Lessons in Fort Lauderdale

[acunningham]

I'll be living in Fort Lauderdale from late September for a couple of months. Can anyone recommend a company offering weekend sailing lessons? I'm interested in either keelboats or cruising boats.

[pete33458]

Blue Water Sailing

[acunningham]

Pete,

Yes, I saw their website and their "Course A plus" does seem interesting. My only concern is taking time off work during the week. Weekend courses would be ideal, but I'm not sure if anyone does this?

[pete33458]

Oh, sorry, didn't realize weekend was a key. Give them a call. Otherwise, I don't know any other schools in Lauderdale, but perhaps you'll hear from someone else.

[acunningham]

It's not key, just a nice to have. If there aren't any weekend courses, then their weekly course is very much an option!

[buckybax]

Pls keep us informed on your experience with Blue Water. I am also considering attending in the fall. Thx Buck

[Vasco]

acunningham,

If you want private lessons pm me. A friend of mine (licensed skipper of motoryachts) who used to cruise is now based in Ft. Lauderdale and has a 36 foot sailboat.

[buckybax]

I suppose with me it all boils down to learning the most for the least amount of money and having the best time possible doing it. Fortunately, I have plenty of time and I like to think that I bring my share to the table at all times. Maybe your friend is interested in learning some nifty guitar licks while demonstrating the auto-pilot. This with some cash and some good comradery might be a fair deal to him? Pls keep me posted! I'll be ready to start in Sept. Thanks. Buck

[acunningham]

Buck, Will do!

[maxingout]

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to learn to sail. Head out through the Lauderdale inlet, and you are ready for some gusto sailing. And if you want to go out into the Gulf Stream, it is relatively close to shore. You can work out on any point of sail. Enjoy.

[osirissail]

Try Florida Yacht Charters & Sales - Sailing School & Instruction
They had a different name 30 years ago when I got an ASA -- American Sailing Association bareboat charter certification from them. But they are a top notch outfit and can take you from zero to certification quickly. They do their basic schooling in Biscayne Bay which allows you to learn even when the Atlantic outside is kicking up too much.
- - Whatever school you choose, be sure to investigate their "band name" of the certification program. ASA is recognized by most of the Caribbean bareboat chartering outfits so you can easily rent a boat for a week in Paradise with friends.
- - Bareboat chartering is the key to learning beyond the classroom and also to experience all the difference makes/models/brands of boats in anticipation of finding the boat that is best for your desires in the future.

[CaptMarc]

Not in Ft.auderdale, but close: Coconut Grove Sailing Club on Biscayne Bay.
www.cgsc.org US Sailing member Club
. Courses taught on Ensigns (recently restored)

Good Luck
MArc