Sailing organizations -- Which would you advise to become involved with?

Question

I know of two sailing organizations that I can become involved with; US Sailing and ASA (American Sailing Association).

I am signing up for sailing lessons in the spring and have only been on a sailboat once so far. I'm not sure which organization to take lessons from.

I'm thinking that I would first like to learn to sail a dingy and then move on to a keelboat.

What would you suggest?

I welcome any advise that you care to share with me on this.

Thank you.

.

Answer 1

I believe both of these organizations have good programs. In some areas (geographical) only one may be available locally. If you have the choice you might want to investigate who is offering the program by talking to people who have been through it. The programs may be equal but instructors are not. They will be certified but personally range from Captain Ahab to Captain Ron. Also, unless the "card" is important to you for some reason, asking at clubs and marinas might provide an individual program/person which will  be better for your personal needs and schedule.

Answer 2

US sailing is the best!

i am a member and if you want to race optimists be a member of the USODA. US sailing is awesome they send you email updates and stuff in the mail and you have to be a US sailing member to sail at some regattas.

Answer 3

I went through this same question a couple years ago, but for me it was more about which I wanted to become an instructor in.   I think they are both, good organizations and offer many quality courses.   It's my perception that US sailing is a bit more oriented towards small dingy sailing, and day sailing and racing and ASA is oriented a bit more towards keelboats and cruising.

I'd suggest focusing more on a course that seems right to you, the reputation of the sailing school offering it ,a location that works for you and price more than than the organization they belong to.   However, it I was forced to make a choice, I'd say if your goal is racing in local regattas, go with US sailing, if your goal is pleasure sailing or cruising on keel boats, go with ASA.

Personally, I went with ASA and have been happy with that decision.

One thing I'll say, is that if your end goal is sail keelboats, don't feel you need to start out in a dingy.     I think the basic keelboat course is a great way to go.   They are comfortable in more conditions, still small enough to not be intimidating, yet give great feedback and having a couple students on a boat with one instructor is an efficient and cost-effective  way to learn.   There's nothing wrong with starting in a dingy if you want that knowledge or experience, but my advice is don't go that route, just because there's an idea out there in some circle that's the normal and expected progression.

Feel free to e-mail me at the e-mail on my profile if you have more specific questions.

Answer 4

America's Cup is a race. In the UK i advise the Royal Yachting Assoc. but i do not know for USA. Try going along to a local sailing club on an open day and ask them

Answer 5

You have had good advice so far.  I don't think it matters which organization you use.  My main comment would be to skip the dinghy sailing if you want to sail keelboats.  You don't need to do the dinghy part.  Start with the keelboats unless you have a particular interest in doing the dinghy work.  It will be  much more interesting and immediately relevant to what you want to do down the road.  Have fun!

Answer 6

America's Cup!?

Answer 7

Not an easy/simple answer! Both US Sailing and ASA provide really good instruction from Basic thru Cruising and Offshore. Where will you be sailing? What will you be sailing?

If the answer to these Q's is inland lakes and small boats then there are many "get started" sailing schools aroung the country. If your going cruising or chartering on the oceans or bays, then either US Sailing or ASA would be a good choice. Check around at some local "sail boat" marinas for other options.

Answer 8

Always wise to start with dinghys and move to the keelboats.  Once you have mastered the dinghys (if that is even possible) then you will do much better with keelboats.   ON a dinghy any sail trim input is immediately felt, thereby rewarding you.  Both USSailing and the ASA have extremely good sailing programs so you can't go wrong with either one.  A good idea is to see what your local Yacht Club supports.  Ours supports both but gives a discount on race fees (etc) to ASA members.  Just a thought.  I hope this helps answers your question.