Introduction to Sailing | Online Course

What You'll Learn in Introduction to Sailing

NauticEd’s Introduction to Sailing is the go-to starting point for new sailors who want a straightforward path into the sport. Delivered entirely as an online sailing course, it fits neatly into busy schedules while still covering the real skills behind Sailing 101. Over about four hours you’ll explore the basics of how sailing works, but more importantly, you’ll understand how to apply that knowledge when you step onto a boat.

Everything You Get with this Course

• The Introduction to Sailing online sailing course teaches beginner sailors how to sail.
• Available immediately online: start learning today at your own pace.
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours
• Beginner-friendly, with examples geared to keelboats 21 ft / 6.5 m and larger.
• Think Sailing 101: understand the boat, handle it under sail, follow give-way/stand-on rules, use PFDs.
• Visual teaching: animations and clear imagery so concepts click (and stick).
• Free Stuff: All NauticEd sailing students receive 2 free courses (Basic Sail Trim and Nav Rules), a free eLogbook and Boating Resume, and special discounts from our industry partners.
• Unlimited Access: Lifetime access lets you review course materials anytime. Course updates are free.
• Recognition: Upon successful completion, you receive immediate recognition on your sailing resume that verifies for charter and insurance companies that you've completed the course.
• Convenient Formats: Take the course on your desktop or laptop—and tablet or mobile phone using the free NauticEd App.
• Qualification & Endorsement: Serves as the optional prerequisite for the Basic Sailing Skills endorsement when paired with on-water training from a certified NauticEd instructor
• View Introduction to Sailing Course excerpts

Please Note: Some complex topics like navigation are left to our more advanced courses. But for just getting started, the information covered here will give you everything you need to know to get out on the water with an instructor or friend/partner/spouse in daylight, within sight of shore, and in moderate conditions.

Next Steps after Your Online Course

1. Connect with an Instructor Near You. After completing the Introduction to Sailing Course, continue your training on the water with a certified NauticEd instructor. This practical step can earn you the Basic Sailing Skills Endorsement.
2. Level up your training. After Intro, take Skipper, then Bareboat Charter Master, and add electives—docking, nav, weather—so you’re comfortable in more conditions.
3. Plan a NauticEd Sailing Vacation. Put your skills to work on the water. Through NauticEd’s sailing vacation program, you can explore premier destinations with confidence, knowing you’re backed by the training, certifications, and credentials that charter companies respect.
4. Get licensed with the SLC. The SLC is NauticEd’s international license; complete the theory and practical sign-offs, and you’re set for most major charter fleets. With both online and on-water training complete, you’ll hold the license required to skipper yachts abroad.

About NauticEd

NauticEd is the leading provider of modern sailing education, combining online sailing courses with accredited on-water instruction. With over 300,000 students worldwide, NauticEd is the only U.S. sailing body recognized for meeting U.S. Coast Guard and NASBLA standards under the American National Standards for boating education. 

Our online courses pair with on-water training, and your free eLogbook and sailing resume track each milestone. Whether you’re starting out or working toward higher endorsements, NauticEd gives you a clear, standards-aligned way to grow real skills.