Sailing Schools Cape/South Shore/Maybe Boston?

[outwardboundAmy]

Hi again!

I'm shopping sailing schools. Dh and I are trying to pick from several, and I'm being being robustly encouraged to go up to Boston Community Boating ... that' s a trek, but since dh and I are new at this, I really want the best instructor there is. I know going up to the city is taking a risk regarding who we'll get for a teacher, so I'd really appreciate specific recommendations:
particular instructors in several areas.

Thanks a million,

Amy

[sailingdog]

I wouldn't go to community boating for learning, not if your intent is to eventually go cruising... I'd recommend the Boston Sailing Center, which is located on Boston Harbor. One major advantage of going and getting lessons at the Boston Sailing Center is that they do have several boats located out of Fairhaven, MA. I know the people there and they've got an excellent program with good teachers. One of my good friends went through the program there and had a 40' membership for two years... and bought his own boat last year... and was cruising the Bahamas this past winter.

They offer several packages, depending on how much instruction you want. You can also get short trial memberships at various levels, depending on what courses you've taken, and use the boats in their fleet—which range from J/24s, Sonars, Solings, up to several 35-40' cruising boats.

You can also purchase annual memberships there too.

Any questions, let me know.

[thisiswater]

I agree w/ Sailing Dog. Community Boating is kind of a herd-ish scene and instructors are volunteers -- I think it's a great place for kids to learn. However, if you can afford it (and the best money you spend is the money you spend on the best possible learning, IMHO) I like the idea of some continuity and access to lots of boats, especially when you're starting out.

Can you find something like Boston Sailing Center on the Cape for adults?! Wow, it would seem so! We were looking at venues in Boston, too, then found out one of our town's Yacht clubs gives private lessons to adults (not just kids and jr racers) which I think are really reasonable.

Now you just have to figure out if you and your dh want to learn together! After reading other posts, dh and I have decided to take lessons seperately w/ same gender instructors ... YMMV but I think this is a really good approach for us due to our v. different skill sets and aptitudes.

[sailingdog]

I would point out that I spent a half dozen summers at Community Boating...but it isn't really well suited if you're looking to cruise on a larger boat.

[Tanley]

Depending on where you are relative to the Cape, you can check this place out too

Sailing School

No affiliation, but we had our boat at Kingman this Spring and heard good things.

[HighFiveSailor]

I completed ASA 104 at Black Rock Sailing School on Boston Harbor this past summer (www.blackrocksailingschool.com). Their website was impressive and I must say the quality of instruction blew me away (i.e. they more than lived up to their reputation). They won ASA school of the year for the past few years and my instructor, Brenton, won instructor of the year. New boats and great location (easy on/off to highways and best access to open water). Very small school but I intend to do serious cruising and want/need quality instruction. I've have been disappointed with some other schools in the past. I hope to do 105 and 106 with Black Rock next year!

I wouldn't recommend Community Boating for learning unless you only want to learn the very basics. It could be a fun place to sail/practice on smaller boats for cheap though!