is sailing really well. But in the end, we're just catching wind with a piece of cloth. Let's not make it harder than it is.

You probably don't even need a license

In some states, you don't need any licenses in order to sail your boat in inland waters. Most states only require you to take a short boater safety exam, which you can do online for roughly $50. After that, you're officially good to go. If you don't require to get a safety license, I still recommend getting one. It's so cheap and easy to get, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

I do recommend getting some basic training before hitting the waters, as operating a boat can be nerve-racking if you're new, and it's just safer if you know the basic rules of the road. More on how to do that later.

For coastal and international waters, you do need multiple licenses, which will take money and time to pass. But when first starting out, you probably want to gain a lot of experience on small bodies of water first.

Okay, so apparently you don't need a huge budget, you don't need dozens of licenses, and you don't need hundreds of lessons before sailing your first boat. You can start today, and nothing's holding you back - you probably get that by now. Except, something is holding you back. Where the heck do you start?

Well, let's start with learning the essential skills before doing anything else.

I have written a very simple approach to learn to sail for practically free (I have linked to it before). Besides being cheap, it's also a good overview of how to go about learning these essential skills. Here's the gist of it:

My 5-step bootstrap plan for new sailors

1. lay the theoretic groundwork.

• Start with free online introductory courses
• Read up on the essential knowledge on Improve Sailing
• Spend time playing Sailaway Sailing Simulator
• Read my recommendation for free courses here .

2. Test where you stand

Now that you have some theoretic knowledge, take two sailing lessons to test where you stand. Don't go overboard on lessons, just get a feel for how quick you learn and how much you know (or don't) already. That way, you don't break the bank and can change your plan accordingly.

3. Gain experience

Next, we want to make sure we have enough experience to stay safe and confident.

• If you are a quick learner , take a 1 or 2-day sailing course. This is a bit more expensive, but it pays off to spend a longer time with someone experienced.
• If you feel like you need more help at first, I recommend trying to become a ship's mate first. This is free and you learn a lot quickly. You can be a ship's mate for a day, a week, or an entire season.

4. Optional: get your license

If you need any licenses, be sure to get them now. In most states, you just need to take a basic boater's safety exam .

5. Set sail

Once you have the basic theoretic knowledge and practical experience, you can finally set sail on your own. I suggest hiring (chartering) a boat at first. This doesn't have to be expensive at all and is a great way to learn what you like and dislike.

General tips when setting sail for the first time

• Start with small boats (under 24') for better feedback
• Sail with light winds of 7 knots or less
• Start small and work your way up
• Safety is always your priority, speed comes second

Let's take a look at the precise skills you need to develop in order to become a good sailor. Below is a quick overview of essential skills and important information, and I'll link to which articles will help you out.

Essential sailing skills

• Marine navigation
• Weather interpretation

If you learn the fundamentals of these five skills, you should be able to stay safe while navigating through most situations. We'll walk through each of those skills, what it involves, and how to learn it below.

Other useful skills that are not essential at first are general boat maintenance, diagnosing electrical issues, and maintaining your boat's engine.

How to learn basic sailing skills

I recommend reading up on basic sailing skills. We have created a special page that shows you what articles we recommend when first starting out . Reading up on sailing skills might seem unnesseccary, but believe me, it really helps to boost your confidence if you have read about all those moving parts ahead of time. It will also save you precious lesson time.

NauticEd offers Basic Sail Trim as one of their free introductory courses , so I recommend taking that course, as well as playing Sailaway, which will really prepare you for trimming sails in real life.

Here's a great beginner sail trim video:

The most important way to learn basic sailing skills, of course, is going out and practising them on the water. I would want to have at least a basic grasp of sail trim and navigation before sailing single-handed (alone).

How to learn marine navigation

I recently wrote a complete guide on how to learn marine navigation . I suggest you start there - it's a very comprehensive guide and great for beginners. I specifically wrote it for people who don't know where to start. In it, I explain the fundamentals and link out to more in-depth articles, so you can explore on your own. Marine navigation is a skill you can train at home especially well.

How to learn anchoring

This is more of a practical skill, but I still recommend to read up on it first (it doesn't cost you anything). William has written a couple of solid articles on anchoring:

• 9 Easy Expert Tips for Anchoring a Boat Near Shore
• How Much Anchor Chain Should You Let Out When Anchoring?
• Can I Moor & Anchor My Boat Anywhere?

