Featured Posts

Do I Really Need Sailing Lessons?Do I Really Need Sailing Lessons? They say there is more than one way to skin a cat, and though they're not referring to catamarans, the phrase still applies to sailing. There is more than one way to learn...

Read More

Sailing clinics at Chicago In-Water Boat ShowSailing clinics at Chicago In-Water Boat Show WHERE: Chicago In-Water Boat Show WHEN: June 7-10, 2012 REGISTRATION: Click here! Summertime in Chicago! Sharpen your existing sailing skills and learn new ones by participating...

Read More

Sailing St. Martin: Grand CaseSailing St. Martin: Grand Case Continuing the story of the ASA St. Martin Flotilla 2012. PART THREE: BARBEQUE FOR EVERY MEAL As a finale, we spent two days in Grand Case, on the French side of St....

Read More

Sailing St. Martin: AnguillaSailing St. Martin: Anguilla Continuing the story of ASA's 2012 St. Martin flotilla. PART TWO: THE ROOSTER CROWS FOR DAY After two nights in Gustavia, St. Barths, it was time to up-anchor and head...

Read More

Sailing St. Martin: Arrival and St. BarthsSailing St. Martin: Arrival and St. Barths This is how you arrive in St. Martin: the 737 screams in over tin rooftops and a strip of yellow beach, then desperately brakes on the world's shortest commercial runway;...

Read More

ASA Schools at Strictly Sail Pacific 2012ASA Schools at Strictly Sail Pacific 2012 Going to Strictly Sail Pacific in Oakland, CA, April 12th-15th? These ASA schools will have booths—visit them to talk sailing and for special promotions and deals only available...

Read More

ASA St. Martin flotilla will deliver books to Anguilla elementary schoolASA St. Martin flotilla will deliver books to Anguilla... In about three weeks, a group of over 30 sailors will depart for ASA's sailing flotilla at the Caribbean island of St. Martin. It will be a week of fun and adventure, but...

Read More

A Look Back at ASA's Free Sailing Lessons at Strictly Sail Miami 2012!A Look Back at ASA's Free Sailing Lessons at Strictly... [caption id="attachment_3743" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Photo by b. cohen"][/caption]At this year's Strictly Sail Miami boat show, ASA partnered with Discover...

Read More

What is Sailing School Like?What is Sailing School Like? It's one thing to decide you want to learn to sail. But when it comes time to actually do it, what are you getting yourself into? At ASA sailing schools, the answer is fun,...

Read More

ASA 2012 Flotilla: St. Martin and the Leeward AntillesASA 2012 Flotilla: St. Martin and the Leeward Antilles Check out our full 2012 flotilla schedule here. From April 20-28, 2012, ASA will be leading a flotilla in St. Martin and its neighboring Leeward Islands, St. Barts and...

Read More

Subscribe To ASA Feed

Ahoy Sailors!

Category : American Sailing Association, Social Media

Meghan Cleary here — introducing myself as the ASA’s new Social Media Writer. I’m excited to share current news about ASA and our events, while keeping a pulse on the country’s sailing scene in this new online platform. I hope sailors everywhere — from veteran ASA members to curious novices — discover important information, new sailing opportunities, salty stories, and a jolly community of fellow boaters on this forum.

A bit about me, and then back to sailing: I left my cubicle in Seattle, Washington, to sail the Pacific Coast this fall on my 35′ Young Sun cutter, Velella. My mate and I now live aboard in Marina del Rey, home of the ASA, and we are thoroughly enjoying our first winter without wet decks! I grew up daysailing a Boston Whaler Harpoon on Minnesota lakes and became an ASA member in college, obsessively working my way up through the Advanced Offshore class (which I enjoyed in the beautiful San Juan Islands, Washington). Now a 50-ton USCG captain, my real love is writing about sailing, and I do so for a handful of magazines.

I look forward to dispatching stories from ASA’s awesome flotillas and events and facilitating a dialogue here about all things boating. I want this to be an online happy hour for sailors too, so I encourage you to join in with comments and let me know if you want to see exposure on a particular topic. Check back often for new news and ruminations, and if you really like us, sign up for the RSS feed! Thanks to all the members out there for already supporting the ASA, and I hope many more readers will get to know the world of sailing and the ASA here on our blog.

Join ASA

Category : Members

What are you waiting for? Membership gives you a world of opportunities
and benefits to increase your sailing pleasure and knowledge.

Membership Benefits

Proposed Statewide Coastal Marina Permit

Category : Legislation

The California State Water Resources Control Board [SWRCB] is moving forward with a proposed statewide requirement that marinas and clubs with 10 or more slips and moorings obtain a state permit [termed a Coastal Marina Permit] and comply with many new requirements including extensive testing and reporting at a projected annual cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The use of the word “coastal” in the permit name is a misnomer. The text of the proposal states that it would be required of moorings and marinas located not only along the coast but in bays, estuaries, and certain fresh water mixing zones such as the San-Joaquin Delta. The scope could also be expanded as the proposal moves forward.

