As boating education continues evolving alongside growing interest in sailing and hands-on seamanship training, American Sailing and American Boating have announced the release of a new instructional resource designed specifically for sailing educators.
The newly released book, “The Art of Teaching on the Water” by Jenny Wight, focuses on helping instructors develop stronger teaching methods while improving safety, communication, and student engagement in real-world marine environments.
Released May 12, 20206, the guide was created to support instructor development across both American Sailing and American Boating programs and is intended to serve as both a professional development tool and a practical onboard teaching resource.
Rather than focusing solely on sailing techniques, the book explores the broader process of effective instruction in constantly changing on-the-water conditions. Topics include lesson planning, adapting instruction to varying student skill levels, risk management, fostering student confidence, and creating more engaging educational experiences onboard.
According to American Sailing, the book combines proven educational strategies with practical sailing instruction to help instructors better prepare students for real-world boating situations.
Author Jenny Wight, a U.S. Coast Guard captain and American Sailing instructor, brings more than two decades of educational experience to the project. Her approach emphasizes not only what instructors teach, but how those lessons are delivered in dynamic environments where conditions, weather, and student comfort levels can shift quickly.
“After twenty years as an educator, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative great instruction can be,” Wight said in a statement released alongside the book announcement. “My goal is to equip fellow instructors with the tools, confidence, and perspective they need to not just teach sailing, but to shape strong, capable sailors who carry their skills and love of the water forward.”
While the publication is rooted in sailing education, American Sailing noted that many of the book’s concepts extend beyond boating instruction itself. The educational philosophy focuses heavily on experiential learning, adaptability, communication, and confidence-building — principles that can apply across a wide range of teaching environments.
The release also reflects a broader trend throughout the boating industry toward increasing emphasis on quality instruction and formalized training as more first-time boaters and sailors enter the recreational marine community.
Organizations like American Sailing and American Boating continue expanding educational programs aimed at improving both safety and confidence on the water through hands-on learning and certification systems.
American Sailing currently operates one of the largest sailing education networks in the United States, with affiliated schools and instructors offering certification programs recognized internationally. American Boating similarly focuses on practical powerboating education, seamanship, navigation, and operational safety training.
According to the organizations, “The Art of Teaching on the Water” reinforces their continued focus on instructor excellence as a foundation for safer and more effective boating education overall.
The book is now available through American Sailing’s online store.
