Ultimate OSRS Sailing Skill Guide (2025) | Complete Guide, Training Methods, Rewards & More
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) introduced its first ever new skill, Sailing, after more than a decade of nostalgia-driven content. Voted and approved by the community through a historic poll, Sailing is a unique and adventurous skill that opens up the vast oceans of Gielinor for exploration, skilling, combat, and profits. In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll dive into every aspect of the Sailing skill — from how it works to training methods, rewards, lore, and its impact on money-making.
Table of Contents
- What is the Sailing Skill?
- Sailing Skill Lore and Background
- How Sailing Was Introduced (Community Poll History)
- Core Mechanics of Sailing
- How to Unlock Sailing
- Sailing XP Rates and Levelling Guide (1-99/120)
- Sailing Training Methods
- Best Sailing Training Routes
- Tools, Ships & Equipment
- Sailing Mini-Games & Events
- Bosses & Naval Encounters
- Profitable Activities with Sailing
- Sailing Rewards & Unlockables
- Impact on OSRS Economy & Other Skills
- Tips for Efficient Training
- Sailing Memes & Community Reactions
- Future of Sailing
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
1. What is the Sailing Skill?
Sailing is a new skill that allows players to sail ships, explore the uncharted sea regions, complete missions, engage in naval combat, and perform nautical tasks. Unlike traditional land-based skills, Sailing is the first “open-world” skill where you travel on the sea to gain experience, earn loot, and uncover secrets.
2. Lore and Background
Sailing ties deeply into Gielinor’s history. From pirates of Brimhaven to the arcane ships of Port Phasmatys, Gielinor has always hinted at a vast unexplored ocean. Sailing allows players to uncover ancient shipwrecks, explore cursed isles, and face mythical sea monsters. This expansion brings the seas of Gielinor to life.
3. Community Poll: How Sailing Was Introduced
Sailing was approved in a multi-phase community poll. Initially suggested in 2020 and later revamped in 2022, the final concept was voted in 2024 with over 80% community approval, making it the first new skill added to OSRS since launch.
4. Core Mechanics of Sailing
- Ship Control: Players pilot ships using map-based or manual controls.
- Seamanship: Manage wind, ship health, crew efficiency.
- Naval Combat: Fight sea creatures or rival ships using cannons and harpoons.
- Sea Charting: Discover new islands and log them in your captain’s log.
- Docking: Port at islands for trading, skilling, and mini-quests.
5. How to Unlock Sailing
You must complete the introductory quest “Sailor’s Calling” which includes:
- Ship crafting tutorial
- First sea trial
- Unlocking the sailor gear
After completing it, you unlock your own Tier 1 starter ship.
6. Sailing XP Rates & Level Guide
- Level 1-20: Basic navigation + dock jobs (10k-20k XP/hr)
- Level 21-40: Low-tier naval routes (20k-35k XP/hr)
- Level 41-70: Sea monster hunting, medium zones (35k-55k XP/hr)
- Level 71-90: Naval combat, advanced shipping lanes (60k-90k XP/hr)
- Level 91-99/120: Deep-sea bosses, rare routes (100k+ XP/hr)
7. Sailing Training Methods
Exploration
Unlock new sea tiles, complete island discovery goals.
Naval Combat
Battle sea monsters and pirates for XP and loot.
Ship Crafting & Upgrades
Build and upgrade ships with better sails, hulls, and cannons.
Dockside Tasks
Perform daily contracts at harbors for bonuses.
8. Best Training Routes (2025 Meta)
- Karamja to Brimhaven Loop (Low level)
- Piscarilius to Great Kourend Isles (Mid-tier XP)
- North of Mos Le’Harmless (Ghost Seas) (High-tier XP + profits)
9. Tools, Ships & Equipment
- Starter Ships, Mid-Tier Brigantines, Elite Galleons
- Items: Ship polish, Navigator compass, Sea charts, Crew gear
10. Mini-Games & Events
- Sea Trials: Time-based navigation events
- Treasure Voyage: Weekly treasure-hunting competition
- Captain’s Gauntlet: High-tier PvE challenge for maxed players
11. Bosses & Naval Encounters
- The Kraken King
- Drowned Admiral
- Ghost Ship Leviathan
- Each has unique loot, titles, and shipwreck bonuses
12. Profitable Activities
- Trade route contracts (30k-200k gp/hr)
- Sea monster loot
- Rare island resources (e.g., Ghostwood, Sea Iron)
- Black market ports (PvP-enabled but high reward)
13. Rewards & Unlockables
- Unique titles: “Captain of Gielinor“, “Storm Bringer”
- Cosmetics: Naval capes, ship skins
- Pets: Mini Leviathan, Ghost Crab
- Boost items for Agility, Crafting, and Fishing
14. Economy & Other Skills
Sailing is deeply integrated with:
- Crafting (Ship parts)
- Fishing (Deep-sea fish)
- Hunter (Sea creatures)
- Construction (Ship upgrades)
Also expected to increase the demand for rare logs, bars, and ropes.
15. Pro Training Tips
- Always upgrade your ship early
- Use crew boosts at higher levels
- Prioritize naval events for fast XP
- Watch YouTube routes for efficient sailing
16. Community Reactions
- “The best update since OSRS mobile!”
- “More immersive than I expected. A+ work.”
- “Can’t wait for PvP naval battles!”
17. The Future of Sailing
Jagex has hinted at:
- Clan ship fleets
- PvP sea zones
- Skilling islands exclusive to Sailing users
18. FAQs
Q: Do I need a group to sail? A: No, you can sail solo or with a crew.
Q: Is Sailing required for quests? A: Yes, several new quests have Sailing requirements.
Q: Can I make money early on? A: Yes, especially from island resource gathering and contracts.
19. Final Thoughts
Sailing is not just a skill — it’s a game-changer. From the immersive gameplay to profitable paths and rich lore, it adds new depth to OSRS. Whether you’re a skiller, PvMer, or money-making adventurer, Sailing has something for everyone.
Start your journey, captain your ship, and rule the seas of Gielinor!
