American Sailing Journal

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It’s November and a faint murmur of the holiday season is going around the American Sailing Association offices. At Thanksgiving, we reflect on our good fortune and we pay respect to the events that have fulfilled our desires and helped maintain our direction amidst the obstacles and challenges of the past year. At ASA, we launched the Veterans Program this November to help get Veterans out on the water by offering discounts on Sailing courses. On the long list of people to thank each year, we believe that our veterans are at the top. ASA, along with our wonderful members, raised another 41 thousand dollars for Hands Across the Sea to bring our total raised to over 180 thousand dollars to date. This money helps improve literacy and provides access to educational materials to children in the Caribbean islands. ASA continues its focus on the environment as our resident Marine Conservationist, Lauren Coiro, mentions a few tips to keep sailors at the forefront of environmental responsibility.

Have a great November, a thoughtful Thanksgiving and get ready for winter!

The American Sailing Association

// Introducing Lauren Coiro, Marine Conservationist

ASA understands and accepts the responsibility that it is inherent in every sailor to be the caretaker for the oceans they journey on and the bodies of water that they so often claim as their backyard.

“We enjoy the ocean and the sailing lifestyle, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we are protecting these environments not only for our enjoyment but for future generations as well.” Lenny Shabes, founder of ASA explains.

ASA has brought on Marine Conservationist, Lauren Coiro, to help with advocacy and education when it comes to how sailors interact with the environment that they call home. Sailors take from the world’s oceans. They pull from the tides and the weather and the environment. The sea and the sky is family and is familiar. To that end, ASA is working diligently to make sure to help spread the message about environmental responsibility and advocacy.

Learn More About Lauren >>

// QUIZ: What Do Those Sailor’s Tattoos Mean?

Sailors can be a bit superstitious and they all are part of a special group of people who spend a lot of time on the water. There is a sense of symbolism that comes from that and it is represented in tattoos that sailors wear on their bodies. Can you guess what they mean?

Take The Quiz >>

// 5 Things to Consider When Buying Your First Sailboat

So you’ve checked out of ASA 101, 103 and you’re in the middle of completing 104. You know you like this sailing stuff and you also know that you are going to buy a boat of your own. Yacht World has been bookmarked and your lunch breaks are spent scrolling, clicking and dreaming. We understand. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider buying a sailboat.

See The List >>

// Tips From The Teach

We all have questions and it seems like a boat is a perfect place to be perplexed by a lack of knowledge even if you are a salty veteran of the sea. Not to worry, our resident expert, Elbert “Ash” Ashbaugh, can help answer your questions and help you spend more time sailing and less time thinking about those pressing issues that are keeping you up at night.

Q: I have a boom vang that I have never even touched! What am I supposed to do with this thing?

See Answer >>

Q: Sometimes I hear other boats sounding horns can you explain what I’m hearing?

See Answer >>

// Sailing and The Responsibility of the Sailor to the Environment

As ASA does its job of being an advocate for the world’s oceans we asked our resident Marine Conservationist Lauren Coiro about how sailors can make an impact on the environment that they take so much from, the Ocean. Her advice sheds light on the bigger picture of environmental sustainability as well as the simple fact that each and every one of us can make a difference.

// Plastic Items You Can Stop Bringing Onboard Today

The good news is that little changes in our day-to-day lives can have a big collective impact on reducing the plastic flowing into the ocean, and you’d be surprised how easy it is to form new habits. Here are some single-use plastic items you can easily swap out with reusable products so you’re not adding to the problem.

Learn More >>

A big thank you to everyone who entered the 2018 ASA/Hands Across The Sea Caribbean Sweepstakes!

We had a record breaking year and you all helped us raise $41,379 for Hands Across The Sea. “We are truly grateful for our ongoing partnership with the American Sailing Association, which has been extremely fruitful for us, as well as the generosity of Horizon Yacht Charters and Elite Island Resorts,” said Tom and Harriet Linskey, co-founders of Hands Across the Sea, the largest and most effective literacy assistance organization serving the Eastern Caribbean. “Thanks to this annual program, a true win-win for everyone involved, we have witnessed the power of books and reading to transform the lives and economic futures of children in the Caribbean communities we serve.”

Meet The Winners >>

// FREE Sailing Wallpaper For All Your Devices

ASA is proud to present a series of calendar wallpapers for your desktop and other devices. Every month we will have a new sailing picture that will inspire you to pursue your passion for sailing. As a bonus each picture will include a calendar - what sailor doesn’t want something that is nice to look at and useful!

Download Now >>

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

KEEP IN TOUCH...