Celebrating 40 Years with 40 Reasons to Sail

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]In 1983, the American Sailing Association was founded by Lenny Shabes. Over these four decades, hundreds of thousands of sailors have found their dreams becoming a reality on the water after making their way through our curriculum. Sailors and their families are forever marked by a love for the sport that sets people free and transcends national boundaries, racial demographics, and generations. This year, we celebrate 40 years as the leading sailing education entity in the United States. So when you get out on the water, you can be sure that ASA-certified sailors are enjoying this majestic sport with heart and mind — safely and confidently. 

With that, we want to offer 40 compelling reasons to set sail — sentiments that nearly every sailor will resonate with at some point.

For me, when I turn the engine off and feel the wind fill the sail, I am instantly transported to a different place. I can breathe, I can think, and I can relax. I am positive I can hear the ocean speaking to me in a language only sailors can understand.

If you know, you know. And if you don’t…
Sailing is an exceptional lifestyle, and here are just 40 of the myriad reasons to raise your sails:\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”5″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”6″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”7″ ][cs_element_image _id=”8″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”9″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”10″ ][cs_element_layout_row_2 _id=”11″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”12″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”13″ ][cs_element_text _id=”14″ ][cs_content_seo]1\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”15″ ][cs_element_text _id=”16″ ][cs_content_seo]Enjoy the thrill of the wind in your sails and the rush of the water beneath you.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”17″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”18″ ][cs_element_text _id=”19″ ][cs_content_seo]2\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”20″ ][cs_element_text _id=”21″ ][cs_content_seo]Experience the freedom of being out on the open water. When you look out at the horizon, and all you see is the wide open ocean, it can be invigorating.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”22″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”23″ ][cs_element_text _id=”24″ ][cs_content_seo]3\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”25″ ][cs_element_text _id=”26″ ][cs_content_seo]Discover new places and explore hidden coves and bays. Dropping anchor in a new destination immediately triggers your desire to explore.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”27″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”28″ ][cs_element_text _id=”29″ ][cs_content_seo]4\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”30″ ][cs_element_text _id=”31″ ][cs_content_seo]Connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. If you want to know why we should protect the environment, go sailing.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”32″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”33″ ][cs_element_text _id=”34″ ][cs_content_seo]5\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”35″ ][cs_element_text _id=”36″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn a new skill and challenge yourself mentally and physically. It is never too late to learn something new or to get better at what you are doing.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_row_2][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”37″ ][cs_element_layout_row_2 _id=”38″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”39″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”40″ ][cs_element_text _id=”41″ ][cs_content_seo]6\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”42″ ][cs_element_text _id=”43″ ][cs_content_seo]Meet like-minded people who share your passion for sailing. Go to a bar with other sailors. This is your new community.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”44″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”45″ ][cs_element_text _id=”46″ ][cs_content_seo]7\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”47″ ][cs_element_text _id=”48″ ][cs_content_seo]Develop teamwork and communication skills when sailing with others. What will your sailing crew look like?\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”49″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”50″ ][cs_element_text _id=”51″ ][cs_content_seo]8\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”52″ ][cs_element_text _id=”53″ ][cs_content_seo]Improve your physical fitness and coordination. Don’t play golf. Raise a sail, grab a winch handle, hold on tight to a tiller.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”54″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”55″ ][cs_element_text _id=”56″ ][cs_content_seo]9\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”57″ ][cs_element_text _id=”58″ ][cs_content_seo]Gain confidence and self-esteem through mastering a new skill. Your first successful passage will do wonders for your self-worth.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”59″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”60″ ][cs_element_text _id=”61″ ][cs_content_seo]10\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”62″ ][cs_element_text _id=”63″ ][cs_content_seo]Escape the stresses of everyday life and find peace and tranquility on the water. It’s you and the ocean and that resets your soul.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_row_2][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”64″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”65″ ][cs_element_image _id=”66″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”67″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”68″ ][cs_element_layout_row_2 _id=”69″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”70″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”71″ ][cs_element_text _id=”72″ ][cs_content_seo]11\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”73″ ][cs_element_text _id=”74″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn about navigation and map-reading. Learning a skill like reading a chart keeps your mind sharp.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”75″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”76″ ][cs_element_text _id=”77″ ][cs_content_seo]12\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”78″ ][cs_element_text _id=”79″ ][cs_content_seo]Gain a sense of accomplishment when successfully completing a sail.  