What is Sailing?
Sailing is the first new skill added to Old School RuneScape, radically changing how players interact with Gielinor's oceans. Unlike traditional skills that are menu-based or node-gathering focused, Sailing is a utility and movement skill that allows you to captain your own vessel, explore procedurally generated seas, and engage in dynamic naval combat.
At its core, Sailing is about freedom. You are no longer bound to charter ships or teleports; you chart your own course. As you level up from 1 to 99, you will upgrade your ship from a humble raft to a massive Colossal Galleon, recruit a crew of NPCs with unique stats, and discover uncharted islands filled with rare resources and new slayer monsters.
Why Train Sailing?
Unlock New Areas
Access exclusive islands, dungeons, and resource areas that are only reachable by your own ship.
Profitable Voyages
Engage in merchant runs and deep-sea looting to earn some of the highest GP/hr rates in the game.
Naval Combat
Experience a new combat system. Upgrade your cannons and hull to take down massive sea beasts.
How to Start Sailing
Visit Port Sarim
Head to the Port Sarim docks and speak with the Sailing Master to purchase your captain's license.
Buy Your First Ship
Purchase a Basic Sloop from the shipyard. It's small, but it's yours. You can name it whatever you like.
Complete the Tutorial
Finish the "Maiden Voyage" miniquest to learn the basics of steering, tacking, and interacting with the wind.
Set Sail
Click the gangplank to board your ship. The open ocean awaits! Start with coastal waters before venturing into the deep sea.
Core Tools & Calculators
XP Calculator
Calculate exact actions needed for your next level. Supports all training methods including Charting and Combat.
XP Planner
Plan your journey from 1-99. Compare efficiency of different routes and estimate time to max.
Training Guide
The meta guide for efficient leveling. Optimized routes for low, mid, and high-level captains.
Comprehensive Guides
Money Making
Maximize your GP/hr. From safe cargo delivery runs to high-risk deep sea raiding and boss hunting.
Ship & Gear
Upgrade paths for every budget. Comparison of Oak vs. Teak hulls, cannon types, and essential sails.
Drop Tables
Full drop lists for Sea Monsters, Pirates, and Treasure Chests. Find out where to get the Spirit Anchor.
Wind Mechanics
Master the wind to increase your XP/hr. Learn tacking, jibing, and how to read the wind indicator.
Core Mechanics Explained
Wind & Movement
Sailing speed is dictated by the wind direction relative to your ship. Sailing with the wind (Running) provides max speed. Sailing into the wind (Irons) brings you to a halt. You must learn to "Tack" (zigzag) to move upwind efficiently.
Ship Weight & Drag
Your ship's weight affects acceleration. Heavier hulls (like Mahogany) have more HP but turn slower. Lighter hulls (like Sloop) are agile but fragile. Balancing cargo weight vs. speed is key for efficient XP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sailing a members-only skill?
Yes, like most new skills, Sailing is exclusive to OSRS members. However, F2P players can visit the Port Sarim shipyard to explore the area.
Do I need Construction levels?
Construction is highly recommended. It allows you to build upgrades on your ship, such as repair benches and storage chests, which are vital for long voyages.
Can I lose my ship?
If your ship sinks, you will respawn at the nearest port. You will need to pay a reclamation fee to get your ship back, similar to the gravestone system.
Is Sailing a combat skill?
It is a hybrid skill. While it has combat elements (cannons), it is primarily a support and utility skill focused on exploration and movement.
Latest Sailing Articles
View all updates →Is the Heavy Ballista Cannon Worth 10m?
We spent the gold so you don't have to. Spoiler: It's great for bosses, terrible for training.
Port Sarim to Karamja: XP Rate Deep Dive
Everyone says this route is 40k/hr. We ran it for 10 hours. Here is the real number.
Stop Ignoring Wind Mechanics
You are losing 20% of your speed by sailing directly into the wind. Learn to tack properly.