Sailing Vacation / School

[davidpm]

I'm from CT and have two round-trip tickets to anywhere Continental US. We let ourselves get bumped our last airline trip.

I'm pretty comfortable captaining been sailing a lot the last two seasons and on and off for 20 years before that. My wife sailed 25 years ago but has lost her confidence. I would like to use my tickets this winter to go some place warm, maybe Florida as it is close and do some sailing.
If I could pickup a charter certificate and/or get some training for my wife that would be best.
I could, with effort, keep my mouth shut and just let the teacher teach.
What schools, programs do you recommend?

[Geosailor]

David, I did Blue Water Sailing School out of Ft. Lauderdale about 6 years ago with my (then) 15 year old son. It was a live-aboard school, with trip from Ft. Laud to somewhere in the Keys, then back. Boats were older, but you know what, it taught me how to live on a boat I could afford, warts and all. A bit rough around the edges, but worth the experience, including getting hollered at by the Miami marine police for anchoring in some cove that was supposedly restricted. As I said, kind of a real-world experience.

On the other hand, I did the Colgate school with my wife on Captiva 3 years ago, for precisely the same reason you're thinking - giving my wife the confidence to sail without my bluster. We stayed in a condo on the beach, and sailed during the day, after some morning classroom work. It worked. She loved it - and it substantially lessened the fear of heeling and sailing in general, as well as the intimidation of big boat sailing.

Good luck.

Bill

[badsanta]

Maryland school of seamanship was fun. On the chesapeake bay and blue water to caribbean and other places

[davidpm]

I'm attracted to this website Sailing Lessons - Florida Sailing School - Bareboat Charter - Navigation Classes - Catamaran Sailing - Yacht Charter
I'll give them a call and see if they are still in business.
I like the couples focus, don't know the area though.

I talked to them this weekend. Very personable person that took my call.
I'll have to check it further.