OSRS Sailing Guide
Build a high-confidence Sailing training plan
Updated August 2026
Sailing progression improves when you choose a route first: trial-focused speed, AFK salvaging, or balanced task progression. Commit to one lane through your next unlock checkpoint, then re-plan as your ship and methods scale.
On this page
18 sections
What Is Your Best Sailing Method Right Now?
Pick your route by intensity, session length, and account goals. Staying consistent with one lane beats constant method hopping.
Choose Your Planning Track
- Fastest XPBarracuda TrialsMaximum active XP route with structured tier progression from 30 onward.Low to Medium
- AFK MainShipwreck SalvagingLower-intensity training with steady XP and consistent profit.Low
- Balanced RouteTasks + Trials MixBalanced path mixing progression tasks with trial bursts for momentum.Low
- Unlock RouteSea ChartingExploration-focused route for one-time XP and long-term bonus unlocks.Low
Method Comparison Arena
Compare speed, effort, and unlock value to choose a route that fits your play schedule.
- FastestUp to ~180K+ XP/hrCost: Low to MediumIntensity: HighUse when: You want shortest time to high levelsAvoid when: You prefer relaxed sessions
- AFK~30K-90K XP/hrCost: LowIntensity: LowUse when: You want low-input training and profitAvoid when: You need peak XP pace
- BalancedMediumCost: LowIntensity: MediumUse when: You want variety with stable progressAvoid when: You prefer one-method loops
- UnlocksUp to ~120K+ XP/hrCost: LowIntensity: MediumUse when: You want exploration XP and account perksAvoid when: You only care about repetitive XP routes
High-Confidence Training Routes
Milestones That Matter
- 15: AFK salvaging unlock threshold.
- 30: Fast trials progression starts.
- 50: AFK route becomes significantly stronger.
- 73: High-tier trial XP scaling begins.
- 99: Final Sailing completion goal.
Execution Checklist
- Choose speed, AFK, or balanced lane first.
- Set upgrade and unlock checkpoints before long grinds.
- Track route performance by milestone, not by single runs.
- Re-plan at 30, 50, and 73.
📊 Sailing XP Rates
Sailing XP rates vary wildly by method and level. Use this quick reference to set expectations, then use the Sailing Calculator to get exact XP-to-99 estimates for your level.
| Method | Level | XP/hr | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda Trials (Gwenith Glide) | 73+ | 180K+ | Active |
| Barracuda Trials (Jubbly Jive) | 55+ | 120K+ | Active |
| Barracuda Trials (Tempor Tantrum) | 30+ | 60K+ | Active |
| Shipwreck Salvaging (crew) | 50+ | 30-90K | AFK |
| Sea Charting | Any | 120K+ avg | One-time |
| Courier Tasks | 1-30 | Best early | Active |
🎣 Boat Fishing (New: Fish From Your Ship)
Since 5 August 2026 you can fish at sea from your own boat. Spots are fixed 5×5 areas — same fish, rates, tools and requirements as on shore, but catchable while your ship is stopped. See every spot in our Boat Fishing guide: all spots, rates & boat requirements.
| Spot | Fish | Boat |
|---|---|---|
| South of Draynor / Port Sarim | Shrimp, Anchovies, Sardine, Herring | Raft (net) / All (rod) |
| Musa Point | Mackerel, Cod, Bass, Sharks | Raft |
| South of Catherby | Lobsters, Tuna, Swordfish | Raft |
| Karambwan (DKP Fairy Ring) | Karambwan | Raft |
| East of Anglerfish (Piscarilius) | Anglerfish | All boats |
| Piscatoris (Monkfish) | Monkfish | Raft |
Rates match land spots — boat fishing is convenience + layered Sailing + Fishing XP. Raft catches Sharks/Lobsters with zero boat upkeep. Compare rates in the Fishing Calculator or map Sailing levels in the Sailing Calculator.
🌊 Introduction to Sailing
Sailing is Old School RuneScape's 24th skill, introduced in November 2025. This skill allows players to navigate the seas, discover new locations, complete time trials, and salvage shipwrecks for rewards. Whether you prefer fast-paced trials or AFK salvaging, Sailing offers diverse training methods for all playstyles.
Why Train Sailing?
- Unlock new areas and shortcuts across Gielinor
- Access unique cosmetic rewards and ship customization
- Participate in engaging Barracuda Trials mini-games
- Earn profit through Shipwreck Salvaging (AFK-friendly)
- Complete Sea Charting for exploration bonuses
📋 Requirements
Pandemonium Quest (Required)
Sailing is locked behind the Pandemonium quest. This is the ONLY requirement to start Sailing.
Quest Start
Speak with Will or Anne in Port Sarim docks
Quest Rewards
Captain's Log and a Raft (your first boat!)
