The Offshore Sailing School was founded by former Olympic competitor and America’s Cup sailor, Steve Colgate. Colgate’s wife, Doris Colgate, opened the Florida sailing schools women-only courses. Today, the school has 11 Florida sailing schools which include some women-only and coed. Students of the course are housed at the Pink Shell Beach Resort on San Carlos Bay. The sailing classes use a training boat that was designed by Colgate, which is nearly unsinkable. The hull’s foam filled compartments help keep the boat afloat. By the second day of the sailing classes, you already become way more familiar with lingo and acronyms used by professionals.
During the physical sailing practice, don’t be surprised to spot green sea turtles or bottlenose dolphins playing in front of your boat. Students take turns steering and overseeing the boat. Instructors show students the basics as well as important tips such as how to read the boat and wind, what to do if you find yourself grounded, basic navigation and right-of-way rules and issues. Students learn how to maneuver the boat more instinctively and practice man-overboard drills. The sailing classes conclude with “free-sailing.” The “free sail” is the graduation. After a written test, students sail the boat without the instructor onboard. Find several other Florida sailing schools. Check out the different locations on the websites. Rent some affordable Florida vacation rentals in whatever area you decide to go for.
Offshore Sailing School
800-221-4326
Offshore-sailing.com
Lanier Sailing Academy
800-684-9463
laniersail.com
J World School
800-343-2255
jworldschool.com
360 Yachting
866-561-2175
360yachting.com
Rhumbline Sailing School
239-789-7510
sailrhumbline.com
Castle Harbor Sailing School
305-665-4994
castleharbor.com
Coconut Grove Sailing Club
305-444-4571
cgsc.org
Florida Keys Sailing
305-289-9519
Sailfloridakeys.com