The first beer after you have dropped anchor is better than you think.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”80″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”81″ ][cs_element_text _id=”82″ ][cs_content_seo]13\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”83″ ][cs_element_text _id=”84″ ][cs_content_seo]Share special moments with friends and family. Look at the smiles all around you when they discover sailing. Worth so much more than possessions.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”85″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”86″ ][cs_element_text _id=”87″ ][cs_content_seo]14\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”88″ ][cs_element_text _id=”89″ ][cs_content_seo]Experience a unique sense of adventure. Sailing is not difficult but it drives you to be better. It helps you recapture your idealism.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”90″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”91″ ][cs_element_text _id=”92″ ][cs_content_seo]15\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”93″ ][cs_element_text _id=”94″ ][cs_content_seo]Challenge yourself to new heights and overcome your fears. With the proper practice and training you can achieve your goals.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_row_2][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”95″ ][cs_element_layout_row_2 _id=”96″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”97″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”98″ ][cs_element_text _id=”99″ ][cs_content_seo]16\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”100″ ][cs_element_text _id=”101″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn about the history and culture of sailing. Did you know that Frederick Douglas utilize his sailing skills to help free himself from slavery?\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”102″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”103″ ][cs_element_text _id=”104″ ][cs_conte
nt_seo]17\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”105″ ][cs_element_text _id=”106″ ][cs_content_seo]Enhance your problem-solving skills. Things change quickly out on the ocean and you will be able to react accordingly.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”107″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”108″ ][cs_element_text _id=”109″ ][cs_content_seo]18\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”110″ ][cs_element_text _id=”111″ ][cs_content_seo]Develop patience and persistence. Even when you race a sailboat you are patient and waiting for the right moment to strike. Sailing is all about patience.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”112″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”113″ ][cs_element_text _id=”114″ ][cs_content_seo]19\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”115″ ][cs_element_text _id=”116″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn about the mechanics of sailing. It is a little bit physics, a little geometry, and some good old fashioned sweat.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”117″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”118″ ][cs_element_text _id=”119″ ][cs_content_seo]20\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”120″ ][cs_element_text _id=”121″ ][cs_content_seo]Explore the mysteries of the ocean and the creatures that live within it. Sail past your first whale and you will never give up sailing.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_row_2][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”122″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”123″ ][cs_element_image _id=”124″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”125″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”126″ ][cs_element_layout_row_2 _id=”127″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”128″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”129″ ][cs_element_text _id=”130″ ][cs_content_seo]21\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”131″ ][cs_element_text _id=”132″ ][cs_content_seo] Learn how to work with the wind and weather. When the wind comes at you from the direction you want to head, your geometry skills quickly come into use.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”133″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”134″ ][cs_element_text _id=”135″ ][cs_content_seo]22\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”136″ ][cs_element_text _id=”137″ ][cs_content_seo]Enjoy the thrill of racing and competition. Teamwork coupled with sailing experience and managing the factors on the boat will change how you sail.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”138″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”139″ ][cs_element_text _id=”140″ ][cs_content_seo]23\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”141″ ][cs_element_text _id=”142″ ][cs_content_seo]Discover new hobbies and interests, such as fishing or photography. Drop a line off the back and be ready to cook a fish on deck.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”143″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”144″ ][cs_element_text _id=”145″ ][cs_content_seo]24\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”146″ ][cs_element_text _id=”147″ ][cs_content_seo]Improve your concentration and focus. The environment will sharpen your observation skills.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”148″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”149″ ][cs_element_text _id=”150″ ][cs_content_seo]25\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”151″ ][cs_element_text _id=”152″ ][cs_content_seo]Increase your spatial awareness and ability to read the water. Don’t be afraid to dock your boat. Your training will eliminate your anxiety even when the current in your marina is running strong.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_row_2][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”153″ ][cs_element_layout_row_2 _id=”154″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”155″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”156″ ][cs_element_text _id=”157″ ][cs_content_seo]26\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”158″ ][cs_element_text _id=”159″ ][cs_content_seo]Develop a respect for the environment and the need to protect it. The ocean needs sailors, as we are at the forefront of protecting it.