Old School RuneScape Sailing Guide (Levels 1–50)

For years, Old School RuneScape players waited for the arrival of a brand-new skill. When Sailing finally launched, it immediately stood apart from traditional skills. There is no bank standing, no repetitive clicking loops, and no mindless XP grinds. Instead, Sailing introduces exploration, route planning, layered systems, and meaningful progression. While this design makes the skill refreshing, it also creates confusion for new players. With multiple systems unlocking quickly and no obvious early-game path, many players feel lost within their first few levels, leading some to research guides, efficiency methods, or even options like buy OSRS gold to support gear upgrades and reduce early-game friction while learning the new systems.

This guide explains exactly how to train Sailing from level 1 to 50 efficiently, which quests are essential, and which methods provide the best experience without wasting time. By the end, Sailing should feel structured and manageable rather than overwhelming.

Getting Started: Level 1–10

Every Sailing journey begins with Pandemonium, a mandatory introductory quest. This quest unlocks the Sailing skill and rewards you with your first draft ship. You will start in Port Sarim, where the game teaches you the fundamentals of Sailing, including how boards work, how routes function, and how experience is earned. Completing Pandemonium officially unlocks the skill.

At this stage, do not focus on efficiency or speed. The goal of early Sailing is understanding mechanics, not maximizing XP per hour.

Once Pandemonium is complete, return to Port Sarim and interact with the notice board to unlock career tasks. These tasks are your primary training method from levels 1 to 10. They involve short, safe routes between Port Sarim and nearby destinations, providing steady XP while reinforcing navigation basics. While traveling, remain alert for random ocean events, which award passive Sailing XP and should never be ignored.

At level 7, you gain the ability to complete two career tasks simultaneously, improving efficiency. At level 10, routes expand to include Musa Point, offering better XP per trip and slightly longer navigation challenges.

Expanding Systems: Level 12–22

At level 12, complete the Questing Times quest. This unlocks the crowbar, allowing you to begin sea charting. Sea charting is one of the most important Sailing systems. Instead of merely traveling between ports, you actively map the ocean, earning solid XP and unlocking long-term Sailing bonuses.

At level 15, purchase the skiff, a faster and more durable boat that significantly improves travel efficiency. You can also equip a salvaging hook, unlocking shipwreck salvaging. Salvaging adds variety to training and provides additional experience opportunities during voyages.

At level 22, complete Current Affairs to unlock the current tuck. This upgrade improves charting efficiency and makes routes smoother and faster. From this point onward, sea charting should become a core part of your training routine.

Building Momentum: Level 22–30

Between levels 22 and 30, your goal is consistency. Combine sea charting, career tasks, and ocean encounters to maintain steady XP without burnout. During this phase, Sailing begins to feel more rewarding. Routes become faster, decisions matter more, and your upgrades noticeably impact performance.

This is where players often start enjoying Sailing rather than simply learning it.

High XP Methods: Level 30–45

At level 30, you unlock Barracuda Trials, an obstacle-course-style training method designed specifically for Sailing XP. These trials offer significantly higher experience rates than career tasks or basic charting and should become your primary training method from this point forward.

At level 31, the tull upgrade increases your board’s base speed, making trials easier and more consistent. At level 33, achieving Shark Rank at the Temper Tantrum Barracuda Trial unlocks the keg, which can be filled with ales obtained through sea charting to provide powerful Sailing bonuses.

At level 38, Mermaid Guide tasks become available. By now, you can fully chart both the Ardent Ocean and the Sunset Ocean, granting experience boosts that speed up future training.

Preparing for Midgame: Level 45–50

At level 45, complete Trouble Tortugans to unlock access to the Unquiet Ocean, which becomes landable at level 47. While this extends slightly beyond level 50, it perfectly prepares you for midgame Sailing content.

By level 50, you will fully understand routes, charting, trials, and ship upgrades. Sailing will feel smooth, structured, and rewarding rather than confusing.

Final Thoughts

Sailing XP is not about raw speed but consistent progression. Early levels are intentionally slower, but after level 30, experience rates increase dramatically. Combining Barracuda Trials with sea charting provides efficient, enjoyable training without overwhelming grind, especially for players who want to maximize their time while managing costs such as supplies or even researching cheap RS gold to support other in-game goals. Sailing is one of the most unique skills Old School RuneScape has ever added. Once you understand its systems, it becomes one of the most satisfying skills to train. Good luck, enjoy the journey, and fair winds on your adventures at sea.