Sailboat School Informantion

Diceman · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

I would like to ask a question on sailboat sailing school's. I am brand new to Sailnet and sailing. So new I am now just going to sign up for class's. ASA-101-ASA-103-ASA-104-to learn what I am suppose to know. I am 62 wife 61. Wife will likely steer and put thing's away. I am in ok shape with a good knowledge of how thing's work and with a good mechanical back ground. We plan to sail in the Great lake's for a couple of year's.Then go to Florida and sail their. We also would like to be able to sail to the Caribbean from Florida.
Now in choosing a school our we better off going to one that is offer in the great lakes for fresh water or down south in blue water? Are their any recommendation for a school?
Thank's Diceman

MarkCK · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

If you are just taking entry level courses on how to sail it probably doesnt matter where you sail at. Once you get to the more advanced courses that certifies you to charter a sailboat there is probably some benefit to learning in Florida. The shallow waters in Florida can be tough to navigate if you dont know how to read the green and red signs (i know not technically what they are called, red right return you know what i mean).

I took a keel boat certification asa 104 on marco island florida and thought that it was pretty good.

Diceman · #3 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

Thanks for Help on this.

tomandchris · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

Diuceman,

It really does not matter where you take the classes. The water is sweeter in the Great Lakes and salted in the ocean. You still float on top and hit bottom if it is too shallow. The key is to begin learning and getting comfortable with boats for both you and your wife. I would also suggest that you share duties if you plan on living aboard later. Some duties just naturally get divided on land or water, but on water you want her to be able to survive is something happens to you.

The key to WHERE to learn is WHO you learn from. Get recommendations for the school and the instructor. The instructor makes the difference between a great experience and a OK experience.

Good Luck!

tomandchris · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

Diceman,

It really does not matter where you take the classes. The water is sweeter in the Great Lakes and salted in the ocean. You still float on top and hit bottom if it is too shallow. The key is to begin learning and getting comfortable with boats for both you and your wife. I would also suggest that you share duties if you plan on living aboard later. Some duties just naturally get divided on land or water, but on water you want her to be able to survive if something happens to you.

The key to WHERE to learn is WHO you learn from. Get recommendations for the school and the instructor. The instructor makes the difference between a great experience and a OK experience.

Good Luck!

svHyLyte · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

Start here: US Sailing - Online Sailing Course and Lessons and click on the "Search" tab and then "Keelboat Schools"...

FWIW...

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

While it doesn't really matter where you take the basic courses, the advanced ones would probably be best taken on salt water. The reason I say this is that the freshwater courses may not emphasize the need to pay attention to tides and tidal currents as much as a saltwater course will. The two are critical, especially if you are interested in a deeper draft boat and visiting the Caribbean.

Yorksailor · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

Take courses on the Lakes in summer and Florida in winter and spring. Your clock is ticking so if you are serious you need to devote much time as possible to the learning process. Once you have got to bareboat charter level, which is accelerated with outfits like Sun Sail, since they make money chartering you boats. You can then develop confidence rapidly and enjoyably.

Good luck.

Diceman · #9 (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

Thanks all. Very good points again. I can see where paying attention to tides and tidal currents would be a big thing if not aware of them in places you have not been to. I will also go to the link and try that. I may have thrown some people off on the title to this thread. I was looking for what schools stand out and are better for me. I was trying to give information about I and my wife so others would be able to look at what I needed. Along with the post that have been already coming suggesting what I should do. Helps me. Thanks again Diceman

tomandchris · #10 (**permalink**) 06-23-2010

Diceman,

As you are going to sail the Great Lakes I assume you live somewhere in the area. If you give us a area we may be able to point you to a good school.