Sailing Classes

[dpierce]

Can anyone out there pass on their experience with SunSail sailing schools, especially the Tampa Bay branch. I''m considering a one week school with them this summer and don''t want to go in blind. Thanks, Dave...

[jmig7]

I just signed up with off-shore sailing in St.Petersburg. The top sailing school in the world website: http://www.offshore-sailing.com/
I am going in June for a 9 day fast-track sailing system learn on a 26 and 44 ft boat.
Have fun

[Oulaivanh]

[pointerx6]

I am in the process of relocating to the Seattle area and I have always wanted to learn to sail. Does anyone know of a good sailing school or club for beginners in the area? Thanks

[byrnesp]

Sail camp for kids?
Anybody familiar with a residential sailing-focused camp where my 11 year old could go this summer? He''s been away from home before & is a good travel, sat in on ASA classes with me & spouse, would like to learn to sail on his own before getting his own boat. We live in the southwestern USA (New Mexico) so someplace in CA would be easier to get to than Maine, etc. Pat

[OdysseyGirl]

Well If you are interested I live in tacoma and I have a great program for you if you are interested, im wondering how old are you? I am on crew on a 90ft yawl the odyssey, and thats were I was trained, e-mail me back where you live and some info on yourself and I might be able to help you out

[dhartdallas]

Ahoy, jmig7. You might get the 46 foot Hunter. Great school, good instructors, lots of boat handling. You''ll have a ball. Take some 45SPF. You''ll be in the sun a lot. I did that course out of Fort Lauderdale. Great people, good boats, lots of fun, excellent skills development. That 26 foot Colgate was specifically designed by Steve Colgate for basic keelboat training. It is excellent for that. Good Luck. Have Fun.

[dhartdallas]

Correction to my 12-12. I said "out of Fort Lauderdale", I meant St. Pete. Was thinking about Fort Lauderdale at the time. Freudian slip. Regards. dhd

[jpd4652]

Does anyone have any experience with Off shore sailing school or Womanship sailing school? I''m turning 50 in 2002 and want to take sailing lessons.
Thanks,
Janice

[Jeff_H]

Both have good teaching reputations. Years ago, I ended up anchored next to a Womanship boat. Having taught sailing myself, I was very impressed at the teaching style, clear presentation and content being covered. The teachers were clearly tailoring the information to the wide audience they had on board which included women who apparently had never sailed, to women who had some sailing experience but were trying to get ''certified''. (They had a chat in the cockpit and we were in clear earshot.) The only negatives that I have heard about Womenship is that several years back they went through an economic crisis and that some people were stuck for deposits when Womanship cancelled because they did not have a boat available. I don''t know much about the specifics of the situation and I assume that they have straightened the problem by now but it is worth an inquiry.

Steve Colgate''s Offshore sailing scholl has a very good reputation for teaching sailing basics. His wife''s book, which is titled so as it indicate that it is intended to teach woman to sail, is actually one of my favorite ''learn to sail'' books for any gender.

At least from what I''ve seen and heard Womanship seems to be focused on building basic skills and cruising skills. Offshore sailing school seems a little more focused on boat handling skills and the perhaps a slightly higher level of sailing proficiency. I do think that the boats used at Offshore are better suited as a teaching platform.

The other school that I like is J-World. They are focused toward teaching performance oriented sailing. Without knowing you it is hard to say which is right for you.

Regards
Jeff