💡 TIP: No skill requirements! Any player can complete this quest and start Sailing immediately.
🎒 Recommended Items
Always Carry:
- Hammer
- Saw
- Cash (for repairs and purchases)
- Spade
Useful Teleports:
- Port Sarim teleport
- House teleport (POH)
- Bank teleports
- Dramen staff (for Fairy Rings)
⚓ Sailing Basics
Navigation Controls
Steering Your Ship
Click on the water to set waypoints. Your ship will automatically navigate to the destination.
Trimming Sails
Watch for wind gusts! Click to trim sails when prompted for bonus XP and increased speed.
Cargo Hold
Access your ship's storage to retrieve your Captain's Log, tools, and store salvaged goods.
Ship Customization
Visit the Shipwright to upgrade your hull, mast, keel, and add custom additions to your ship.
🎯 Captain's Log
Your Captain's Log is your quest journal for Sailing. It tracks:
- Active port tasks (courier and bounty missions)
- Sea Charting progress
- Ship upgrades and customizations
- Sailing statistics and achievements
💡 You can retrieve your Captain's Log anytime from your ship's cargo hold!
🎓 Training Methods
📦 Port Tasks
Port tasks are assignments available from noticeboards at major ports. Two types exist: Courier tasks and Bounty tasks.
Active Task Slots
Courier Tasks (Level 1+)
Simple A-B delivery missions. Pick up cargo from one port and deliver to another.
🎁 Since 26 August 2026, every completed courier task awards a Loot Sack — 5 tiers (Tiny to Huge) scaling with task level and distance. 4 in 5 sacks are GP (up to 9,600 GP for Huge), and 1 in 5 contain boat supplies themed to the destination port, from Dragon cannonballs at Port Roberts to crystal shards at Prifddinas. This makes courier tasks the best pure GP sailing activity. Full table in our Courier Tasks & Loot Sacks guide.
Best for levels 1-30 — and now a solid money-maker at all levels!
Bounty Tasks (Level 30+)
Hunt sea creatures with cannons or ranged weapons to collect body parts. Return to any port master.
⚠️ Not recommended - awaiting rework
🗺️ Sea Charting
Explore landmarks across the seas for one-time XP rewards. Sea Charting activities are tracked in your Captain's Log.
Charting Tools
🎁 Completing all seas rewards a keg of Horizon's Lure (+2.5% XP to all Sailing activities)!
🏁 Barracuda Trials
Time-trial races offering the fastest XP in the game! Each trial has 3 difficulty tiers with increasing rewards.
Tempor Tantrum
Level: 30+
XP/hr: 60-70k
Deliver rum from barracudas while collecting lost supplies around the Tempor.
Jubbly Jive
Level: 55+
XP/hr: 80-90k
Use balloon toads to lure Jubbly Birds to colored flag outcrops.
Gwenith Glide
Level: 73+
XP/hr: 180k+
The ultimate trial! Fastest Sailing XP all the way to 99.
Trial Tiers
🛟 Shipwreck Salvaging (AFK)
The most AFK training method! Sail to shipwrecks, operate your salvaging hook to collect goods, and process them at ports for XP and profit.
XP Rates by Level
💰 Profit Method: Salvaging generates consistent GP while training!
Best at level 50+ when you can hire crewmates to salvage for you. Perfect for second-monitor players.
🎯 Levels 1-30 Route
This efficient route combines courier tasks, sea charting, and early quests to get you through the first 30 levels quickly.
🎒 Inventory Setup
Always Carry:
- Hammer
- Saw
- Cash (for repairs)
- Spade
Quest Items:
- Redberry pie
- Steel bar
Level 1-5: Complete Pandemonium Quest
- Go to Port Sarim and speak with Will or Anne to start the quest
- Complete the Pandemonium quest to unlock Sailing and receive your Raft
- You'll finish the quest at around level 5 Sailing
Level 5-12: First Deliveries
- Visit the noticeboard at the Pandemonium and take a courier task to Port Sarim
- While sailing, trim your sails when wind gusts appear for bonus XP
- Complete Sea Charting objectives along the way:
- Chart: Wreck of Pandemonium III
- Chart: Corpse and treacherous rocks
- Use spyglass to check Lumbridge west mine
- Use spyglass to check wizard tower
- Chart: Port Sarim noticeboard
- Deliver cargo at Port Sarim ledger table (you'll be level 7+)
- Take 2 deliveries back to Pandemonium
- Chart more objectives on return trip (Wreck of Salty Grouper, Karamja shipyard, etc.)