Essential knowledge

Even though sailing is a very hands-on skill, you do need some theoretical knowledge as well.

• Boat Safety Standards
• Rules of the Road - essential in avoiding collisions and dangerous situations

This information is included in one of the free introductory courses offered by NauticEd , and I believe ASA also has a free course on collision rules.

Useful knowledge

Besides this essential information, there are also things that are simply handy to know. It really pays to invest some time into learning the most important sailing terms. I recommend you learn the following at the least:

• Basic parts of sailboats - has great diagrams
• Basic sail names - illustrated guide with examples
• Most common sailing terms - extensive database

Understanding the basic names of things comes in handy when shouting orders at your crew (or being shouted at!), and avoiding any confusion. However, you can definitely sail a boat without knowing the name of everything on it.

There is some basic gear you probably want to have as a first-time sailor. Luckily, there isn't a lot of speciality stuff you have to have when renting your first sailboat.

• suitable shoes & clothing
• basic navigation tools
• optional: plotting tools

Suitable shoes

If you're just going out sailing for some odd days here and there, you only need suitable shoes to wear onboard. Or you could not wear any shoes at all, which is cheaper obviously. It can pay off to invest in something to protect your pinky toe.

• Here's What Shoes to Wear Sailing (and which not )

Sailing gloves

If you're planning on sailing more often, or longer days, you might want to consider getting a good pair of sailing gloves. Those will really help protect your hands from fatigue, blisters, and rope burn.

I highly recommend getting some kind of headwear. Make sure it has a strap or is a tight fit. Protecting yourself from the sun is important on the water. You get sunburn quickly.

Suitable clothing

You can wear regular clothing. Make sure to bring multiple layers, as temperatures on the water can change quickly. If you have clothes that are lightweight, comfortable, dry quickly, and optionally break wind, that's perfect. You could of course buy special sailing jackets, but these tend to be pricey, and you only really need them if you're on the water a lot.

Here's an expert tip: always bring dry clothes and wrap them in a plastic bag.

• Here's What to Wear Sailing in the UK

If you're looking for good quality sailing gear, I have articles on gear I like. You can check them out on the recommended gear section of this site. It has all the sailing gear I love most.

Navigation tools

When renting a boat, you want to bring some basic navigational tools:

• handheld magnetic compass
• nautical charts

Most people won't need plotting tools at first, but if you're planning on sailing longer legs, you might want to get them:

• parallel rulers

You might also need to show your skipper's license, or at least your boater's safety license.

Getting into sailing doesn't have to be complex at all. If you bookmark this article, you can get back to it (and the resources I link out to) and work your way through them in your own time. Taking your time to learn the fundamentals right first will greatly speed up your practical learning experience.

While sailing is a practical skill, and more traditional skippers will argue that you can't learn it on paper, I disagree. There is a lot of information that is especially suited to learn online or practice at home. By doing so, you'll feel more confident once you set foot on board. However, you probably shouldn't postpone bolstering your practical experience either. You want to see where you stand as quickly as possible. A lot of people put it off indefinitely, and if there's one thing true about the internet - actually, two -, it is this:

• You can keep reading indefinitely.
• It can't replace the real thing.

Instead, use it as a helpful resource to speed up the process and cut cost. It's a great place to do homework. But now, it's time to step aboard - good luck, and smooth sailing!

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If you’ve finished your online coursework, it’s time to get out on the water! Whether you seek sailing lessons with or without formal certifications from  NauticEd ,  call us at (409) 682-7745  to gain practical on-the-water training and confirm your preferred lesson day and time.

We train 7-days a week, 12 months per year. Schedule when it works for you. If you are doing group lessons, don’t worry about the group of 3 filling up or not. The lesson is going out with from 1 to 3 group members.

Join us for a 4-hour Private Catamaran Sailing Lesson. One on One training from the Captain. The best way to learn quickly.

4-Hour Private Sailing Lesson

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Join us for a 4-hour Group Catamaran Sailing Lesson. Not to exceed 3 students and 3 guests. Learn the finer points of how to manage and sail a large sailing Catamaran.

