North Isle Sailing

By: Marc Modica

Learning to sail is a very difficult challenge for most. The Fort Myers Offshore Sailing School offers outstanding five-day Learn to Sail courses that integrate classroom study and physical, hands-on training. At the end of the Florida sailing schools course, students who pass receive a US Sailing certification. There is a maximum of 4 students to a class, although there may be less.

The Offshore Sailing School was founded by former Olympic competitor and America’s Cup sailor, Steve Colgate. Colgate’s wife, Doris Colgate, opened the Florida sailing schools women-only courses. Today, the school has 11 Florida sailing schools which include some women-only and coed. Students of the course are housed at the Pink Shell Beach Resort on San Carlos Bay. The sailing classes use a training boat that was designed by Colgate, which is nearly unsinkable. The hull’s foam filled compartments help keep the boat afloat. By the second day of the sailing classes, you already become way more familiar with lingo and acronyms used by professionals.

During the physical sailing practice, don’t be surprised to spot green sea turtles or bottlenose dolphins playing in front of your boat. Students take turns steering and overseeing the boat. Instructors show students the basics as well as important tips such as how to read the boat and wind, what to do if you find yourself grounded, basic navigation and right-of-way rules and issues. Students learn how to maneuver the boat more instinctively and practice man-overboard drills. The sailing classes conclude with “free-sailing.” The “free sail” is the graduation. After a written test, students sail the boat without the instructor onboard. Find several other Florida sailing

schools. Check out the different locations on the websites. Rent some affordable Florida vacation rentals in whatever area you decide to go for.

Offshore Sailing School

800-221-4326
Offshore-sailing.com

Lanier Sailing Academy

800-684-9463
laniersail.com

J World School

800-343-2255
jworldschool.com

360 Yachting

866-561-2175
360yachting.com

Rhumbline Sailing School

239-789-7510
sailrhumbline.com

Castle Harbor Sailing School

305-665-4994
castleharbor.com

Coconut Grove Sailing Club
305-444-4571
cgsc.org

Florida Keys Sailing
305-289-9519
Sailfloridakeys.com

Marc Modica