Sailing Schools Worldwide
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287 search results

SailTime Annapolis Sailing Academy
Annapolis, Maryland, United States
SailTime Annapolis runs a laid-back but serious sailing school out of Horn Point Harbor Marina, right where Back Creek meets the Chesapeake. You don't have to be a SailTime member to take lessons here, and classes stay small—usually just two or three people on the boat. They’ve got a solid range of courses, whether you’re new to sailing or looking to sharpen your skills. Beginners start on Beneteau First 22s, and more advanced students train on newer Hunter monohulls and Gemini catamarans. Lessons are hands-on, taught by experienced instructors, and scheduled to fit around your life.

First Reef Sailing
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
First Reef Sailing is a sailing school situated within Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston. It offers a variety of courses for sailors at all levels, from basic keelboat certifications to advanced coastal cruising, using modern keelboats and experienced instructors. The school’s location provides easy access for students coming from outside Boston, including proximity to Logan International Airport, and features sailing adventures in Boston Harbor and along the East Coast. In addition to on-the-water training, First Reef Sailing hosts land-based clinics and fosters a vibrant sailing community through clubs, events, and partnerships.

Go Sail – Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, VI, US Virgin Islands
Sailing conditions in the Virgin Islands are truly ideal, offering calm seas and consistent breezes year-round. Go Sail Virgin Islands is situated on St. Thomas and provides a relaxed environment where sailors can enjoy bareboat certification courses amid beautiful turquoise waters and warm temperatures. The location’s close proximity to the airport and its less crowded surroundings make it a convenient and peaceful spot for both beginners and seasoned sailors to learn and explore. With opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and discovering vibrant marine life, it’s a perfect destination for those looking to combine sailing with adventure and relaxation.

Flying Fish Australia
Mosman, Australia
Middle Harbour Yacht Club provides an exceptional location for RYA training, nestled within the stunning natural beauty of Sydney Harbour. The harbour itself offers a fantastic and varied waterway, with sheltered coves for initial training and more open waters for developing skills, all with iconic landmarks nearby.

Sonoran Sport Center
San Carlos, Mexico
Sonoran Sport Center offers sailing courses at two scenic locations in Mexico: San Carlos in Sonora and the Maya Riviera of Cancun in Quintana Roo. Students can choose from a variety of boats, including monohulls and multihulls, to suit their learning preferences. With an instructor boasting 25 years of sailing experience in Mexico, both destinations provide excellent conditions for sailing and are ideal spots for a relaxing and educational vacation.

Seven Seas School Of Yachting
Athens, Greece
Seven Seas School of Yachting, located in Athens, Greece, is an RYA-recognized training center offering a comprehensive range of courses in sailing, motor cruising, and powerboating for all experience levels, from beginners to aspiring Yachtmaster Ocean candidates. Their experienced instructors focus on delivering meaningful training that emphasizes safety and enjoyment on the water. Courses are available year-round, providing flexibility for students to develop their skills in the scenic waters of the Mediterranean.

Hold Fast Sailing School
Jalisco, Mexico
Hold Fast Sailing School is located at Marina Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The school offers a welcoming environment where both beginners and intermediate sailors can learn and enjoy the art of sailing. With a focus on safety and quality instruction, their experienced instructors guide students through a range of courses, from basic sailing fundamentals to coastal cruising and bareboat chartering. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, the school provides flexible scheduling and top-notch equipment to support your sailing journey.

Aoki Yacht School
Osaka, Japan
Aoki Yacht School is conveniently located by Osaka Bay, offering a range of sailing courses designed to help students earn internationally recognized ASA certifications. The school also holds government certification for boat licenses in Japan, providing in-house training and exams for Class 1 and Class 2 licenses. Classes for Japan’s boat licensing are available in both Tokyo and Osaka, making it accessible for those looking to get their official certification without the need for separate government tests.

First Reef Sailing
St. Thomas, VI, US Virgin Islands
First Reef Sailing is located at American Yacht Harbor in St. Thomas, USVI. The school offers a welcoming environment for sailing enthusiasts of all levels, with experienced instructors guiding students through a variety of ASA certification courses. Students can enjoy learning on modern, comfortable yachts while exploring the beautiful waters surrounding the Virgin Islands. The team is dedicated to providing a relaxed, comprehensive learning experience that emphasizes understanding key sailing concepts and building confidence for future adventures on the water.

Whitewave Sailing Center
Shenzhen, China
Whitewave Sailing Center, located at Seven Star Marina in Shenzhen, China, is a premier destination for sailing enthusiasts in East Asia. This RYA-accredited center offers comprehensive courses, including Competent Crew and Day Skipper certifications, catering to both beginners and seasoned sailors. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Shenzhen’s modern coastline, the school combines expert instruction with a focus on hands-on learning.