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Our Sailing Lessons and Training: All Yachtcation courses are taught in collaboration with  NauticEd , a fully accredited sailing education program recognized by yacht charter companies worldwide. All programs adhere to the United States Coast Guard-developed American National sailing training and assessment standards. Whether you want to be a better crew member on a sailboat or a fully certified and licensed skipper, we can help you reach your goals.

We do this by integrating our professional on-the-water practical training with the NauticEd sailing certification program . Learn more about our courses below and register for the ones that help you meet your sailing goals!

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All yacht charter companies require you to have a sailing resume if you want to rent (charter) their boats. Your resume should contain a list of previous experience, formal coursework, and sign-off from an accredited instructor as to your charter readiness. The NauticEd online resume building tool is perfect for this.​

Online Theory Courses

We first start you out with the NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master bundle of online courses. There you will learn all the theory knowledge for bareboat chartering. You take these courses in your own time at home. You also log your previous experience in your free NauticEd electronic logbook.

On-the-Water Practical Training

Our instructors will train you until you become competent at all the skills needed for bareboat chartering.

Once you are competent at practical skills and knowledge, our instructor will assess you for bareboat readiness using an internationally recognized set of skill testing rubrics.

Certification

Once you have been determined as knowledgeable and competent, and have met the charter company requirements of experience, NauticEd will issue you a bareboat Charter Certification which is accepted by all charter companies worldwide*.

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Brie is our Lagoon 45-foot catamaran. This boat is known as the workhorse of the yacht charter industry and a luxury catamaran sailboat. We can train and assess you on Brie so that your sailing resume reflects the proper endorsement and is accepted by yacht charter companies worldwide.

Start first by taking the NauticEd online Catamaran Sailing Confidence course . Inside the course, you can play the Catamaran Maneuvering game. While only a game, it helps understand the dual engines set up associated with catamaran maneuvering.

Practical On the Water Training

Our professional catamaran qualified instructors will train you until you become competent at all the skills needed for operating a large catamaran under power in the marina and sailing in open waters. We spend a significant amount of time maneuvering in close quarters so that you are completely confident.

Once you are competent at practical skills and knowledge, our instructor will access you for catamaran readiness using an internationally recognized set of skill testing rubrics.

Once you have been determined as knowledgeable and competent, NauticEd will issue you a Catamaran Endorsement on your Resume and certificate. This endorsement is accepted by all charter companies worldwide*.

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If you want to contribute as a knowledgeable crew member on a large sailboat for day sailing or for bare-boat chartering, you’d agree that you should have the proper skills and knowledge.

Online Theory Courses We first start you out with the NauticEd Qualified Crew Member online course. There you will learn all the theory knowledge for operations of a sailboat. You take these courses in your own time at home. You also log your previous experience in your free NauticEd electronic logbook.

On-the-Water Practical Training Our instructors will train you until you become competent at all the skills needed to knowledgeably and skillfully contribute as a crew member. This training can also lead to a future upgrade to skippering a sailboat.

Assessment Once you are competent at practical skills and knowledge, our instructor will access you for readiness to be signed of as a Qualified Crew

Certification Once you have been determined as knowledgeable and competent, NauticEd will issue you a Qualified Crew certification and all your accomplishments will be reflected in your sailing resume.

Call us at (409) 682-7745 to gain practical on-the-water training and confirm your preferred lesson day and time.

*You will need a sailing license for Mediterranean locations. The NauticEd SLC™ (International License and Credentials) satisfies these requirements.

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Our practical and theory courses will take you from complete beginner to capable skipper and beyond

Stepping into the world of sailing for the first time is exciting and exhilarating. The courses in the RYA Yachtmaster training scheme will help you learn to sail and build confidence, become a useful crew member and even learn how to skipper a sailing yacht and manage it’s crew. 

Most courses can be taken either on your own or with friends and family, including children provided they meet our minimum age recommendations. There are also flexible options allowing you to do the course in one go or split over several days or weekends. 

Our sail cruising courses can also help you progress to the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence  which are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide and can be commercially endorsed for professional skippers and crew. 

So whether you’re new to boat ownership, want to charter a yacht on holiday, or to venture further offshore – there’s an RYA course for every level. 

Our practical on-the-water courses build confidence, teaching you everything from basic terminology and safety tips to how to skipper a yacht and manage its crew. You can enter at any level, provided you have the correct level of experience. 

