Choosing a sailing school

Stefanop · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

I'm very interested in taking sailing lessons this spring summer and I'm looking to see if anyone has any recommendations on a specific school or tips on choosing the right scoool. I live in CT and this will be the beginning of my sailing experience. I've been on this website many times and have learned a lot from the other member as they have recommended first time sail boats and the like. I to will have many questions on buying my first boat but for now I think it's best to get started with sailing lessons.

jackdale · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

Lots of threads.

ASA and USSailing are both. The biggest factor is the instructor.

Yorksailor · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

I always recommend a sailing club based US Sailing course because at our Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club in Miami, once you have taken a course you get to 'drink beer and tell lies' with some very experienced sailors.

We have sailboats that can be rented by members at well below commercial prices and one very nice lady who did that has sailed with me in Florida, the Bahamas, Spanish Virgins, Grenada, England and France and she is just one of the 100+ people I have taken sailing. Other crew have done trips from Puerto Rico to Halifax and back to Miami and Puerto Rico to the South West Caribbean.

Phil

svHyLyte · #4 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

You might also look into the Colgate Sailing School. I understand they have an operation in City Island NY and they have an excellant program on good boats.

FWIW...

bmiller21 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

Definitely the biggest factor is the instructor. It's a good idea to call different schools and get a feel for them. Some schools in CT include Sail the Sounds in Mystic, Pinnacle in Stamford, and American Sailing Acad. in New London. There are probably many others as well.

RealityCheck · #6 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

You should also look into a on-board Vacation/ Sailing School option. Many exist here in the BVI and the cost is just about what the vacation would be if booked alone. Swan Sailing School at Nanny Cay in the BVI has a good rep and great instructors.... in a week to 10 days of intensive hands on and book work you will have your charter level certification..... if you do what is required and most do and love it. I've know many of them.

Stefanop · #7 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

thank you very much for the great recommendations. I've made a few calls today and hopefully will be enrolled in one of the schools by mid spring. Thanks again.