Sailing Schools Worldwide
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287 search results

West Coast Lisbon Sailing Centre
Praia Da Vitória, Portugal
Discover the Portuguese coast with West Coast Lisbon Sailing Centre, operating from the Porto de Recreio de Oeiras. We offer RYA courses such as Competent Crew and Day Skipper, ideal for learning to sail or improving your skills with the Atlantic breeze. Our location near Lisbon provides a great mix of coastal exploration and city accessibility.

Afterguard Sailing Academy
Oakland, California, United States
San Francisco Bay offers an ideal setting for learning to sail, and afterguard-sailing-academy takes full advantage of this unique environment. Based in Oakland, the school operates from two locations, including the protected Oakland Estuary, which provides smooth, flat waters perfect for beginners and introductory courses, as well as the larger Central Bay for more advanced training and overnight adventures. With a fleet of over 30 boats, the school fosters a welcoming, family-style atmosphere with a focus on safety, confidence, and thorough instruction. Their team of experienced instructors emphasizes practical skills and real-world sailing awareness, preparing students to navigate diverse weather conditions, tides, currents, and vessel traffic confidently.

Guangzhou Nansha Marina
Guangdong Province, China
Nansha Marina is situated in the heart of the Pearl River Delta, conveniently close to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau. As the largest marina in Southern China, it offers a comprehensive range of high-quality facilities and services, providing an ideal environment for sailing training. The marina features a variety of vessels, including an 82-foot luxury yacht, sailing boats, fishing boats, and workboats, making it a versatile location for sailing enthusiasts. The instructors are experienced professionals, with one being a China National level 1 referee and ASA certified Coastal Navigation Instructor, who are passionate about sharing their love of sailing and making learning enjoyable for everyone.

1St Scotsail Training Ltd Largs
North Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Learn to sail with 1st Scotsail Training, based at Largs Yacht Haven in Ayrshire. We provide RYA courses including Competent Crew and Day Skipper, giving you the chance to develop your sailing abilities in the fantastic waters of the Firth of Clyde. We offer a friendly and professional environment for your training.

Dalian Sailing Club
Liaoning Province, China
Dalian Sailing Club has been a pioneer in the northeast of China since its establishment in 2008. Located on the Bohai Sea, the club is recognized as the region’s first professional sailing training institution and the only youth sailing program authorized by the China Sailing Association. With a team of experienced coaches and officers holding international sailing licenses, the club offers a range of training and summer camps aimed at promoting sailing skills and fostering a vibrant sailing community. Since launching its first youth OP sailboat summer camp in 2012, the club has continued to develop programs such as monthly sailing races and team-building activities to enrich members’ sailing experience and encourage engagement across all age groups.

SOUL Sailing
Bronx, New York, United States
At SOUL Sailing, the philosophy is that anyone can learn to sail. The school uses small, traditionally rigged boats to give students a hands-on experience that introduces basic sailing concepts. Emphasizing a connection with the environment, the lessons focus on feeling and understanding the water while also teaching the appropriate terminology. The instructors encourage questions and learning through doing, recognizing that each student has their own pace. Captain Dave Jenkins, the lead instructor, brings a passionate love for the water, having grown up sailing in Sippican Harbor and gaining extensive experience in New York waterways. Whether newcomers or seasoned sailors seeking a refresher, SOUL Sailing offers a variety of classes tailored to different skill levels.

Sail Savannah
Savannah, Georgia, United States
Sail Savannah is located on the scenic waters surrounding historic Savannah, Georgia. The school offers a welcoming environment where students can learn to sail in a city known for its rich history, vibrant wildlife, and charming coastal scenery. With experienced instructors and a variety of courses, Sail Savannah provides both beginner and advanced sailing lessons, along with private charters that often feature dolphins and stunning sunsets. The school’s focus is on ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for everyone eager to explore the joys of sailing.

Black Rock Sailing School
St. Thomas, VI, US Virgin Islands
Black Rock Sailing School in St. Thomas offers a comprehensive and relaxed approach to learning how to sail in the stunning U.S. Virgin Islands. With experienced staff who have been living and sailing in these waters since 1995, students have the opportunity to earn ASA certifications through careful, thorough instruction. The school’s programs include single and combination courses that emphasize practical skills, safety, and confidence on the water, all while allowing plenty of time for exploring the beautiful islands, snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing ashore.

Phuket Yacht Club
Phuket, Thailand
The Phuket Yacht Club Sailing School was established in 2017. The program is operated by <a href="http://seahorsesailingphuket.com/">Seahorse Sailing Phuket</a> and is accredited by International Sailing Schools (ISS).

Second Star Sailing
Marina Di Pisa, Italy
Discover the joy of sailing with Second Star Sailing, based in Marina di Pisa, Italy. We offer a range of RYA courses including Competent Crew and Day Skipper, perfect for learning the ropes or advancing your skills along the beautiful Tuscan coast. We aim to provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere for your sailing adventure.

Koru Expeditions
Gig Harbor, Washington, United States
Koru Expeditions offers sailing courses and expedition experiences aboard a 50′ performance catamaran throughout the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and into British Columbia. Entry-level instruction is also available on a modern Jeanneau 349. With an inclusive and adaptive teaching style, Koru supports a wide range of learners, ensuring a practical, hands-on experience for every participant. As a small, nimble operation, Koru Expeditions is able to provide customized programs and frequently accommodate last-minute class requests. Whether certification is needed for an upcoming charter or a more casual experience is desired, the team is committed to meeting individual goals. Additional offerings include docking workshops, sunset cruises, introductory sailing courses (2- and 4-hour options), and hosted corporate or community events. Every experience with Koru Expeditions is designed to inspire adventure, foster learning, and create meaningful connections on the water.

