The word "seamanship" evokes the universe of sailing, and there are seamanship schools that can assist anyone in becoming a better, stronger, more competent sailor. Seamanship means more than just cruising basics. It implies a thorough knowledge of boats, water and weather, as well as confident management of a crew.

Whether you are interested in racing sailboats around the San Francisco Bay, or cruising the islands of the Bahamas, there are skills that every sailor needs to know, from buoy reading to storm anchoring. Rather than waiting to learn to deal with these issues when they come up (and hoping that you will be on the boat with a competent crew when they do happen), you can learn these skills quickly and effectively at a top-rated sailing school.

What Seamanship Schools Have to Offer

Finding the best school for your training is easy. The American Sailing Association lists the schools that they deem good enough to be ASA-certified. These schools have been screened for skill and strength in both sailing and teaching, offering sailors an unmatched opportunity to become a pro at the sport.

Every sail, every cruise is different. The water, the weather, and the crew will never be the same twice, so it's good to know more than just sunny-weather procedures. The more confidence you have aboard, the more enjoyment you will get from all types of sailing, whether racing, day-tripping, or charting a course from island to island.