We're proud to have finally started our podcast series. We'll be bringing on sailors from all walks to talk about how they discovered the art (yes art vs sport) and their take on the past, present and future of sailing.
This podcast episode dives into the history and current state of sailing schools.
Here are the key takeaways:
• Sailing schools have been around for a long time, but a structured curriculum didn't emerge in the US until the 1980s. (1:25)
• The American Sailing Association (ASA) and US Sailing are the two main certifying bodies in the US. (5:14, 7:40)
• ASA focuses on recreational sailing, while US Sailing emphasizes competitive and collegiate sailing. (7:46)
• There are other, smaller organizations, like the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and NauticEd. (12:30, 13:24)
• The episode emphasizes that choosing the right school is important, and that location, curriculum, instructors, equipment, and class size are key factors. (21:45, 29:06, 34:24)
• Sailing schools are worth the money because they provide a structured learning experience that accelerates your learning. (41:29)
• Certificates matter because they show that you've mastered a certain level of sailing and are ready to move on to the next level. (42:18)
• The episode concludes by highlighting the importance of patience, support, and communication in sailing instruction. (45:33)
Next time, the podcast will explore what you can expect from yourself and your sailing school on your first day. (50:40)