- Optional: Dig between two trees at Pandemonium for a key (needed later)
Level 12-15: Prying Times Miniquest
- Talk to Steve Beanie at Pandemonium pub
- Deliver crate from Port Sarim to Pandemonium
- Visit Thurgo (Imcando dwarf) - give him redberry pie and steel bar for crowbar
- Sail to the sealed crate northwest of Pandemonium and pry it open
- Defeat the drink troll that spawns
- Return to Steve in pub - quest complete! (800 XP)
- Visit the Shipwright and purchase a Skiff (costs 15,000 GP)
🎁 Reward: Crowbar (unlocks new Sea Charting activities)
Level 15-22: Continue Port Tasks
- Level 15: Install a salvaging hook on your ship (optional for AFK training)
- Continue courier tasks between Pandemonium and Port Sarim until level 20
- Take courier task to Catherby if available
- Chart more objectives: Karamja volcano, Dragon Activity Marker, etc.
Level 22-30: Current Affairs Quest
- Requires 22 Sailing
- Complete Current Affairs quest (check wiki for details)
- After quest, upgrade your ship at the boat schematics board:
- Level 17: Iron helm (3 oak planks, 6 iron bar)
- Level 20: Oak hull (10 oak hull parts, 300 iron nails, 20 swamp tar)
- Level 22: Iron keel (10 iron keel parts)
- You'll be around level 24 after the quest
- Continue port tasks until level 30
- Optional: At 26, salvage fishermen shipwrecks for AFK XP
🏆 Levels 30-99 (Fastest Path)
For maximum speed, complete Barracuda Trials from 30-99. Install the Runelite plugin "Barracuda Trials Pathfinder" to highlight correct paths!
🌊 Level 30-55: Tempor Tantrum
Mandatory Upgrades:
- Level 17: Iron helm (3 oak planks, 6 iron bar)
- Level 24: Oak mast & linen sails (10 oak logs, 40 iron nails, 5 bolts of linen)
How it Works:
Navigate to Tempor Tantrum (south of Pandemonium) and talk to Rum-Dashed-Ralph. Sail clockwise to collect rum from barracudas, picking up ALL lost supplies along the way. Return rum to Ralph.
💡 TIP: After beating Shark tier, Ralph gives you 2 Whirlpool Surprises (+3 Sailing boost). Use to upgrade mast/sails early! Buy more from Pandemonium pub.
🐸 Level 55-73: Jubbly Jive
Mandatory Upgrades:
- Level 40: Inoculation station (7 teak planks, 32 steel nails, 6 Relicym's balm)
- Level 55: Mithril helm (3 mahogany planks, 6 mithril bars)
Highly Recommended (Speed):
- Level 48: Mahogany hull (10 hull parts, 300 mithril nails, 20 swamp tar, 5 lead bars)
- Level 52: Mahogany mast (10 mahogany logs, 40 mithril nails, 5 bolts of canvas)
How it Works:
Sail to the toad supply boat to pick up balloon toads. Throw toads at colored flag outcrops to lure Jubbly Birds. Once birds visit all outcrops, trial complete! Pick up ALL lost supplies.
💡 After Shark tier, immediately build the Wind Catcher for your boat! Essential for Marlin tier success.
🌟 Level 73-99: Gwenith Glide
Mandatory Upgrades:
- Level 40: Adamant keel (10 adamant keel parts, 5 lead bars)
Highly Recommended (Speed):
- Level 67: Camphor hull (10 camphor hull parts, 300 adamant nails, 20 swamp tar, 5 lead bars)
- Level 68: Camphor mast (10 camphor logs, 40 adamant nails, 5 bolts of canvas)
🚀 Fastest XP in the Game!
Gwenith Glide offers 180k+ XP/hr at high levels. Complete Shark tier to unlock repeatable Marlin runs, then do this all the way to 99!
💎 Crystal Extractor:
After completing Shark route, build the Crystal Extractor next to your helm. Generates extra wind mote every 60 seconds!
💡 Even if you don't beat the time, you'll still get excellent XP rates. When you need a break, go AFK salvage!
😴 AFK Training (Shipwreck Salvaging)
Shipwreck Salvaging is the perfect second-monitor training method. Highly AFK-friendly with solid XP rates and consistent profit!
How Shipwreck Salvaging Works:
- Install a salvaging hook on your ship (requires level 15)
- Sail to a shipwreck location (marked on map)
- Operate your salvaging hook - inventory fills with salvage
- Store salvage in your cargo hold when full
- Sail to nearby port and process goods at salvaging station
- Receive XP and valuable loot!
📊 XP Rates by Level
*Rates assume best salvaging hook and crewmate setup
✅ Pros
- Highly AFK-friendly
- Generates consistent profit
- Perfect for second-monitor
- Much better with crewmates (50+)
💡 Tips
- Upgrade salvaging hooks ASAP
- Hire crewmates at level 50+
- Process at nearest port
- Mix with trials for variety
🗺️ Sea Charting
Sea Charting is a one-time exploration activity that rewards significant XP. While you can't do it all the way to 99, it's absolutely worth completing for the bonus XP and unlock!
