LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Sailing Association (ASA), the leading authority on commercial sailing schools in the United States, today launched an exclusive partnership with Boatbound, the nation's fastest growing peer-to-peer boat rental marketplace in the United States, to introduce more people to the sport of sailing via ASA schools, training, and certification programs.

"We've been excited about what the sharing economy can do for both individuals and the boating industry, and we are thrilled to be partnering with Boatbound, the leader in the peer-to-peer boat sharing space. This partnership will help ASA certify the next generation of boaters and continue the pursuit of our mutual goal to make sailing more affordable and accessible for everyone," said Charlie Nobles, Executive Director of the American Sailing Association (ASA).

As a result of this partnership, Boatbound members will receive access to ASA's extensive library of tutorials, educational and destination focused content, as well as discounts on ASA sailing certification courses. Once a sailor completes a certification course, they will have the ability to add the ASA credentials to their boater profile on Boatbound. This enhancement will give boat owners using the Boatbound platform confidence in the qualifications of future renters. In addition, all ASA members will receive a $25 boating credit to use toward renting a boat  in any one of the thousands of Boatbound destinations.

"We are passionate about growing the sailing community through Boatbound and could not think of a better partner than the American Sailing Association to make it happen. As we continue to expand the Boatbound brand, we believe introducing new boaters and sailors to ASA and their world class certification courses and sailing schools, will further enhance our focus on a safe Boatbound experience," said Aaron Hall, Founder of Boatbound.

Registering on Boatbound is free for both boat owners and renters. Boatbound allows boat owners to rent their boat to pre-screened, qualified renters, helping offset the cost of boat ownership. Boat owners decide who can rent their boat and they also set the price and availability of the rental. Renters can find any type of boat, rigged the way they want it, at any price, anywhere in the United States.

Boatbound and the ASA will continue to work through various social, media, and policy level channels to promote quality sailing education and certification.

About The American Sailing Association:

The American Sailing Association has been the leading authority on commercial sailing sailing schools in the United States for three decades. With more than 300 professionally accredited schools affiliated with ASA worldwide, the organization has certified more than 445,000 sailing students and nearly 7,000 professional sailing instructors. Approximately 85% of professional sailing schools in the U.S. are affiliated with the ASA. ASA is a leader in setting uniform educational teaching standards for commercial sailing schools in America and, increasingly, around the world. For further information, contact the ASA at www.asa.com.

About Boatbound:

Boatbound™, the nation's fastest growing boat rental marketplace, gives the over 13 million registered boat owners a way to offset their ownership costs by renting their boat to pre-screened, qualified renters. Every rental includes up to $1 million in liability protection from one of the most trusted insurers in the world, as well as on the water towing and support from Boat U.S. Whether you are looking for a ski or wakeboard boat, a fishing boat to explore a local fishing hole, or a sailboat to leisurely set sail, Boatbound creates safe and unique boat rental experiences at any price.  Boatbound is free to join and has no monthly or membership fees. Visit www.boatbound.co for more information.

Contact:
Sara Morgan
415.802.0182
sara@elevenelevenpr.co

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SOURCE American Sailing Association (ASA)