White Wake Sailing Croatia
Primošten, Croatia
White Wake Sailing Croatia offers the full range of RYA courses—from beginner-level Competent Crew to advanced Yachtmaster certifications—all taught in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Whether you're completely new to sailing or looking to level up your skills, there's a course to match your experience and goals. Training takes place on the water in one of Europe’s most beautiful sailing regions, with theory courses available either online or at our shorebased center in Milan. After a day of hands-on learning, there’s often time to anchor in a quiet bay, swim in the clear Adriatic, and wind down with a drink under the stars.

Wet & Salty Adventure Sailing School
St Michael, Barbados
Wet & Salty Adventure Sailing School is located at the Barbados Cruising Club in Carlisle Bay, St Michael. Situated in the heart of Barbados, the school offers a relaxed setting for learning to sail amidst stunning Caribbean scenery. With a focus on safety and enjoyment, it provides a variety of courses and liveaboard experiences that suit all skill levels, set against the backdrop of ideal sailing conditions and warm waters.

Marina Sailing – Marina del Rey
Marina Del Rey, California, United States
Marina Sailing is one of Southern California's most established sailing schools, with a history dating back to 1962. Located in Marina del Rey, the school offers a variety of courses and charters aboard boats ranging from 22 to 50 feet, including monohulls, catamarans, and powerboats. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, Marina Sailing provides options for all levels, from beginner classes to advanced certifications, all in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Barefoot Offshore Sailing School (BOSS)
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Barefoot Offshore Sailing School (B.O.S.S.) has been a prominent presence in the southeastern Caribbean for over 20 years, making it one of the most established ASA sailing schools in the region. Located in the beautiful waters of St Vincent & The Grenadines, it offers a variety of hands-on, live-aboard courses on both catamarans and monohulls throughout the year. The school benefits from its founders' deep local knowledge and experience, providing students with an authentic sailing experience amid stunning island scenery. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sailor seeking certification or offshore adventures, B.O.S.S. offers options like ocean crossings, offshore passages, ASA flotillas, singlehanded sailing, and safety at sea mentoring, all designed to enhance sailing skills in a relaxed Caribbean setting.

Marina Sailing – Channel Islands
Oxnard, California, United States
Marina Sailing Channel Islands, located on South Harbor Boulevard in Oxnard, California, has been serving the sailing community since 1962. They offer a variety of boats ranging from 22 to 50 feet, including monohulls, catamarans, and powerboats, across their six coastal locations. The school provides a comprehensive selection of ASA courses, with popular options like the Complete Sailing Course that covers ASA 101 and 103 certifications, and the more intensive Ultimate Sailing Course which includes ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications along with a voyage to Catalina Island or the Channel Islands. Whether beginners or seasoned sailors, students can find classes and charters suited to their skill level in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Sovereign Sailing
Kinsale, Ireland
Kinsale is renowned as one of Ireland's premier sailing destinations, and its large, sheltered natural harbour provides an excellent and safe area for learning the basics of sailing. Beyond the harbour, the Cork coastline offers more challenging waters and beautiful scenery for developing further skills.

Top Sail Italy
Cannigione, Italy
Explore the stunning waters of Sardinia with Top Sail Italy, offering RYA courses from Cannigione. Whether you are looking to get started with Competent Crew or build your skills with a Day Skipper course, we provide training in one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful sailing areas. Our goal is to offer a memorable and effective learning experience.

Aegean Sailing School
Aigina, Greece
Aegean Sailing School, situated on the picturesque island of Aegina, Greece, is an RYA-approved training center offering a comprehensive range of sailing courses for all experience levels. Conveniently located just an hour from Athens, the school provides instruction in the scenic Saronic Gulf, allowing students to explore nearby islands and coastal destinations during their training. Courses include the RYA Competent Crew for beginners and the RYA Day Skipper for those aspiring to captain their own vessels. Emphasizing hospitality, team spirit, and enjoyment, Aegean Sailing School ensures a supportive and engaging learning environment for all participants.

Pacific Sail
Santa Cruz, California, United States
Pacific Yachting & Sailing is a well-established sailing school based in Santa Cruz, California. Located on the scenic Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean, it offers a variety of courses and a fleet of 14 sailing yachts ranging from 28 to 46 feet. The school’s experienced instructors, all US Coast Guard licensed and ASA certified, focus on providing personalized guidance to help students develop confidence and skills in sailing. Whether for instruction, bareboat charter, or team-building events, the school aims to create a relaxed environment where students can enjoy learning and exploring the waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently at least 287 schools listed worldwide. This is based on schools certified by leading international organizations such as the RYA, ASA, and IYT, ensuring high-quality instruction is available in various locations.
Yes, there are RYA-certified schools in various locations around the globe. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is a UK-based organization whose training standards are considered some of the best in the world.
Yes, many ASA-affiliated schools operate worldwide, particularly in the United States and Caribbean. The American Sailing Association (ASA) is one of the largest sailing education systems, focusing on making sailing accessible and safe for everyone.
Certifications from organizations like RYA, ASA and IYT are available. These programs cover everything from basic keelboat handling to advanced offshore navigation.
Yes, several schools worldwide offer both Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses. Competent Crew is the ideal starting point for beginners to learn the basics of life on board, while Day Skipper is the first step toward taking command of your own vessel.
