Sunsail Sailing Schools
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Learn to Sail
At Sunsail, we believe sailing should be accessible to everyone – and we’re passionate about sharing the freedom, confidence, and adventure that life on the water brings. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to build on your skills, Sunsail makes it easier than ever to begin your sailing journey.
A certain level of experience or official certification is required to captain a yacht with Sunsail. This varies depending on the size and type of yacht you choose to charter, and the destination in which you choose to vacation.
Sunsail has many partners available to help ensure you have the resources you need to acquire the correct experience, or certifications. Choose from providers like American Sailing (ASA), NauticEd, US Sailing, & Royal Yachting Association (RYA) – each offering pathways to get you on the water and closer to your sailing goals.
Learn more below:
- American Sailing (ASA) – https://americansailing.com/
- Nautic Ed – https://www.nauticed.org/SLC
- US Sailing – https://www.ussailing.org/education/
- Royal Yachting Association (RYA) – https://www.rya.org.uk/training
- Sunsail – https://www.sunsail.com/sailing-schools
American Sailing Association (ASA)
American Sailing Association is an association of over 400 accredited sailing schools with locations throughout the US, as well as in the Caribbean, Europe, Central America, and Asia. With this vast network of local sailing schools, ASA is a leading alternative to US Sailing certification, offering similar, tiered certifications to get you chartering in no time.
We’re proud to be the preferred yacht charter partner of American Sailing (ASA), one of the largest and most respected sailing education organizations in the Americas. With over 400 affiliated sailing schools across the U.S., American Sailing offers the certifications needed to bareboat charter—including Basic Keelboat (ASA 101), Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103), Bareboat Cruising (ASA 104), and the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) required in many charter destinations.
Please note: Sunsail does not directly offer ASA courses. These certifications must be completed through an accredited American Sailing school.
As a benefit of our partnership, ASA Members and Graduates receive an extra 5% savings on Sunsail charters when using the promo code SSASA, which can be combined with other special offers for up to 15% off.
NauticEd
NauticEd is the leader in online boating courses and certifications of all levels. If you have sailing or boating experience, and need to acquire an official certification to charter, this is an excellent place to start. NauticEd is also able to connect you with a network of local sailing schools for practical, on-water experience. Or, check out their Introduction to Sailing course bundle to get started on your own sailing journey.
US Sailing
The national governing body for the sport of sailing in the United States, US Sailing is the preferred sailing certification partner of The Moorings, offering a variety of sailing courses from Basic Keelboat to Basic Cruising, Coastal Navigation, Celestial Navigation, and even Powerboat courses. Active Members of US Sailing receive an exclusive partner discount on charters with The Moorings.
Please note: The Moorings does not directly offer US Sailing courses. Certifications must be completed through an authorized US Sailing school. Contact US Sailing for more information.
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the UK’s national authority for sailing and a globally respected certification body. RYA courses range from beginner-friendly Competent Crew to the prestigious Yacht master qualification. With accredited training centres worldwide, RYA certification is recognised by charter operators in nearly every sailing destination.
Sunsail Sailing School
Sunsail also offers our own live-aboard sailing courses in multiple destinations worldwide, resulting in globally-accepted RYA certification. This is an excellent way to spend time in a beautiful location while earning your official sailing certification and learning aboard a similar size and type of yacht that you would use on your next charter with Sunsail.
Our overseas sailing schools in Agana, Croatia; and Lefkas, Greece; provide a perfect backdrop while earning your RYA Day Skipper or RYA Competent Crew certifications. Allowing you to head overseas to combine a holiday in the sun with the next step on your sailing adventure.
Sunsail Sailing Schools
We have sailing schools across the world in the Mediterranean (Croatia & Greece), as well as in the United Kingdom.
Take your pick of a huge range of courses at our flagship school in Portsmouth, which will take you from Start Yachting to Yachtmaster. Our sailing schools in Agana and Lefkas provide a perfect backdrop whilst earning your RYA Day Skipper or RYA Competent Crew certifications.
What to expect:
- World-famous yachting destinations
- Knowledgeable Instructor
- Accommodation: you will be sleeping aboard your private yacht
- All breakfasts and lunches will be included
- Linen: Duvet, sheets, pillow, and a shower towel are all provided
Sunsail Sailing Schools App
We now have our very own Sunsail Sailing Schools App. A quick, easy, fun tool for sailors
around the world to use. It includes information on Rules of the Road, Navigation Lights, Day Shapes, Sounds & Lights. To download, search for Sunsail in your App Store, or click on the button below.
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