Blue Water vs Fair Winds vs Reef Runner

CarbonRhody · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2011

Good morning everyone! I know a lot of people have asked similar questions, but I am looking for anyone with recent experience with either Blue Water (Ft. Lauderdale or St. Thomas), Fair Winds (USVI or BVI), or Reef Runner (Key Largo) sailing schools? I am interesting in taking a week long liveaboard sailing course with a friend, and I think I've narrowed it down to those three schools. It seems like they all have decent ratings online and are all similar in price, so I am having a hard time deciding. One thing that worries me about Fair Winds is their lack of ASA certification, instead using their own charter certification. But I am not sure how much of a factor that is for me since I am not sure how much bareboat chartering I will be doing.

If anyone has any advice, stories, good or bad instructor notes, or other schools worth considering in that part of the world, I'd love to hear from you!

KINGSTONDIVE · #2 (**permalink**) 01-20-2011

Yes , I am interested in any comments about these sailing schools?
Thanks ,
Anne

KINGSTONDIVE · #3 (**permalink**) 01-20-2011

Ok , I now see some other threads with info for sailing schools.
thanks

CarbonRhody · #4 (**permalink**) 01-20-2011

I did not get any replies, and most of the other threads are pretty old. I just signed up with Blue Water Sailing in Ft. Lauderdale for their A+ course, so I'll let you know how it goes!

Qomomoko · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011

Awsome... it looks like I will be doing lessons with Coconut Grove Sailing Club. The bareboat is ASA 104 and I too plan to take it though it will take me a while to take that. First plan on doing asa 101 and 103.

googleload · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011

I am interested too in any comments about these sailing schools?

eduwriter · #7 (**permalink**) 05-21-2011

I have not taken their course, but have done some research , and found some recent (2011) comments and am signing up for one.

My research shows that the onboard school is not designed as a vacation, but is a lot of work, but rewarding. Most reviewers said they learned a great deal. Most reviewers said that it is necessary that you study the course material they send you before you arrive.

99% of the instructor comments were positive, There was one negative comment about an instructor, but based on the comment I would think that he no nger works there.

Any class also has a lot to do with student dynamics especially if you are on a boat with someone for five days.

Good luck

jfarbe1 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-26-2011

Hey all,
I just joined this forum because I have been a frequent observer but this post happens to be something I can contribute to (better late than never!).

I have just returned from Taking the ASA 103/104 combo course with Reef Runner Sailing out of Key Largo, and it was one of the most rewarding experience I have ever had. It was 3 nights/4 days of non-stop sailing and I learned so much. It is definitely recommended to read over the course material before starting the class, as it is a lot of information to take in in just 4 days, but once there, it was amazing. The instructor (Capt Dave) was great and has you learning the entire time without feeling like your craming for a test. When not practicing your skills you have time to swim and snorkle, relax on deck and cook your meals in the galley. The boat you take out is great, very nice and clean. I have never been to the other schools in this post but I can give an emphatic hell yes for Reef Runner!

~JF

dnf777 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-06-2011

Just returned from an experience similar to farbel1's. Spent 5 days living on-board with BlueWater Sailing School out of Ft. Lauderdale, and can't say enough good things about the people and their program.

If anyone is considering BWSS, I can PM more of my experience, but in brief, would eagerly recommend them to anyone. (no affiliation other than satisfied customer)

rjcaudle · #10 (**permalink**) 06-06-2011

FairWinds, my wife and I did a one week trip on Cat (I think it was 45ft) in May of 2010.

At the time they still offered ASA certification. For some reason they lost that with ASA.

Experience was excellent. Captain was nice guy and excellent teacher. However boat was not in best of shape. Broken waste tank (yuk)

I would do it again if I had same instructor. Problem is not knowing the captain. I would try to find out more about the captain, but that may not be easy.

rjc