From Novice to Nautical – the Best Sailing Websites

By Fred

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It’s never too late to discover your inner captain. Whether you’ve already booked a yacht in Croatia, are browsing flotillas in Italy, or simply daydreaming about sailing through the Cyclades, getting started on the right foot makes all the difference. For first-time sailors, the internet can feel overwhelming with endless videos, scattered tips, and opinions that often contradict each other. That’s why finding the best sailing websites is so important. These curated, expert-backed resources offer structure, clarity, and confidence for beginners. They aren’t just helpful links—they’re lifelines to real, practical knowledge that prepares you for life on the water. The best sailing websites guide you step-by-step, helping you understand safety, navigation, gear, and weather before you even set sail.

For those new to sailing, the best sailing websites do more than overviews; they prep you for real trips:

  • Find trusted sources for checklists, routes and how-tos
  • These sites are go-to tools for learning the essentials from sailing safety to weather tips
  • Ideal for anyone booking their first boat, flotilla or charter without feeling clueless
  • Don’t rely on one blog or a YouTube rabbit hole, the best sailing websites have real resources meant for beginners

Why Sailing Websites Do Matter

  • Beginner sailors need structure, not just snippets – the right sailing websites walk you through A to Z
  • You’ll find full sailing checklists, tips, and things new boaters don’t generally think of
  • Longform reading makes more sense when you’re starting out than TikTok, YouTube, or pro-reels, you don’t even know what you don’t know
  • You can learn at your own pace and print things out for offline use
  • Many of the best sailing websites are linked to active communities and update you with weather, port info, or local laws

The Best Sailing Websites For Beginners

American Sailing Association (ASA) – Official, Structured, and Trusted

The ASA is one of the best sailing websites in the U.S. for beginners looking for formal guidance. Their full certification track, starting with ASA 101, is ideal if you’re working towards a license or just want structured learning.

  • Learn key terminology, knots, sail handling and safety
  • Offers quizzes, checklists, and articles tailored for total beginners
  • Great for skippered charter guests who want to feel more prepared

Best for: checklist-driven learners, U.S.-based charterers, those seeking certification

DiscoverBoating.com – Accessible, Practical, and Confidence-Building

Looking for a friendly intro to life on the water? DiscoverBoating.com is one of the best sailing websites for absolute beginners.

  • Covers sailing safety, gear basics, docking, and more
  • Highly visual and non-intimidating
  • Perfect for cautious planners or families going on their first boat trip

Best for: visual learners, first-time sailors, nervous newbies

SailingEurope Blog – Real Itineraries, Med-Based Planning

If you’re chartering in the Mediterranean, the SailingEurope blog ranks high among the best sailing websites for location-specific advice.

  • Breaks down 7-day routes in Croatia, Greece, and Italy
  • Tips on provisioning, seasonal sailing, and port etiquette
  • Offers sample itineraries ideal for flotilla or bareboat newbies

Best for: Med-bound beginners, flotilla sailors, first-time charterers

best sailing websites

NauticEd – Course-Led, Tech-Forward, Resource-Rich

Global and digitally-driven, NauticEd offers downloadable courses, checklists, and practical tools like MOB drills and nav planning PDFs.

  • Works well on mobile for use on the water
  • Combines theory with real-life use cases
  • Perfect for tech-savvy learners

Best for: app-first learners, DIY sailors, international crews

SailNet Forums – Real Sailors, Real (Unfiltered) Answers

Want real answers from real sailors? SailNet is one of the best sailing websites for no-nonsense Q&A.

  • Forum-style advice on everything from anchoring to provisioning
  • Unfiltered feedback based on real-life experience
  • A goldmine for judgement calls, gear comparisons and local tips

Best for: curious questioners, independent learners, liveaboard dreamers

best sailing websites

Cruising World (Education Section) – Well-Written, Serious Content

The education section at Cruising World features deep-dive articles on everything from offshore prep to weather safety.

  • Learn about emergency procedures, heavy weather handling, and advanced planning
  • Articles mix technical advice with storytelling
  • Serious content that stays beginner-friendly

Best for: advanced beginners, offshore planners, prep-focused minds

What You’ll Learn on These Sites That You Won’t Get Elsewhere

  • How to choose the right sailing route based on your crew’s experience
  • Printable sailing checklists for safety, food, gear, and communication
  • The first steps toward licensing or picking a beginner-friendly charter
  • Essential sailing safety info like radio basics, emergency drills, and life jacket laws
  • Weather tools, sailing terms, gear guides and port etiquette — explained simply
best sailing websites

Don’t Skip the Footer – Why the Best Tips Are Often Hidden

The homepage is flashy. The footer is where the gold is.

  • Most best sailing websites tuck their PDFs, route planners, and real guides in the footer
  • Look for “Resources,” “Downloads,” or “For Skippers” — these often lead to offline maps or safety charts
  • The best content usually isn’t in your face — it’s practical, not promotional

Map, Prep, Sail: What to Do After You Bookmark These Sites

  • Choose your sailing region and find a realistic route from one of the best sailing websites
  • Print a sailing checklist based on your boat type and number of guests
  • Decide on your boat style — monohull, catamaran, skippered or bareboat
  • Visit Borrow A Boat to filter charters by location, size, and type
  • Research first, then sail — the better the prep, the better the trip

The best sailors are the ones who come prepared . Start with the right websites and then book your boat with Borrow A Boat. The best sailing websites give you the confidence to chart your course, whether you’re planning a short weekend sail or a full-blown yacht charter. From weather tips to safety drills and gear checklists, these resources empower you to make smart decisions on the water. Once you’ve explored your options and feel ready to take the helm or relax on a skippered trip you’ll find that Borrow A Boat has the ideal vessel for your needs. Prepare well, sail better, and enjoy every nautical mile.

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