Step aboard knowing the basics.

Learn the boat’s names, how wind moves the sails, and what to watch for as new crew. Visual lessons and practical questions help you prepare for time on the water.

Start Module 1 free

Free account required. No credit card.

Explore the course

Get to know the boat

Explore the parts, then start the free module.

Start Module 1 free

A clear path from boat language to life aboard.

86 lessons across 12 modules. Learn with diagrams and practice, then check your understanding with a quiz and explanations.

Start with the free module

10 lessons introduce the boat and its parts. Create a free account to save your progress; no card is needed.

Start Module 1 free

Continue with the full course

Build through wind, safety, knots, sail handling, navigation and more. Choose a monthly or lifetime plan when you want to continue.

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See all 12 modules
  1. Welcome aboard: the boat10 lessonsFree
  2. How sailing works7 lessonsFull course
  3. Before you sail9 lessonsFull course
  4. Powering up: setting & trimming sails11 lessonsFull course
  5. Turning the boat6 lessonsFull course
  6. Docking & driving under power8 lessonsFull course
  7. Weather7 lessonsFull course
  8. Rules of the road6 lessonsFull course
  9. Calling & being heard4 lessonsFull course
  10. Finding your way7 lessonsFull course
  11. When things go wrong6 lessonsFull course
  12. Staying put: anchoring & mooring5 lessonsFull course

Keep learning at your own pace.

Module 1 is free. Both paid plans unlock the full course. All prices are in USD.

MonthlyFull course access. Renews monthly; cancel from your profile.$9.99per month
LifetimeOne payment for lifetime course access. No renewal.$39.99one payment
Choose a plan in the app

Lifetime includes a 14-day refund window. Read the refund terms.

Prepare for your time on the water.

Start with the free module to see how the lessons and quizzes work. Quiz answers include explanations, and published guides link to their sources.

SailStarter teaches sailing terminology and theory. Practical instruction and time aboard are still part of learning to sail.

How we build the course

Prefer to read first?

Find an answer about your first sail, boat ownership, chartering or a sailing skill.

Browse the sailing guides

Before you start

What can I learn for free?

Module 1 is free with an account, including its lessons, quizzes and progress tracking. No credit card is needed. You can explore the boat on this page before signing in.

What does the paid course include?

Both plans include all 86 live lessons, their quizzes and progress tracking. Monthly access renews until you cancel. Lifetime access is one payment with no renewal. Prices are in US dollars.

Does this replace practical sailing instruction?

No. SailStarter teaches terminology and theory so you can follow what happens aboard. Boat handling needs practice on the water with qualified instruction. SailStarter does not issue a sailing certification.

Can I choose what to learn?

Yes. Follow the recommended order or open any lesson included in your access. Retake quizzes whenever you want to check what you remember.