The Nautilus Blog
Quick Answer Neither ASA nor RYA is universally better. Both certification systems produce capable sailors when taught well. For most recreational sailors, the quality of instruction, the amount of hands-on experience, and the level of responsibility given during training matter more than the certification system itself. Generally speaking: ASA is often a strong fit for: […]
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Every year, the American Sailing Association (ASA) combs through thousands of student surveys to find the instructors who stand out above the rest. This year, we’re thrilled to share that three of our own — Tim Jenne (TJ), Lindsay Moore, and Doug Acker — have been named 2025 ASA Outstanding Instructors. For a school that […]
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One of the most common questions people ask us before setting out to learn how to sail is: “CAN ANYONE LEARN HOW TO SAIL?” Our short answer is: Almost anyone can learn how to sail. Our better answer is: Almost anyone can become a competent sailor if they are willing to learn, participate, and practice. Contrary […]
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Most people who ask this question are really asking something more specific: Is it so hard that I might fail? It is a reasonable answer to seek before investing a week of your life and several thousand dollars in a liveaboard sailing course. It deserves a straight answer. Here it is: sailing is genuinely challenging […]
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When sailors dream of tropical cruising, they usually picture a sailing flotilla in the Caribbean or French Polynesia. Rarely does Brazil make the list. And that’s exactly what makes it so special. In June 2026, the Nautilus Alumni community set sail from the colonial town of Paraty to explore one of the world’s most overlooked […]
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