Andaman Marine Academy
Phuket, Thailand
Andaman Marine Academy is located along the scenic Chaofa East Road in Chalag, Phuket. The school offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for sailing enthusiasts of all levels, with easy access to the beautiful waters surrounding Phuket. Whether you're looking to learn the basics or advance your skills, the academy provides a comfortable setting to enjoy the maritime experience in Thailand.

Modern Sailing School & Club
Berkeley, California, United States
Modern Sailing School & Club’s Berkeley location is situated at the end of The Slot in the Berkeley Marina, an area known for its lively wind patterns. The school offers a range of ASA courses including ASA 101, 103, 104, 118, and 114, catering to sailors of all levels. The fleet features sporty J/24s and J/80s for those interested in performance sailing, as well as larger monohulls up to 42 feet and a 40-foot catamaran for cruising adventures. Whether students prefer a relaxed approach or a more spirited experience, the variety of boats and courses available allow sailors to pursue their goals in a fun and safe environment.

Vmb Yachts
Viareggio, Italy
Viareggio, a well known seaside town on the Tuscan coast, provides a vibrant and practical base for RYA sail training. The proximity to open waters of the Ligurian Sea allows students to quickly engage in real sailing conditions, with the Apuan Alps often visible in the distance, adding to the scenic learning environment.

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland
Inverclyde, United Kingdom
Ocean Youth Trust Scotland provides young people with the exciting opportunity to experience adventure under sail through our RYA recognised voyages. Based in Greenock, our programmes, including elements of the Competent Crew syllabus, are designed to build confidence, teamwork, and life skills. We welcome young individuals to join us for a unique and developmental experience on the water.

Seattle Yachts Sailing Academy
Anacortes, Washington, United States
Seattle Yachts Sailing Academy, located at Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes, Washington, offers a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced sailors looking to enhance their skills. Situated near the scenic San Juan Islands, the school provides students with the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. Certified instructors, many of whom are US Coast Guard licensed Captains, guide students through classroom lessons and hands-on sailing experiences, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for learning and enjoyment.

Myrtle Beach Sailing School
Little River, South Carolina, United States
Myrtle Beach Sailing School is located in Little River, South Carolina, offering a range of sailing courses designed to prepare students for coastal and offshore adventures. Situated near the Atlantic Ocean, the school emphasizes practical skills such as navigating inlets, understanding tides and currents, and handling various types of sailboats, including monohulls and catamarans. With a focus on real-world experience, students learn to travel the Intracoastal Waterway and make safe passages, often on the open ocean. The school provides flexible lesson options, from individual sessions to private couple classes, all taught by experienced instructors passionate about sharing their love of sailing.

Spinnaker Sailing
Redwood City, California, United States
Spinnaker Sailing, located in Redwood City, California, has been a trusted name in sailing instruction on San Francisco Bay since 1980. As the oldest operating American Sailing Association school in the country, it has trained thousands of sailors, earning a reputation for experienced teaching and quality certification. The school offers a variety of classes, including bareboat chartering and catamaran certification, both locally and on overseas trips in the South Pacific, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. With a fleet of 30 well-suited boats and a dedicated team of ASA-certified and U.S. Coast Guard licensed instructors, Spinnaker Sailing provides a friendly environment for learning and enjoying the water. The school also hosts racing events and offers a club membership program for those looking to sail more frequently.

Zephyr Training
Antibes, France
Learn to sail in the beautiful setting of Antibes on the French Riviera with Zephyr Training. We offer RYA courses such as Competent Crew and Day Skipper, allowing you to gain skills and confidence in these renowned Mediterranean waters. Our aim is to provide a professional and enjoyable learning environment.

Nautical Spirit Sailing School
Thornbury, Canada
Nautical Spirit Sailing School is located in the picturesque town of Thornbury, Ontario, on the clear waters of Georgian Bay. Situated at the foot of The Blue Mountains, the school offers access to some of the best freshwater sailing in the world, with stunning views of the mountains and nearby islands. Lessons are primarily conducted nearby, with options for liveaboard experiences exploring the North Channel or island hopping, weather permitting. The school operates on their boat, Dream Chaser III, a well-equipped Beneteau 331, providing a comfortable setting for sailors of all levels to learn and enjoy the water in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Dubai Offshore Sailing Club
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), located in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a premier hub for sailing enthusiasts in the Middle East. Offering RYA-accredited courses such as Competent Crew and Day Skipper, DOSC provides top-notch training for sailors of all levels. With its vibrant sailing community and prime location along Dubai's stunning coastline, the club combines expert instruction with the opportunity to explore the Arabian Gulf.
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.
