The American Sailing Association is the predominant standards bearer and codifier in the arena of recreational sailing education in the Americas. The organization was founded in 1983 by television producer Lenny Shabes who felt there was no recognized educational system in place to learn the sport of sailing. Today there are over 300 affiliate schools that teach the ASA methods via the many textbooks the Association creates and publishes. Over one million sailors have come through the American Sailing Association learning system.

In administering this educational structure that includes on-water and written testing, ASA certifications are now recognized at charter companies and maritime employers all around the world. They have published textbooks for beginners, coastal cruising sailors, bareboat charterers and those looking to buy or charter cruising catamarans. In addition to textbooks, ASA has produced educational videos, smart-phone apps and most recently an interactive digital game that aims to teach and drill rudimentary sailing skills while off the water.

The American Sailing Association is also an avid promoter of the sport of sailing – they are an active contributor in social media and sponsor an app called GO SAILING that enables sailors to connect anywhere they happen to be in the world.