Old School RuneScape’s Sailing skill allows players to explore new islands, manage ships, and experience a unique style of gameplay. For those looking to progress efficiently, AFK training offers a relaxing and profitable way to level this skill.

One of the questions players ask most is: “Can Sailing be trained AFK?”

Yes—Sailing offers several low-attention and fully AFK training methods that make it perfect for background progress while working, studying, or multitasking. This comprehensive guide explains every AFK method from level 1 to 99, expected XP rates, recommended ship setups, materials needed, and efficient strategies.

If you want to progress faster or upgrade your ship early, you can Buy OSRS Gold or Buy OSRS Items safely with HeeraGold.

What Makes Sailing a Good AFK Skill?

Sailing is designed as a hybrid skill combining exploration, ship management, and resource gathering. While some advanced activities require attention—like storms, enemies, or navigation challenges—many core mechanics are intentionally low-interaction. This makes Sailing one of the most AFK-friendly skills in OSRS.

Several passive roles on your ship can continue running while the player is mostly idle. These include:

  • Long-distance voyages
  • Resource hauling
  • Basic navigation tasks
  • Crew-managed duties
  • Repairing minor ship damage
  • Salvaging repeatable debris fields

Most AFK Sailing methods operate on a timer, allowing 1–3 minutes of hands-off gameplay at a time—similar to aerial fishing, birdhouse runs, or giant seaweed farming, but more continuous.

How Sailing XP Works (Important for AFK Training)

Sailing XP is awarded through multiple systems:

  • Navigation XP – moving your ship, long-distance routes
  • Crew XP – your sailors performing tasks on your behalf
  • Ship Maintenance XP – repairing minor & major ship damage
  • Salvaging XP – recovering floating debris and shipwreck materials
  • Exploration XP – discovering islands, hotspots, and sea features

AFK methods usually involve low-interaction navigation, crew management, or passive salvage fields.

AFK Sailing Training Overview (1–99)

Below is the summarized path before full detailed sections:

  • 1–20: Beginner coastal AFK routes (1–2 min cycles)
  • 20–45: Crew-led salvage loops (2–2.5 min cycles)
  • 45–65: AFK island-hopping trade contracts
  • 65–80: Mid-sea expeditions (3 min AFK cycles)
  • 80–99: Deep-ocean exploration & passive treasure sweeps

This setup gives 100% AFK progression from start to finish, though not always the highest XP per hour.

Level 1–20: Beginner Coastal Sailing (Low Risk, Fully AFK)

When you unlock Sailing, your first ship will be basic and slow. Fortunately, the coastlines are designed for new players and include simple AFK loops.

Recommended Method: Coastal Navigation Routes

  • Choose a short coastal loop (Port Sarim, Catherby, Ardougne).
  • Click the route once.
  • Your ship moves automatically for 1–2 minutes.

Expected XP Rates: 8k–12k XP/hr AFK

Tips:

  • Upgrade the sail early—speed directly boosts XP/hr.
  • Train Construction & Crafting beforehand to build ship parts faster.
  • Avoid storms; beginner ships take damage quickly.

Optional: Stock materials beforehand using Buy OSRS Items for ship repairs.

Level 20–45: AFK Salvage Runs

Once you unlock basic salvaging tools, you can perform extremely AFK-friendly salvage runs.

How Salvage Runs Work:

  • Sail to a debris-dense zone.
  • Your crew automatically collects salvage around you.
  • XP is gained passively for each recovered piece.

AFK Time per Cycle: 2–2.5 minutes

XP/hr: 18k–30k XP/hr depending on ship & crew

Recommended upgrades:

  • Extra cargo space
  • Tier 2 crew members
  • Stronger hull for passive damage resistance

Level 45–65: AFK Island-Hopping Trade Contracts

Trade routes are the mid-game’s most AFK method. Access these after completing initial Sailing quests.

How AFK Trade Contracts Work:

  • Pick a contract between two nearby islands.
  • Load goods into your cargo.
  • Click “Begin Voyage.”

Your ship automatically follows the path. You only need to click again once it completes.

AFK Time per Cycle: 2.5–3 minutes

XP/hr: 35k–50k XP/hr

Bonus: Contracts often give profit, making this one of the few skills where AFK training earns GP.

Level 65–80: Mid-Ocean Expeditions (High AFK XP)

After upgrading your ship’s sails, hull, and navigation tools, you can safely venture into deeper waters.

Mid-Ocean Expedition Training:

  • Select an exploration hotspot.
  • Set the ship’s course.
  • The ship auto-navigates for long periods.

AFK Time per Cycle: 3–3.5 minutes

XP/hr: 60k–75k XP/hr

Recommended upgrades:

  • Heavy reinforced hull
  • Level 3 sails
  • Advanced Map Table

You may want to buy materials early using Buy OSRS Gold to expedite your ship upgrades.

Level 80–99: Deep Ocean Exploration & Passive Treasure Sweeps

This is where max-level AFK training truly shines. Deep-sea routes offer huge XP and can be trained almost entirely AFK with the right gear.

Best Method: Deep-Ocean Treasure Sweep

The treasure sweep fields will be large areas containing:

  • Sunken cargos
  • Ancient debris
  • Rare salvage

Your ship moves slowly through the field while the crew continuously collects items.

AFK Cycle: 3.5 minutes

XP/hr: 90k–120k XP/hr

Profit: Potential 200k–400k GP/hr depending on rare salvage

Best AFK Ship Setups (1–99)

Your AFK efficiency depends heavily on your ship build. Below is a recommended progression path.

Beginner Setup

  • Basic hull
  • T1 sail
  • Small cargo hold
  • 1–2 beginner crew

Mid-Level Setup

  • Reinforced hull
  • T2 sails
  • Medium cargo hold
  • 3–4 skilled crew members

Max-Level Setup

  • Heavy reinforced hull
  • T3 sails
  • Large cargo hold
  • 5–6 expert crew members

AFK Tips to Maximize XP/hr

  • Upgrade sails as early as possible → speed = XP
  • Invest in more crew → passive tasks = AFK XP
  • Avoid storms → they interrupt AFK sessions
  • Use larger cargo holds → fewer interruptions
  • Activate longer navigation routes for longer AFK cycles

You can prepare for ship upgrades early using Buy OSRS Items like planks, nails, and repair materials.

Is AFK Training the Fastest for 1–99?

No—active methods will always be faster. But AFK Sailing is still extremely competitive. Expect 99 to take:

AFK: 180–240 hours Active: 120–160 hours

AFK methods are far more relaxing and profitable.

Final Thoughts: Why AFK Sailing Is Worth Training

Sailing brings a refreshing, peaceful, and profitable AFK gameplay experience to OSRS. Whether you’re working, studying, or playing casually, AFK Sailing allows you to level consistently without constant attention. With the right ship upgrades, crew members, and exploration routes, you can reach 99 with minimal effort while enjoying the beautiful new ocean world.

If you need materials or GP for ship upgrades, you can Buy OSRS Gold or Buy OSRS Items to get ahead of the competition.