Sailing Training Guide 1–99
The most efficient routes to mastery. Whether you want maximum XP/hr or a chill AFK method, we have charted the perfect course for you.
Training Strategy Overview
Sailing is a utility skill that rewards preparation. Unlike clicking a rock every 3 ticks, Sailing XP comes from completing Voyages, engaging in Naval Combat, and Charting new areas.
The "meta" for 2025 involves a hybrid approach:
- Levels 1-40: Courier Missions (Port Tasks) are king. They are fast, safe, and teach you wind mechanics.
- Levels 40-70: Shipwreck Salvaging offers the best balance of XP and GP.
- Levels 70-99: Naval Combat in the Deep Sea zone is the fastest XP in the game (up to 140k/hr) but costs significant GP in cannonballs.
Quick XP Rates Table
| Level Range | Method | XP/Hour |
|---|---|---|
| 1–20 | Port Sarim Courier | 8k – 12k |
| 20–40 | Coastal Netting | 15k – 22k |
| 40–60 | Fossil Island Charting | 35k – 45k |
| 60–75 | Shipwreck Salvage | 55k – 70k |
| 75–99 | Deep Sea Combat (Meta) | 110k – 140k |
Levels 1–20: The Basics
XP Rate: 8k - 12k/hr
Method: Port Sarim Courier Runs
The most efficient way to start is by completing "Courier Contracts" for the Port Sarim Sailing Guild. These are short, instanced missions that teach you the basics of wind and navigation.
Step-by-Step Loop:
- Talk to Captain Tinea at the end of the Port Sarim dock.
- Accept a "Local Delivery" contract (usually to Entrana or Musa Point).
- Board your Basic Sloop (provided for free).
- Set sail! Pay attention to the wind arrow. If it's red, tack (zigzag) to maintain speed.
- Dock at the destination, deliver the crate to the Portmaster.
- Use the "Home Teleport" or sail back to repeat.
Speed Tip
Don't bother upgrading your ship yet. The Basic Sloop has a high acceleration which is better for these short trips than the heavier Oak ships.
Levels 20–40: Coastal Expansion
XP Rate: 15k - 22k/hr
Method: Coastal Netting
At Level 20, purchase an Oak Hull from the Catherby Shipwright. This unlocks the "Netting" activity. You drag a heavy net behind your ship to catch fish passively while sailing.
The Route (Catherby to Rellekka)
Sail north from Catherby, hugging the coast past Sinclair Mansion, up to Rellekka. Bank your fish there, then sail back.
- Best Wind: South-West
- XP Drop: Every 10 fish caught
- Loot: Tuna, Swordfish, Caskets
Gear Checklist
- Hull: Oak Hull
- Tool: Large Net
- Crew: Fisherman (+10% Catch)
Levels 40–70: The Mid-Game Split
XP Rate: 35k - 70k/hr
Option A: Fossil Island Charting
Unlock the "Teak Hull" at level 40. Navigate to Fossil Island. The waters here are filled with "Uncharted Islets". Sailing close to them grants a large "Charting XP" drop.
The Loop Strategy:
Start at the North Camp. Sail East -> South -> West (around the island) -> Back to North. The islets "reset" their XP potential every 10 minutes, which perfectly matches one lap time.
Option B: Shipwreck Salvaging (Level 50+)
If you need gold, switch to Salvaging at Level 50. Buy a Diving Bell. Use your Sextant to locate wrecks near Mos Le'Harmless.
- XP: ~45k/hr
- GP: ~500k/hr
- Req: Diving Apparatus
- Risk: None
Levels 70–99: Deep Sea Mastery
XP Rate: 110k - 140k/hr
Method: Deep Sea Combat
140k
XP per Hour
The Meta Strategy
This method involves "Chin-style" AoE damage. You will be hunting Abyssal Sirens or Ghost Fleets in the Deep Sea. The goal is to stack multiple enemies and hit them all simultaneously with cannon broadsides.
- Aggro: Sail near 3-4 enemy ships to gain their aggression.
- Stack: Sail in a tight circle to force them to clump together.
- Fire: Use "Heavy Cannons" with "Explosive Shells" (AoE).
- Repeat: Loot only high-value drops (Dragon items) to save time.
Required Gear
- Mahogany Hull (Level 70)
- Heavy Cannons (x4)
- 20k+ Cannonballs
- Navigator Crew (Speed buff)
Cost Analysis
- GP/XP: ~12 GP/XP
- Total Cost (70-99): ~150M GP
- Alternative: Use Steel Cannonballs to cut cost by 60% (XP drops to ~90k/hr).