Cruising Level 1 - An entry level course focusing on the principles of sailing a yacht. Can be run in conjunction with the Basic Skills course.

A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners.

Cruising Level 2 - Build on the skills gained during Start Sailing, Competent Crew or Day Skipper, focusing on sailing techniques as both crew and helm.

A hands-on course for anyone interested in becoming a useful crew member.

A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.

Advanced skippering techniques for those with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.

Our navigation and other specialist short courses complement the sail cruising practical courses and will take your knowledge and confidence to the next level.

A basic introduction to navigation for new skippers, crew or anyone interested in getting out on the water.

A more comprehensive course recommended for inexperienced skippers and anyone thinking of doing the Day Skipper practical course.

Take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore practical exams.

Unravel the mysteries of astro navigation, using a sextant, ocean passage planning, worldwide meteorology and electronic navigation aids.

Get qualified to use a handheld or fixed marine VHF radio with our course and exam.

From first aid to diesel engine, there are a number of related classroom and online courses you may find useful as you develop your knowledge.

• Certificates of Competence
• RYA Yachtmaster

An RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence is the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence.

You are capable of coastal passages

You are competent to undertake passages up to 150 miles offshore

You have the knowledge and experience to sail worldwide

With more than 100 different titles to choose from, there’s an RYA book, eBook or audiobook for every age, interest and ability. Visit our webshop for course books and a range of supporting titles.

Sailing is great fun for all ages and there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. Check our course descriptions for minimum age recommendations.

If you want to cruise outside of the UK you are likely to need an ICC. RYA course completion certificates can be used as evidence of your competence.

Find out more about commercial endorsements, professional qualifications and what it takes to work on the water.

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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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Learn   to Sail

Sail Training Events

Fall sail training.

• Start Saturday, September 14, 2024
• End Sunday, September 15, 2024
• Schedule 2 sessions
• Location Lake Mead Marina, 490 Horsepower Cove, Boulder City, NV 89005

Learn to Sail with the Nevada Yacht Club!

Must be 13 years of age to participate. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Classroom training will be held rain or shine (wind or no wind). The Nevada Yacht Club Fleet Captain may cancel on-the-water activities if hazardous weather conditions exist. If both days of on-water activities are cancelled due to hazardous weather, the Nevada Yacht Club will attempt to schedule a single make-up day, but a make-up day is not guaranteed. Cancelations will incur a $10 fee per canceled registrant. Cancelations must be received 10 days prior to the event to be eligible for a refund.

Past Sail Training Events

Home  Education  Youth

Learn to Sail with US Sailing

Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned sailor... we have an educational opportunity for everyone..

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, skilled sailor you’ll love sailing as much as we do. Our youth programs connect you to instruction, events, and resources that help all types of youth sailors enjoy the sport, improve their skills, and become sailors for life.

Learn to Sail

Learn the sailing skills that you need to be a safe, confident, successful sailor

Over 1500 Smallboat Instructors and Coaches are certified by US Sailing each year and are ready to teach you to sail at your local sailing school, yacht club, or community sailing center.

Join the 400+ programs taking part in Reach, US Sailing’s STEM Education Initiative

Through Reach, sailing programs, schools, and educators have the tools and resources to bring STEM and SAILING together in an exciting, novel platform for learning. Reach has become the gold standard in STEM sailing for middle school students around the country.

• How you can participate in the REACH Initiative
• Where you can find REACH
• Connect with us
• Support Reach

Youth Development

The new generation of sailors!

The goal of US Sailing’s Youth Sailor Development Model is to grow and retain a new generation of sailors through enhanced skill development and a positive, healthy sport experience.

Junior Big Boat Program Guide

Learn how to start junior big boat sailing at your club.

The Junior Big Boat Sailing Program Guide allows new sailors to learn the ropes on a big boat platform and experienced junior sailors to apply their small boat sailing skills to a new challenge. The JBBS program is structured around the use of a volunteered big boat lent for use to the program, and offers an introduction to big boat sailing through a framework of skills designed to provide teens with the skills and experience to sail for a lifetime.

