The Sailing skill has only been out for a short time, yet players are already uncovering new mechanics, optimisations, and quality-of-life tricks that dramatically improve the training experience. Whether focusing on shipwreck salvaging, upgrades, crew management, or exploration, there are many small details that make Sailing smoother and more rewarding. This guide covers twelve of the most useful things every player should know when diving into OSRS’s newest skill. Having enough OSRS GP can be very helpful.

1. Build a Salvaging Station Early

Shipwreck salvaging quickly becomes tedious when done entirely at a dock. Sailing back and forth just to sort through loot is inefficient, especially since most salvage isn’t worth keeping. At level 42 Sailing, players unlock the ability to build a salvaging station directly on the boat.

To construct it, a schematic is required. The schematic is obtained by digging a tile next to the Pandemonium cave entrance. The dig spot provides a key, which unlocks a chest on Chinchompa Island southeast of the Tithe Farm. From there, the salvaging station can be built and used to process materials without returning to shore.

2. Unlock the Whirlpool Surprise Beer

A surprisingly important early unlock is the Whirlpool Surprise, available as early as level 30 Sailing. Players only need access to the first two Barracuda Trials—Temper Tantrum and Shark Route. After completing them, speak to Rum Dash Ralph to receive two Whirlpool Surprises and permanently add them to the Pandemonium bar’s stock.

Once 25 of these beers are added to a keg, the boat gains an infinite supply. The drink provides a +3 Sailing boost, which plays a major role in early upgrades and boat progression.

3. Use Boosts to Build Higher-Tier Core Parts

Sailing boosts function similarly to Construction boosts: they allow players to build facilities above their current level. Most importantly, boosting enables the construction of stronger core parts (hull, mast, helm), and these parts retain their benefits even after the boost expires.

However, not all facilities work this way. For example:

Boosting to build a salvaging hook works temporarily, but it stops functioning once the boost wears off.

Cannon upgrades cannot be boosted at all—they simply won’t operate if the level requirement isn't met.

Focus early boosts on hulls, sails, and helms for long-term benefits.

4. How to Increase AFK Time While Salvaging

Shipwrecks move frequently, making traditional salvaging semi-AFK at best. However, placing your boat between two shipwrecks dramatically increases idle time. With salvaging hooks placed on both sides and a crew member assisting, both shipwrecks can be reached without repositioning the boat.

5. Crew Selection Matters—Especially Deck Handiness

Crewmates are unlocked beginning at level 40 Sailing, with up to five available by level 95. They have three stats:

Deck Handiness – affects salvaging XP and the number of crates carried during courier missions.

Privateering – required for cannon operation.

Helmsmanship – increases XP earned from trimming sails.

For salvaging, deck handiness is most important:

Level 1 gives 40% XP

Level 4 gives 70% XP

For maximum salvaging efficiency, Cabin Boy Jenkins, Jobless Jim, or Ex-Captain Cad are ideal. Crew can also be “boost-claimed,” allowing recruitment before meeting the level requirement.

6. Upgrade Sails Early for More XP

Trimming the sail and releasing wind moats gives consistent Sailing XP. The amount earned is not based on the player’s Sailing level, but instead depends on the mast and sail upgrades. For this reason, upgrading sails early leads to noticeably higher XP rates throughout the entire level grind.

7. Choose Hull Upgrades Strategically

Hull upgrades increase both speed and durability, but not every upgrade is necessary if the goal is simply to move faster. For example:

Teak hull = Mahogany hull (same speed)

Camphor hull = Ironwood hull (same speed)

If tankiness isn’t needed, such as during Barracuda Trials, skip the more expensive hulls and opt for the cheaper versions with identical speed stats.

8. Rescue Your Boat From Any Shipwright

Getting stranded is common—teleports, death, or player error can leave a boat far from its owner. Fortunately, any shipwright can “rescue” a boat, instantly teleporting it to their dock. At 55 Sailing, players can also build a teleport focus for a more convenient version of this mechanic.

This trick pairs exceptionally well with courier tasks, which often involve round-trip deliveries. Because return-trip tasks give double XP, teleporting to the pick-up location first saves half the sailing time.

9. Use Port Gadzard for Convenient Upgrading

Upgrading in most shipyards is inconvenient due to the lack of a bank. Port Gadzard, however, has a bank extremely close to the shipwright, making it the best location for building and upgrading facilities. Teleport tablets or the Lunar spellbook make traveling here quick and simple.

10. Rename Boats at 61 Sailing

Players unhappy with their boat’s randomly assigned name can rename it at 61 Sailing. Traveling to the Tear of the Soul and speaking to Sleeve McDagle allows renaming for just one cider—no need to rebuild or replace the boat.

11. Unlock Additional Brews Through Charting

Besides Whirlpool Surprise, various specialty brews offer powerful bonuses:

Kraken Stout (5 charted seas): +4% ocean encounter rate

Peril Dance Bitter (8 seas): +1 cannon damage

Trawler’s Trust (50 seas): +5% deep-sea fishing success

Horizon’s Lure (70 seas – all chartable areas): +2.5% Sailing XP

These brews can also be stored in the keg for unlimited use.

12. The Crystal Extractor: The Most Broken Facility So Far

Unlocked at 73 Sailing after completing the Shark Rank at Gwenneth Glide, the Crystal Extractor passively generates a wind moat every 60 seconds. Each harvested moat grants 600 XP, totaling more than 30,000 XP per hour with no additional effort.

Placement matters: build it in the facility slot directly in front of the helm to activate it while steering.

Final Thoughts

Sailing is still new, and players are discovering new optimizations daily. These twelve tips cover some of the most impactful early-game strategies, from boosting upgrades to crew efficiency to powerful brewing bonuses. As the meta continues to evolve, sailing will only get smoother, faster, and more rewarding. Having enough cheap OSRS GP can also provide a better gaming experience.