Sailing schools

[welch]

I have managed to collect lots of information from diffrent sailing schools. We are interested in a "Fast Track to Cruising" program, I think. Many schools offer this. Is this a good program? Is it needed? Does the school make a big difference? I hate to blow a bundle but I would hate to get caught with my pants down, so to speak. Any thoughts? Dave

[owlmtn]

Practical Sailor did their usual thorough analysis of Sailing Schools a couple of years ago. I''m sure you can get reprints from them.<http://www.practical-sailor.com/> My personal experience is with J-world and found it an excellent experience. Jim

[DuaneIsing]

Dave,

We decided to shorten the initial learning curve on "big boat" sailing with a weeklong course at Colgate''s Offshore Sailing School (the Captiva, FL location) last Feb. We were very satisfied with the quality of the instruction and benefited emormously.

I went from absolutely minimal sailing experience in the past 25 years, to skippering a 45'' sloop with very high confidence in my first charter in Jun 02. I could not have done that without the course, or lots of individual days on the water under a good instructor. The latter just was not possible for us.

I would strongly recommend, however, that you attend the course after very thorough preparation on your own (using the course''s materials, ideally). The course we took was very fast paced (especially the classroom). Basically, you had to KNOW the material very well, then the class was just to reconfirm that you knew it. There is almost no time to learn it there.

If you have to use all your brain cells during the course trying to learn the COLREGS, or the theory behind sail trim, or anchoring, or windage effects, etc., I fear you will not be ready to benefit as well from the important part about actually handling the boat.

Of course, this is just my opinion from one person''s experience. BTW, if you have a flexible schedule, Colgate''s school offers a 50% discount if you join their "last minute club," or whatever it''s called. Good luck.

Duane

[tsenator]

I know someone who took the 3-day Colgate course in Stamford, CT and was very satisfied. After the course she felt a lot more confident that she could helm a boat on her own. I have heard a lot of good things about the Colgate course. I heard the J Boat class is very good, but possibly a little advanced and maybe more leaning towards racers.

Colgate''s web site is http://www.offshore-sailing.com/
They have classes in a lot of areas.

[captsoncall]

One on One training available from Captains on Call in Tampa Bay area (941-518-3445). Really experienced cruisers, training of couples who want to go cruising a specialty.