Junior big Boat Program Guide

• Junior Safety-at-Sea program

Community Sailing

Promoting & Supporting Community Sailing in the United States

The mission of the US Sailing Community Sailing Committee is promote and support community sailing in the United States, and is committed to achieving greater diversity throughout the sport and fostering an environment that is more inclusive. Under the direction of the committee, US Sailing provides grants, accreditation and resources to support the growth of Community Sailing.

• Find a US Sailing Accredited Community Sailing Center

Education, Youth

Risk strategies - gowrie group.

• Junior Sailing Safety Guide
• Responsibility to Your Students as a US Sailing Certified Instructor
• Advantages of US Powerboating’s Safe Powerboat Handling Courses
• Emergency Action Plans and Safety Resources
• Case Study: An Emergency Action Plan Report from OCSC
• The Importance of Accountable Sports Parents
• SafeSport Free Online Parent Training
• SafeSport Parent Tool Kits
• Winning the Race to the Right Finish Line in Youth Sports
• Can Youth Sports be Both Fun and Competitive?
• Developing Youth Sailors: What parents can do to build a strong foundation
• Hosting a US Sailing Championship
• Event Recap: Americans Finish On the Podium at RS Feva Worlds
• Youth Sailing: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone This Summer!
• Sailorships Financial Aid For Junior Sailors
• Ten Guidelines for Running the Junior Big Boat Program
• An Introduction to the Junior Big Boat Sailing Program
• Small Boat Sailing: Teaching Sportsmanship
• What Makes Classes Strong?
• Knowing Your Destination: Setting the Right Goals
• Top 10 Reasons to Sail a Catamaran
• Reviving Your Regional Youth Racing
• Introducing Adventure Sailing to Your Program

Bonnie Braddock Learning Design and Development Specialist Email Bonnie Braddock

Phil Muller Youth Performance Manager Email Phil Muller

Andrew Clouston SVP Programs & Services Email Andrew Clouston

Bradley Schoch Senior Instructional Designer Email Bradley Schoch

Peri Burns Educational Operations Manager Email Peri Burns 401-342-7963

Andi Barton Sr. Education Coordinator Email Andi Barton 401-342-7910

Stu Gilfillen Director of Education Email Stu Gilfillen 401-342-7967

John Pearce Youth Competition Manager Email John Pearce 401-342-7930

Copyright ©2018-2024 United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. US Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc. -->

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8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In

FoodfindsAsia.com | 8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In | Filipinos’ history as a maritime people date back to prehistoric times. In fact, the Philippines’ basic sociopolitical unit today, the barangay, traces its etymological origins to the balangay , the ancient outrigger boats that were used by precolonial Filipino communities to explore and conquer islands this side of the Pacific. As a people belonging to a seafaring culture, it’s no wonder that modern Filipinos are taking a retrospective look at their glorious past as Austronesian mariners and are developing a renewed love for the ocean and marinas as present-day yachtsmen.

Today, Philippine marinas look to accommodate more and more yachts and other pleasure watercrafts as the years go by. In 2017, an ASEAN Briefing op-ed piece named the Philippines as a country with high potential in yacht industry growth. The natural beauty of the Philippine islands and its fantastic bays, combined with a growing interest in leisurely sea travel, can explain the spike in yachting activities throughout the country.

Are you part of the demographic that’s become enamored of the yachting lifestyle? Do you want to know where in the country you can berth your watercraft? Leading sailboat and motorboat authority Europa Yachts is happy to enter the conversation, and recommends the following locations for discovering the Philippines through yachting. Here is a short list of clubs and marinas in the country, organized by island region.  

Manila Yacht Club and Marina, Manila, Metro Manila

Established in 1927, the Manila Yacht Club and Marina is one of the oldest yacht clubs in all of Asia, and is nestled in the scenic Manila Bay. It is also near other well-known landmarks in the city, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and the US Embassy. Facilities in the marina include a launching ramp and a fueling center, and the club itself is host to a restaurant and gorgeous function rooms. The Manila Yacht Club only welcomes visitors who arrive by boat, and it charges an initial security deposit of USD 750 upon arrival. Club membership is mandatory for medium and long-term mooring of boats.

Subic Bay Yacht Club, Zambales

The Subic Bay Yacht Club, which was founded in 1998, upholds itself as the country’s premier yacht club. It operates in the deepest bay in the country, and can host vessels well beyond 50 meters in length. Already benefitting from the innate beauty of the Zambales mountains surrounding it, the club hosts a number of other attractions, including its luxury accommodations, swimming pools, and its own movie theater, bowling alley, and nightclub. Those who venture outside of the club’s premises can also shop for well-priced imported goods at the Subic Freeport Zone, engage in water sports , or sign up for diving excursions.

