One of the most common questions I am asked when taking clients out on the sailing vessel (SV) Shardana is “How did you learn to sail?” I typically respond by simply saying, “I went to school.” And honestly, that is exactly how I learned to sail. Contrary to a very common belief, sailing is accessible to anyone who wants to enjoy it. While someone may have a well-meaning friend teach them, the best and safest way to properly learn to sail is to attend a reputable sailing school.

It is actually quite easy to learn how to sail. However, it often takes a lifetime to master.

Local sailing schools are the best resources for learning how to sail safely and properly. In the USA, the American Sailing Association (ASA) certifies individual schools that meet their high, exacting standards. Instructors at ASA schools must be certified by the ASA, and the majority of these instructors are professional mariners licensed by the United States Coast Guard. All of Shardana Sailing Charters captains are licensed by the US Coast Guard, are American Sailing Certified Instructors, and all have extensive offshore sailing experience.

Captain Andrew Seligman is a USCG Licensed Master and Senior American Sailing Instructor affiliated with The Gratitude Sailing Institute, an American Sailing Certified School offering fun, full length classes.

If you wish to experience the joy of sailing for yourself, enroll in a beginner course at a local sailing school. Look for programs certified by reputable, industry-recognized organizations such as American Sailing. The beginner-level course is Keelboat Sailing 1 or ASA 101. It’s a lot of fun!

Sailing is a fun, lifetime, active-participation activity. It is not possible to learn by reading a book or watching a You Tube video. You have to apprentice. Further, once you safely learn the mechanics of sailing you need to practice your skills. There are many fun ways to get this important practice.

1. Crewing:

Join a sailing club and volunteer to crew on experienced sailors' boats. This provides hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from others. It also provides invaluable first-hand knowledge of how different sizes and configurations of boats handle in varied conditions.

2. Rent or Charter a Boat:

Once you have mastered the basics, rent or charter a small sailboat to practice in calm, familiar waters. Shardana often takes new or prospective sailors out on the water so they can get practical boat handling experience, while also getting pointers from our instructor-captains. Our charters are excellent segues to the pursuit of sailing mastery.

3. Join the Sailing Community

Joining a sailing club or association provides opportunities for continued learning, access to sailing events, and meeting fellow sailors.

4. Join Online Groups

Participate in online sailing forums and social media groups to exchange tips, experiences, and advice.

The more time you spend on the water, the better sailor you will become. Aim for regular sailing sessions to keep honing your skills. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice and continually seeking new learning opportunities, you can become a proficient sailor over time.

This is why we sail….

Can I Learn to Sail?