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”160″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”161″ ][cs_element_text _id=”162″ ][cs_content_seo]27\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”163″ ][cs_element_text _id=”164″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn about meteorology and weather patterns. You will look at clouds differently, and you will end up with multiple resources for the weather on your mobile phone.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”165″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”166″ ][cs_element_text _id=”167″ ][cs_content_seo]28\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”168″ ][cs_element_text _id=”169″ ][cs_content_seo]Gain an appreciation for the power and unpredictability of nature. You will learn to have a newfound respect for the ocean and that is a very healthy thing to have.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”170″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”171″ ][cs_element_text _id=”172″ ][cs_content_seo]29\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”173″ ][cs_element_text _id=”174″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn how to adapt to changing conditions on the water. Reading currents and swells along with the weather will be the new skill you talk about at parties.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”175″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”176″ ][cs_element_text _id=”177″ ][cs_content_seo]30\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”178″ ][cs_element_text _id=”179″ ][cs_content_seo]Enjoy the beauty of sunsets and sunrises from the water. Your first sunset at anchor on a new port will leave an imprint on your soul.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_row_2][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”180″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”181″ ][cs_element_image _id=”182″ ][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”183″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”184″ ][cs_element_layout_row_2 _id=”185″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”186″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”187″ ][cs_element_text _id=”188″ ][cs_content_seo]31\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”189″ ][cs_element_text _id=”190″ ][cs_content_seo]Experience the magic of bioluminescence and phosphorescence at night. Take a look off the back of the boat and see the colors of the ocean in the dead of night. Science is fascinating.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”191″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”192″ ][cs_element_text _id=”193″ ][cs_content_seo]32\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”194″ ][cs_element_text _id=”195″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn about the different types of boats and their unique characteristics. You will soon gaze at catamarans and monohulls with lust.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”196″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”197″ ][cs_element_text _id=”198″ ][cs_content_seo]33\n\n[/cs_cont
ent_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”199″ ][cs_element_text _id=”200″ ][cs_content_seo]Develop a love for the sea and all things nautical. Maybe a tattoo?\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”201″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”202″ ][cs_element_text _id=”203″ ][cs_content_seo]34\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”204″ ][cs_element_text _id=”205″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn how to tie knots and other essential sailing skills. Go ahead and show off your ability to tie a proper clove hitch.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”206″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”207″ ][cs_element_text _id=”208″ ][cs_content_seo]35\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”209″ ][cs_element_text _id=”210″ ][cs_content_seo]Appreciate the value of teamwork and communication in all aspects of life. Sailing will help you communicate with your partner.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_row_2][/cs_element_layout_column][cs_element_layout_column _id=”211″ ][cs_element_layout_row_2 _id=”212″ ][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”213″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”214″ ][cs_element_text _id=”215″ ][cs_content_seo]36\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”216″ ][cs_element_text _id=”217″ ][cs_content_seo]Gain a sense of responsibility and leadership when sailing with others. Being responsible for the well being of others is a big part of sailing.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”218″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”219″ ][cs_element_text _id=”220″ ][cs_content_seo]37\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”221″ ][cs_element_text _id=”222″ ][cs_content_seo]Sail to multiple islands in one day. The British Virgin Islands are the perfect spot to island hop.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”223″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”224″ ][cs_element_text _id=”225″ ][cs_content_seo]38\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”226″ ][cs_element_text _id=”227″ ][cs_content_seo]Enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as a good book or a beautiful view. Any book is a great book if read on the deck of a sailboat.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”228″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”229″ ][cs_element_text _id=”230″ ][cs_content_seo]39\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”231″ ][cs_element_text _id=”232″ ][cs_content_seo]Learn about the importance of safety and emergency procedures on the water. Your ASA sailing education will get you out on the water sailing safely and confidently.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][cs_element_layout_column_2 _id=”233″ ][cs_element_layout_div _id=”234″ ][cs_element_text _id=”235″ ][cs_content_seo]40\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][cs_element_layout_div _id=”236″ ][cs_element_text _id=”237″ ][cs_content_seo]Start a family tradition of sailing. Create lasting memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. You will never forget a good sailing vacation.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_div][/cs_element_layout_column_2][/cs_element_layout_row_2][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]