Organizations

These organizations develop, support, and officiate the sport of sailing. They are listed in descending order of precedence.

​

- World Sailing (global)

​

- US Sailing (United States)

     - US Sailing has a search tool to help you find sailing organizations near you. The only limitation is that the tool only shows organizations that are active US Sailing members. You can find the search tool here.

​

- Regional yachting associations

     - Ex: Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA), Gulf Yachting Association (GYA), etc.

​

- Local area yachting associations

     - Ex: San Diego Association of Yacht Clubs (SDAYC)

​

- Performance Handicap Racing Fleets (or ORR-EZ, which is a newer handicapping system)

​

- Local Yacht Clubs

     - Note: Just because the organization has the term "yacht club" in the name does not mean it is an actual yacht club! Many businesses and unaffiliated organizations use that term do your research!

​

- Local racing associations and sailing clubs

There are lots of organizations dedicated to bringing the joys of sailing to people that might not otherwise have the opportunity to become involved. Most yacht clubs have separate 501c(3) organizations that are dedicated to funding sailing for people regardless of club membership status. These include many opportunities for adaptive sailing as well. The organizations don't always have "sailing-sounding" names, so contacting local clubs and asking about outreach programs is your best bet! 

These organizations provide educational materials, courses, and certifications. If you are taking a class, make sure it is recognized by one of these organizations so that your certifications are widely accepted.

​

- US Sailing

​

- American Sailing Association

​

​

If you are a military veteran, there are lots of opportunities to get out sailing! Here are just a few organizations that I have been involved with or heard of that seek to make sailing more accessible to the military and veteran community.

​

- Navy Yacht Clubs

     - These great clubs are affordable and fun. Integrated into the local yachting communities in which they reside, these clubs are fantastic springboards to greater involvement in sailing and boating.

​

- Warrior Sailing

     - This fantastic organization makes sailing possible for disabled veterans, and runs everything from beginner clinics to fielding serious racing teams. Holds clinics all over the country.

​

- U.S. Patriot Sailing

     - Another organization that gets veterans involved in local sailing. Has local chapters in a number of cities. For local and ongoing sailing, U.S. Patriot Sailing is fantastic!