RBOC is working on this critical issue in cooperation with allied partners including Bay Planning Coalition, BoatU.S., California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, California Marine Parks and Harbors Association, California Yacht Brokers Association, Marina and Recreation Association, and Western Boaters Safety Group.

The SWRCB plans to conduct stakeholder workshops in March, to receive public comments in April, and to vote upon the permit in November of 2010. The exact dates, times and locations of the stakeholder workshops have not yet been set, but plans are for workshops to be in San Diego, Ventura, and Francisco.

What clubs should do:
• Become Familiar with the Proposal and Its Impact, through the attached call-to-action
and other pertinent documents posted at www.swrcb.ca.gov and www.rboc.org.
• Keep Informed of Developments and Attend Workshops as this information becomes
available, and speak out against this proposal.
• Distribute the Call-to-action and Sample Letter to your Club Members.
• Generate Letters and Emails to the Governor, the SWRCB, and State Legislators, to submit your written opposition to this proposal.

RBOC contacts for clubs desiring more information on
this issue are:

lenorasclark@yahoo.com
grglrlt@aol.com
djhpacifico@gmail.com
deviglobal@msn.com
cvyc06@gmail.com
chardaker@cox.net
rhyneharbor@aol.com

IQC Are You Ready?

Category : Instructors

ASA Sailing Instructor clinics test existing skills and knowledge while teaching a structured curriculum and proven presentation techniques. ASA certified saling instructors have proven they measure up to a national standard which is used by more than 90% of the commercial sailing schools in the country. Take the challenge and attend an ASA Instructor Qualification Clinic (IQC).

Become a Sailing Instructor

BlueStorm X-Treme Sail 33 DX

Category : Equipment, Safety, Store
  • For extreme cruising. This is Bluestorm’s top of the line inflatable PFD, designed for extreme and expedition cruising. Inflation of this model is fully automatic, but can stand a good amount of spray and splash on deck without going off. The back of this model has breathable mesh foam padding for added comfort. For inspection of the inflation system, this model has an inflation inspection window, like Sport Sail 33 DX, for quick, simple, single point inspection.

    • Auto Primary Inflation
    • Inflation inspection window for simple single point visual inspection to confirm that PFD is armed.
    • Deluxe Neoprene Collar, tall and fuzzy when you need warmth, low and out of the way when it’s hot.
    • Exterior zippered pocket has larger, deluxe welded-in, water resistant zipper.
    • Breathable mesh foam padding against wearer.

    BlueStorm X-Treme Sail 33 DX

    ASA Hires Social Media Writer

    Category : Elearn, Social Media

    The American Sailing Association has hired Meghan Cleary as the new Social Media Writer. Meghan will maintain and advance ASA’s social networking platforms. Join Meghan and ASA on the new ASA Blog, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Youtube and ASA’s online member community, BoatDOC, for the latest sailing news and updates. Thank You.

    Bareboat Chartering Standard (ASA 104)

    Category : Charter

    An advanced cruising Standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew of a 30 – 50 foot boat sailing by day in coastal waters. The Standard includes knowledge of boat systems and maintenance procedures.

    Bareboat Chartering

    American Sailing Week 2010

    Category : American Sailing Association, Flotillas, Members

    Clearwater Beach, Florida. ASA and the Tampa Bay area ASA Affiliates present the 2010 Members Event from September 10th to September 17th. You are invited for a week of fun in the sun, sail on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico or just enjoy the amazing white sugar sand of Clearwater Beach.

    Includes:
    * EARLY BIRD SPECIAL – Book by June 1st and receive
    a special ASA Event Marriot discount coupon book
    * Accommodations: 7 nights in standard room, double occupancy
    * King or 2 Doubles. All Suite Accommodations: with private balconies and water views of Clearwater Bay.  Suites include a separate living area with a sofa bed, a wet bar, mini-fridge & microwave. Each suite features 2 LCD HDTVs, a 37″ in the bedroom and a 42″ in the living room
    * Maximum 3 people per room – third person an additional $699.00
    * Special ASA Event Goodie Bags
    * Flights and airport transfers not included – Airport Code: TPA
    * $400.00 Single supplement fee.  Roommate matching assistance available
    * All room taxes included
    * Free Wi-Fi access in room and in all common areas
    * Semi inclusive meal plan: All breakfasts and all lunches (while sailing), two group dinner parties
    * Exclusive group use of Local ASA School Charter Yachts
    * Informal Keelboat sailing instruction with ASA Certified Instructors
    * Use of Small boats such as Sunfish and Hobie Wave’s
    * Special land-based educational clinics
    * Special ASA Welcome Party
    * Special Afternoon sail to the island beach party and games
    * Pirate Costume Party and BBQ buffet
    * Farewell prize giving party and banquet

    American Sailing Week 2010

    The New ASA Store

    Category : American Sailing Association, Members, Store

    The New ASA Store  is now open. Drop in and experience great savings on gear, books, clothing and much more. Members also save 20% on all items.

    ASA Store

    Welcome to the new ASA Blog!

    Category : American Sailing Association, Elearn, Flotillas, Instructors, Members, Schools, Social Media, Standards, Store

    Welcome to the new American Sailing Association Blog! This is the central launching area of our website for ASA Social Media.