A decade or two ago, one could learn to sail by climbing aboard a friends’ sailboat or by taking informal sailing lessons from a parent or relative who knew how. There was (and still are) no rules or laws requiring that one be competent before taking the helm in the USA.

As the sport grew exponentially in Europe, many countries adopted a boating license system, which required a lesson program. In 1983, the American Sailing Association (ASA) was formed to provide a certification system for various levels of sailing lessons in the United States, modeled after the existing Canadian Yachting Association.

Today, one of the fastest growing vacation categories is charter sailing in idyllic tropical destinations. This rapid growth in the past twenty years has necessitated a system, and the ASA program provides a way for charter boat operators to ascertain the competency level of the prospective charterer.

Sailboat charter companies require proof of your sailing qualifications and/or credentials.

Still, today, there are many sailing schools that are not affiliated with a certification system like ASA or USsailing. Also beware; many harbors have private instructors that not affiliated with any credential organization who teach sailing as well. It pays to make sure that the instructor and the sailing school you wish to take sailing lessons from are both certified to provide you with credentials when you complete your courses. After all, if you are going to pay somebody to teach you, it might as well be as official as it gets in America! Expect to pay $600 to $800 for beginner lessons (101) and the same amount for intermediate lessons (103.) Seek out private lessons if at all possible. You get much more time “hands on” and less time watching.

Ask any potential sailing lesson provider, “What credentials will I receive upon completion?”

Sailing clubs are a great way to get started with sailing. These types of facilities are probably the most affordable way to get into the sport. Most of them these days are also certified sailing schools and they also have sailboats for you to sail. Fractional sailing clubs are perhaps the best value, providing flat rate sailing. At many sailing clubs, you will be required to take sailing lessons and reach a certain level of ASA certification before you can take the boats out on your own. But once you are, you can use the boats on a regular basis to perfect your skills, gain confidence and have fun in your local waters while preparing for an enjoyable sailing vacation in some exotic locale.

Zero Sailing Experience to Captain in One Year

——— Comments ———
01/15/2010
Great Info! This is timely because I am considering taking sailing lessons in Oxnard or Ventura and want to charter a sailboat on vacation in the future.
Irene
Oxnard, CA

Admin: Thanks Irene – You can take lessons at Channel Islands Harbor here – Oxnard Sailing Lessons
Regards,
Dave
San Diego, CA

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