ASA Textbooks
Beginner
Lost your ASA Logbook? Is your current logbook old, worn and tattered? Perhaps you have a logbook that doesn't contain all the new certifications and valuable trip log additions.
Now you can easily get an updated logbook from American Sailing Headquarters. Our certification staff will research your certifications, apply the appropriate seals and send you a replacement. All we need is your ASA ID Number to find you in our database. Don't know your ASA ID? Email support@asa.com for help.
The Logbook not only serves as a way to track your progress with American Sailing, it is your sailing resume for adventures beyond the courses. If you are interested in taking your sailing to new horizons, the Logbook is your proof of competency for leading charter companies around the world. With many new updates and sections, this logbook will provide you with everything needed to verify you are ready to take that dream sailing vacation.
For chartering, job application, or any other situation that requires proof of sailing experience, the ASA Logbook is a valuable asset recognized throughout the world.
The official manual for ASA Basic Coastal Cruising Course American Sailing Association's new full color, richly illustrated, 176-page textbook for its basic coastal cruising certification (Level 103).
If you have a dream to follow the early explorers who dared sail into waters beyond the known horizon, you will need to become proficient in a great many facets of seamanship. This book builds on the basic sailing skills you learned in the ASA 101 course so you can venture toward more distant cruising grounds.
Explore the inner workings of a cruising sailboat
Pick up techniques for getting the most out of your sails
Learn how to orient yourself on the water and measure your progress toward your destination
Know what weather signs to look for while on the water
The text is published in full color and contains striking sailing photography from well-known photographer Billy Black, and world-class illustrations from award-winning illustrator Peter Bull. These textbooks are the foundation for a sea field guide!
One of the text’s most distinguishing features is its user friendly “spreads” in which instructional topics are self-contained on opposing pages throughout the book. This easy-to-read learning tool follows the critically acclaimed Sailing Made Easy. Sailing Made Easy is the #1 resource in basic sailing education, and Coastal Cruising Made Easy is poised to become the industry standard in intermediate sailing education.
Sailing Made Easy is the first step in a voyage that will last you the rest of your life. It is a gift from a group of dedicated sailing professionals who have committed their lives to sharing their art, their skill, and their passion for this wonderful activity.
This book, which Sailing Magazine called "best in class" upon its release, is the most comprehensive education and boating safety learn-to-sail guide to date. It is also the official textbook for the ASA Basic Keelboat Standard (ASA 101). Incorporated in the textbook are useful illustrations and exceptional photographs of complex sailing concepts. The text’s most distinguishing feature is its user friendly "spreads" in which instructional topics are self-contained on opposing pages throughout the book. There are also chapter end quizzes and a glossary to help those new to sailing to navigate their way through the extensive nautical terminology.
Intermediate
Bareboat Cruising Made Easy is not only the official textbook for the ASA Bareboat Cruising Standard (ASA 104), but also the definitive go-to resource for all sailors who enjoy cruising and destination oriented sailing. It is an all-in-one reference book that includes everything a cruising sailor needs to know, from general planning to technical guidance to sailing advice. From its 4 color, high-end illustrations and photographs to its modern, easy-to-read design, Bareboat Cruising Made Easy is a beauty. The 212 page book was created by a team of expert sailors, writers, editors and artists who shaped the content together, making it the most helpful, accurate, and all-inclusive chartering/cruising manual.
By Mike Pyzel. The 180-page textbook is concise and emphasizes the basics of Coastal Navigation. Topics include reading and plotting on nautical charts, dead reckoning navigation, bearings and fixes, as well as more advanced topics. Training Chart 1210 TR is included in the package.
Advanced & Other
The American Sailing Association is proud to announce a new textbook in partnership with North U. created to accompany the ASA 106 course Advanced Cruising. To teach the high-level sailing and sail trim principles we have worked with Bill Gladstone to update his popular workbook and bring it to the ASA audience.
This book has been created for those looking to continue their cruising and seamanship skills. You will get a deep insight into how to improve performance of your boat in both upwind and downwind situations, heavy weather environments, long-distance cruising, and more.
Here are just a few topics from the book:
How understanding Bernoulli’s Principle unlocks the keys to going fast
The 3 sources of mainsail power (Angle of Attack, Depth, & Twist)
Getting the most power possible out of the jib and mainsail
How to fix too much/little weather helm
Running wing-and-wing
Gennakers and asymmetrical spinnakers
Symmetrical spinnaker sailing
Broaches, dismastings, and other emergencies
Preparing your boat for a long-distance cruise
How to address seasickness
Anchoring in all different situations including rafting
And much, much more– over 180-page textbook!
This book not only helps you improve your performance, but also how to tackle problems as they arise such as what to do if…
...the electrical system is down...the engine won’t crank over...a line gets fouled in your prop...the head is clogged...AND MANY MORE
A 25-page book with concise diagrams describing the practical aspects of docking and undocking in various approaches and wind and current conditions.
Cruising Catamarans Made Easy is the premier sailing textbook to focus exclusively on how to operate a cruising catamaran. This textbook highlights the unique art of sailing a larger catamaran with its distinctive characteristics and operating systems.
Richly illustrated with detailed, instructive photos and easy to understand educational text, this 90 page textbook belongs on every catamaran with a cabin!
The book was written as the syllabus for those taking ASA’s updated 114 Catamaran Cruising Course, as well as to easily familiarize more experienced monohull sailors entering the burgeoning catamaran charter and sales markets.