Punta Fuego Yacht Club, Batangas

Peaceful Punta Fuego is a mecca for those who love the sport of sailing. As per its official website, the Punta Fuego Yacht Club aims to serve “a dynamic and vibrant community of boat enthusiasts and yacht owners.” This it does by playing host to a diverse population of watercrafts, from large catamarans and mono-hull yachts to small boats. Non-members of the club may use the berths for up to 3 weeks, and can refuel at the marina’s fueling station. The yacht club offers other amenities such as locker rooms, shower rooms, Internet facilities, a chart room, and a restaurant called Barracuda Bar, which serves delicious fares. Outside of the yachting crowd, Punta Fuego Yacht Club also caters to those wishing to celebrate weddings, conferences, and corporate events in their opulent quarters.

Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Oriental Mindoro

Further south, yachtsmen may moor at the Puerto Galera Yacht Club in Oriental Mindoro, an island location that’s home to tourist attractions like the Sabang Wreck dive site, lively beachfront resorts, and the Malasimbo Music Festival. Puerto Galera Yacht Club has been in operation for almost thirty years and lends services such as refueling provisions and yacht repairs from its marina. Boat owners also enjoy optimal convenience if mooring here, as they can also shop for spare parts in the nearby Batangas port.

Busuanga Yacht Club, Puerta del Sol Bay Marina, Palawan

Beautiful Palawan is a bucket-list destination for many, especially those who dream of cruising its crystalline waters. Accommodating the yachting community in this island province is the Busuanga Yacht Club, which promises secure mooring amidst breathtaking white-sand beaches. Here, each vessel will benefit from a typhoon-safe harbor, easy refueling, and direct access to transportation hubs like the New Busuanga Airport. Adjoining this marina is the Puerta del Sol Bay Resort, which offers luxurious accommodations to visitors. When not atop the deck of a boat, travelers can also explore the lagoons and freshwater lakes of Coron, go shipwreck diving, or relax in the hot springs of Maquinit.

Iloilo Sailing Club, Arevelo, Iloilo City, Iloilo

Iloilo Province is home to some of the country’s most beautiful old-world architecture, a flourishing ecotourism industry, and delectably fresh seafood cuisine. What will round off an unforgettable visit to Iloilo, however, is an excursion to the Iloilo Sailing Club on a leisure watercraft. The club accepts visitors and encourages membership in the case of medium and long-stay mooring. It also hosts a number of amenities and activities, including a dinghy storage, a beach bar and restaurant, and classes for those who want to learn about sailing. In recent months, the Iloilo Sailing Club has also been a convenient meet-up point for big maritime events, such as the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta and the Seafarers’ Job Fair.

Cebu Yacht Club, Mactan Island, Cebu

The historic Mactan Island in Cebu was the site of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines. Now known as a commercial hub that hosts a prolific furniture and musical instruments industries, Mactan is also the location of the Cebu Yacht Club, an institution that is beloved by the locals. Aside from being an ideal spot to restock on much-needed fuel and supplies, the Cebu Yacht Club is also a trusted club to commission for boat repairs. There’s a good vibe in this club for everybody, as it sports both luxury accommodations and a waterfront strip of restaurants that laid-back diners can frequent. MINDANAO

Holiday Oceanview Marina, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

The Holiday Oceanview Marina is a major attraction of Samal Island in Davao del Norte Province, one that welcomes Filipino and foreign yachtsmen alike to moor within its premises. The space is quite roomy, in fact, with 56 berths that can fit vessels up to 15 meters in length. The club also has a boat ramp that can accommodate boats up to 18 meters in length. The well-guarded and weather-safe marina is a gateway to some of Mindanao’s finest attractions, such as the Pearl Farm, Hagimit Falls, and Giant Clam Sanctuary.  

There’s no better way to discover the Philippines from end to end than getting onboard a seaworthy vessel and going on a long cruise, with stops in some of the most beautiful places in the country. Find a safe harbor in any of these major clubs and marinas, and participate in the renaissance of sailing in the Philippines.

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