🎁 Ultimate Reward
Keg of Horizon's Lure
Complete all sea charting to unlock this keg for your ship, granting +2.5% XP to ALL Sailing activities!
📊 Sea Charting Statistics
🔍 Charting Tools Required
None (Click to Chart)
Available from start
Spyglass
Found in cargo hold
Crowbar
Reward from Prying Times quest
Current Duck
Reward from Current Affairs quest
Fishbowl Helmet + Diving Apparatus
Required: Recipe for Disaster - Freeing Pirate Pete
💡 TIP: Do Sea Charting naturally while doing courier tasks in early levels, then dedicate time later to complete all remaining charts for the XP boost!
⚙️ Ship Upgrades
Upgrading your ship is essential for efficient Sailing training, especially for Barracuda Trials. Visit the Shipwright to purchase vessels and upgrade components.
🚢 Ships
Level: 1 | Reward from Pandemonium quest
Your starter ship - basic but functional
Level: 12 | Purchase from Shipwright
First upgrade - significantly faster than Raft
🛡️ Hull Upgrades
⛵ Mast & Sails
⚓ Keel & Helm
Keel Upgrades:
Helm Upgrades:
🎁 Rewards & Unlocks
⚙️ Essential Ship Additions
- 15:Salvaging Hook (AFK training)
- 40:Inoculation Station (Jubbly Jive)
- 50:Second Salvaging Hook
- 55:Wind Catcher (Trials boost)
- 73:Crystal Extractor (Wind motes)
✨ Cosmetic Rewards
- 🔑Chest keys from Swordfish tiers
- 🚩Flag cosmetics from Marlin tiers
- 🎨Ship customization options
- 👕Sailor outfits and cosmetics
🗺️ Shortcuts & Unlocks
- ⛵Access to new sailing routes
- 🏝️Chinchompa Island access
- 🔓Faster travel across Gielinor
- 📍Special port locations
📈 XP Boosts
- Keg of Horizon's Lure+2.5% XP to all Sailing (complete all Sea Charting)
- Whirlpool Surprises+3 Sailing boost (buy from Pandemonium pub)
📊 Sailing Calculator
Plan your Sailing training with our calculator:
Calculate:
- ✓ XP needed for level goals
- ✓ Expected XP rates by method
- ✓ Time to reach target level
- ✓ Barracuda Trial estimates
- ✓ Salvaging efficiency
Features:
- ✓ All training methods
- ✓ Trial XP breakdown
- ✓ Salvaging XP rates
- ✓ Optimal method selection
- ✓ Custom level ranges
Frequently Asked Questions
01How do I start Sailing in OSRS?
Complete the Pandemonium quest, which starts in Port Sarim by speaking with Will or Anne. This quest is the only requirement to unlock Sailing.
02What's the fastest way to 99 Sailing?
Do Barracuda Trials from 30-99. Start with Tempor Tantrum (30-55), then Jubbly Jive (55-73), then Gwenith Glide (73-99). This can give 180k+ XP/hr at high levels.
03What's the most AFK Sailing method?
Shipwreck Salvaging is the most AFK method. Available at level 15 with a salvaging hook, and even better at 50+ when you can hire crewmates. Offers 30-90k XP/hr depending on level.
04Should I do Sea Charting?
Yes! Sea Charting offers one-time exploration XP and completing all seas unlocks a keg of Horizon's Lure (+2.5% XP boost to all Sailing activities). Players average 120k+ XP/hr while charting.
05What ship should I buy first?
Start with the Raft from the Pandemonium quest, then buy a Skiff at level 12 (costs 15k). The Skiff will serve you well through early levels.
06How much GP do I need for Sailing?
Budget 500k-1M GP for ship purchases, upgrades, and materials. Major costs include: Skiff (15k), hull/mast upgrades (varies), and construction materials for ship additions.
07Can I make money with Sailing?
Yes! Shipwreck Salvaging generates consistent profit from salvaged goods. High-level activities like trials can also reward valuable items and cosmetics.
08What's the best Sailing training method for Ironman?
Mix Barracuda Trials for fast XP with Shipwreck Salvaging for resources. Ironmen benefit from salvaging as it provides materials needed for ship upgrades.
⚓ Ready to Set Sail?
Sailing is one of OSRS's most engaging skills! Whether you prefer the intensity of Barracuda Trials or the relaxed pace of Shipwreck Salvaging, there's a training method for every player. Start with the Pandemonium quest, follow the 1-30 route, then choose your path to 99!
Darren started playing the original RuneScape 2 back in the day and came back when Old School RuneScape launched. He's played on and off over the years and built OSRSToolkit to give players a single place to find reliable tools, calculators, and guides — all informed by real in-game experience.