Fabrik..here's another idea. Like you, we took possession of the
boat in November (but 2009). Because most sailing schools are closed at this time, I contracted an
ASA captain to teach my wife and me on our boat. We also supplied all
food and
fuel. We had a great Captain who lived aboard with us for nearly two weeks, doing the class room
work on "bad"
weather days and going out on nicer days. Because his expenses were drastically reduced and it was an off peak time, and we combined the first three
ASA courses (101, 103, 104) my cost was approximately 30% less than his normal advertised
price for the three course package for one person. So we got a two for one deal!
It was an intense two weeks, but after he was gone, we immediately took the boat out for an afternoon, anchored, made lunch, and then returned to the marina. We were excited with our accomplishment. We continued to practice on the Neuse River through the Spring and Fall 2010. We also assisted our son with a
delivery from Charleston to New Bern, NC. So by December 2010, we had a fair bit of practice and
ICW experience prior to adventuring South to the Keys.
Bill