ASA's Sailing Challenge

And by new I mean from a land locked state and the closest you’ve gotten to a sailboat is lake “whatever” near your hometown where you might see a handful of smaller sailboats on occasion but only at a distance this app is great for running over some fundamental basics of how wind works upon a sail, which in turn explains how your sailboat moves under different sail orientations. As well as the very basic idea of right of way, and docking under sail power only which way more people sailing should be used to doing imo. The app I definitely worth the cost of a Starbucks for this knowledge in an easy to understand and repeatable way to practice. Over time I’m sure it will receive even more polish through feedback. But if you just want to dip your toe into the water as it were and learn some very basic concepts and ideas it’s worth it, plus it gives you a nice way to kill time stuck at an airport or in a cab ride while you are having basic concepts repeatedly drilled into your brain until it’s second nature. I’m very encouraged by ASA’s embracing of technology to teach new folks. Videos, apps, etc. well done ASA!

I'm planning to sail for the first time in about 2 weeks. Ive spent many years using small motor boats and don't plan to spend several hundred dollars taking classes to learn to sail the $500 used sailboat I bought. I've read lots of information and watched a bunch of videos so I thought I had a grasp on the basics from a technical standpoint. This app actually put my knowledge to the test much better than I expected and while I'm probably still going to struggle a bit, I'm going to be way more prepared after getting some feel for the wind and sail reaction. I might provide an update after I take my maiden voyage if I'm still alive.

This app is a great starter for anyone wanting to learn the ins and outs of sailing. Even if all you're doing is watching a sailing event on TV, this app will help you understand what the participants are doing and give you greater appreciation for the sport. The modules are set up well and progressively teach the basics. I have a little trouble with the trim and helm controls, but younger users should do much better than this old fart! I have been sailing for years and can say this app is a great and inexpensive way to get your feet wet and learn whether sailing is for you. Just do it!

At first it's like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time but you quickly catch on and really groove in some sailing reactions. Fun and helpful to someone learning to sail. Really helps you to visualize various points of sail and their relative efficiency. I would like to see gauges with true and apparent wind speed to help me learn how tweaking the trim will effect those elements and boat speed at various points...that may be overwhelming for a beginner but would help as one learns. I would also like to be able to go back and repeat within modules without having to start all over Regardless, I'm enjoying it very much!

I grew up sailing regularly. I have been on a sailboat once in the last 25 years, but still remember the basics. I downloaded the app because my wife and I have decided to buy a sailboat and figured I’d use this to start relearning the basics. It has worked well. But I’d enjoy a variety of points of view. A cockpit view of that beautiful Beneteau would be wonderful. Grabbing a sheet near the winch would be preferable to a slider on the side of the screen. If they ever get that done, this would be 6/5 stars.