American Sailing Journal February 2020

American Sailing Journal

If you’re unable to read this e-mail please click here

Volume 37, Issue 2

February 2020

It’s the month where we profess our love for… our instructors. The ASA outstanding instructors for 2019 have just been announced. They represent the top 1.45% of instructors in the ASA family of sailing educators. Our love does not end there as we continue to push our love for environmental directives and our appeal to make sailing a more inclusive community. At ASA, we say that learning to sail is just the beginning. Where does sailing take you? What is your next step in sailing? Is it more education? Is it becoming a better sailor? Does sailing get you more family time? Are you preparing for a charter vacation? Whatever the case may be, ASA wants to help you get to your next level in sailing. That next level might very well be just sitting on the deck enjoying the sun. We understand, being on a sailboat is really all we need.

Cindy Shabes, ASA President

Time to Love the Ocean

The American Sailing Association has been actively promoting the “Plastic Pollution Purge” campaign to help rid our ocean of deadly plastic marine debris. While the task is monumental, it is often saddled with recurring seasonal events that increase the number of plastics that arrive in our local waters. Valentine’s Day is one of those days. Along with Mother’s Day and graduation season, people celebrate with balloons and inevitably some of those balloons end up in the ocean with harmful effects on our wildlife. This past Valentine’s Day we encouraged sailors to get out on the water and scoop up a balloon or two. This is a friendly reminder that we all can do our part to help keep our ocean healthy.

Learn More >>

Schools

Sailing Virgins

If you spend any time in the British Virgin Islands you’ll see Sailing Virgins shirts, hats and even flags, everywhere. So what is Sailing Virgins? Get a little insight on ASA sailing school Sailing Virgins. Learn to sail with Sail Virgins and you might readjust how you view sailing.

GoBaja Sailing

It is possible that your vision of Baja California has an imprint of salt shakers, limes, and tequila shots. ASA Sailing School GoBaja Sailing wants to alter your perception of Baja. They offer certification courses and charters out of La Paz, Baja California, Mexico.

Dinghy Safety and Operation

Sailors who have earned ASA 103 and ASA 104 certifications have learned about best practices when utilizing dinghies but it is always a good idea to brush up on what you should and should not do when operating a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB) or a dinghy.

Read More >>

North U Sail Trim Seminars

The American Sailing Association is partnering with North U and our schools to offer full day sail trim seminars at various locations across the country.

The seminar covers Upwind/Downwind Sail Trim and Helming with a mix of video, photos, animations, diagrams, and the exclusive Upwind Sail Trim Simulator. Sailors learn how angle of attack, depth, and twist control sail power; and learn proper trim for light, moderate, and heavy air.

This spring is a great time to attend a seminar! Seminars are an excellent way to spend time with fellow sailors. No matter what boat you sail, the North U Sail Trim Seminar is for you - it's always more fun to sail fast.

Learn More >>

Instructors

2019 Outstanding Instructors

ASA has selected the Outstanding Instructors of the Year for 2019. Of the 2258 ASA Instructors who had active status in 2019, 1123 taught at least one ASA class and thereby became eligible for this award. The top 31 are listed, representing 26 different locations, across 8 states, and 5 countries.

Captain Kira Maixner

Captain Kira currently teaches at Modern Sailing in Sausalito where the San Francisco Bay is her playground. She has been heavily involved in building a women’s sailing program and teaches a Wind & Woman course as well. She has been boating since she was a youngster and sailing since she moved to San Francisco 6 years ago.

What You’ll Learn with ASA 103

ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising, is your next step in advancing your sailing education. Then you will be well on your way to a bareboat charter vacation where you’ll skipper a vessel on a multi-day cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions (ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising). First, you’ll need some more instruction on the cruising basics.

Read More >>

You can find more online resources to improve your sailing skills & knowledge on our Sailors Resources page.

KEEP IN TOUCH…