American Sailing Journal

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The year is winding down and all of us at ASA would like to extend a Happy Holiday greeting to each and every member of our sailing community. We are so grateful that you are on this journey with us as we tack into another year with our eyes set on even greater destinations.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. It’s December and you may be looking for the right gift for yourself or a sailor you are fond of so take a look at The ASA Gift Guide. The Hands Across The Sea winners were announced and not only did you help us raise another 40K+ to provide educational materials to kids in the Caribbean, but a few lucky winners will be going on vacation thanks to your generosity. As the new year begins we hope to entice you to use the sailing skills you have learned from ASA in exotic locations and on sailing vacations. Get out and enjoy the waters of Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean. While you are at it, take another course - maybe our ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising or ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran.

You may be thinking about your New Year’s resolution throughout the month; let us help you. Repeat this out loud, “I resolve to sail more in the coming year!” There, you said it, it must be true.

Happy New Year,

Cindy Shabes, President, The American Sailing Association

// The ASA Holiday Gift Giving Guide For Sailors

If the special person in your life has an affinity for the ocean, is an avid sailor or has just expressed an interest in sailboats, let this be your guide to giving the gift of sailing this holiday season. Our goal is pretty simple at ASA. We want to help you find the perfect gift for the sailor in your life. While you are at it; buy yourself something nice, too.

See ASA’s Holiday Gift Guide >>

// 7 Exotic Locations To Learn To Sail

While sailing can provide the means to a relaxing exotic vacation, it can also be a great time for fellow travel companions to learn how to sail or for you to brush up on your sailing skills. Here are 7 destinations where you can combine sailing education with a vacation in paradise.

7 Exotic Locations To Learn To Sail >>

// Tips For The Beginning Sailor

There are the obvious things you need when you go sailing, sunscreen, a hat, a windbreaker, non-skid shoes, and wind. However, what do you really need to be ready to head out on the water?

These are a few sailing tips to keep you safe and to ensure that you have a fun time out on the water.

See Our Sailing Tips >>

// Chartering in Europe?

One of the coolest things about sailing is the access it provides to some of the most amazing places the planet has to offer. Although plenty of these places are right here in the United States, many of us crave destinations far far away, and making that possible is a big part of what the American Sailing Association is all about.

Chartering overseas is on the bucket list of many a sailor, but making it happen comes with a stipulation or two. A sizable number of countries require an International Proficiency Certificate that lets them know the charterer is trained, qualified and prepared to take one of their boats out to sea. In fact, it’s mandatory when chartering in most European/Mediterranean waters - dozens of countries insist the charterer hold an International Proficiency Certificate.

Fortunately, the ASA 104 course is quite similar to the IPC, so once you are certified to 104, simply fill out the application for the IPC on ASA.com, pay the fee, and you’ll be internationally certified and ready to charter in Europe...

Find Out More >>

// The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Cleanup Has Begun!

The Ocean Cleanup, headed by 24-year-old Dutch inventor Boyan Slat, has spent the last 5 years designing a U-shaped floating trawl to scour the sea for floating bits of plastic. The 600-meter long floater and attached skirt are designed to work passively with natural elements like currents and wind to follow the plastic’s path and trap it. The skirt creates a downward flow where fish and other wildlife can safely pass underneath it. This first model, named System 001, has been successfully deployed in the Pacific and is already collecting garbage.