About the American Sailing Association

In the twenty years since ASA began certifying instructors and students to international standards, a number of other organizations have created similar programs. It is impossible for ASA to provide information on any individual or group that claims to have a certification system, so we recommend potential students perform enough research to make an informed decision.

Over 270 professional sailing schools around the world use the ASA system.
ASA membership represents about 85% of the viable, commercial sailing schools in the United States.
ASA is the standard for sailing education in the US and increasingly elsewhere in the world.
ASA has had a functioning, nationwide keelboat program since 1983.
ASA has certified nearly 7,000 professional sailing instructors.
ASA has certified more than 300,000 students.
ASA is the only certifying organization, which has adopted an instructor code of ethics.
ASA is the only sailing organization that helped develop national standards working with the US Coast Guard sponsored NASBLA Education Standards Advisory Board.
ASA textbooks are written by sailing instructors, not journalists or famous racers.
ASA has a complete, functioning 7 level keelboat program plus multihull endorsements and a revamped small boat program.
ASA certification is approved as a safe boating course by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U. S. Coast Guard.
ASA certification is recognized by major charter boat companies as well as other ASA facilities around the world.
Philosophically ASA and its schools believe sailing is safe, fun and easy to learn. It's only complicated and intense if those teaching it choose to present it that way. We don't.

About our Sailing Classes