Sailing Class for Women?

[Bobo]

Hi Everyone,

Up until a month ago, I was not excited about my boyfriend sailing to the South Pacific and had no intention of going with him. Then I read Changing Course, my cells reorganized, and I'm hooked. I've now read a few books and have spent hours looking on-line at sailing schools for women (I went to a women's college and I really think that's the best learning environment for me) someplace warm (I live in the Bay Area). I've taken a crew class up here at OCSC, but that's it. I've narrowed it down to Sistership or Off Shore's Fast Track to Cruising Course ($$$! worth it?), but I'd love to hear from any of you about your experiences with any school.

Thank you!

Anne

[Alibi35]

Anne,
I recently took classes from Sunshine Sailing Adventures in Key Largo, FL. Captain Jen is wonderful and I learned a lot from her. I would highly recommend her as a sailing instructor. Best of luck in your quest to learn to sail! It's GREAT!

Ann

[Bobo]

Thanks, Ann! Based on your recommendation, I just gave her a call. I'll keep you posted!

Anne

[Reality Check]

I have "seen" several Sistership classes at Nanny Cay, Tortola. The all seem to really enjoy the class and it is impressive when they get toward the end and start backing the sail boat into the slips.

I've passed them offshore and they all seem to be well trained in the boat trim and control even in the gusty Christmas Winds the area is know for between late November and about late Feb. (A great time for a class)

The big plus is you can not beat the location and sailing conditions. Boats look well cared for and the instructors appear to be very knowledgeable and can relate well to their students of widely varying skills. I personally would have loved to take a class like this one but alas... I'm not physically qualified ;P

[S/V Elusive]

Bobo - last time I checked, Tradewinds (out of Point Richmond) offered women only courses ... taught by a woman. That was a few years ago, and I don't know if they still do, or even if they still exist.

I don't know how soon you two are planning your cruise, but if there is time, Tradewinds also offers (or did) one of the nices tie-ins to boat rental on the Bay.

Good luck!

[harmony80]

Hi Anne,
You might want to contact Womanship (Annapolis, MD) for starters. After that I would recommend you volunteer to race...you would learn a lot. Then if you really like it you could volunteer at a community sailing program like what they have in Baltimore, DC and other cites.
EvB

[Pblais]

You might want to contact Womanship

Lots of women around here have done it. If it is the environment you need this would be the one. Everyone on a ship needs to feel they understand how and why things work. Learning on your own terms is just not a bad way to go. Some couples do it together and other say it's the worst thing there is. Seems to me that two ways to do things isn't that radical.

As far as racing goes I think that is a second area some people disagree. It can be a great way to perfect sailing skills yet many find the competition to be a negative. For cruising there is no competition since the only event is having more fun than everyone else. That is the one event both men and women agree on.

[harmony80]

Not all racing is intensive, especially in community-based sailing programs or a small sailing community. SCOW in VA has a pretty low-key attitude and they are great at helping people learn to sail, even if racing. The important thing is to learn sailing in a congenial atmosphere. If this in a race team, there are those who race to win at all cost, and there are those who race to win while having a great time. Just say thanks but no thanks if it doesn't feel right.

[NW Craig]

Here's the ASA basic courses on the west coast- Bellingham, WA - San Juan Islands. My wife took her classes here and really enjoyed it (not to mention she didn't want me yelling - her words! ).

San Juan Islands Learn To Sail San Juan Islands Learn To Charters

Not sure if this is enough depth for what you're looking for.

all the best,
craig in sunny seattle (at least today!)

[Curmudgeon]

Why would a sailing class for women be different than a class for men?

The issue of a more experienced partner making the learning more difficult (which often happens) is a completely separate issue.

[Pblais]

Why would a sailing class for women be different than a class for men?

Sometimes it matters until it doesn't. We just had someone from the yacht club come back from Womenship (in Annapolis). She said it was great and she thought it was great and learned a lot. Sometimes the results matter more than the method of how you get there. Her husband thought it was really great and he didn't go!

[GordMay]

Check out the excellent resources at WomenandCruising.com
Women and Cruising:
Women and Cruising Resources - Useful Addresses, Websites, Books, Tips, Articles, Seminars

[cnj]

I took my class with SeaSense. They're out of FL but they hold classes all over. I took mine in CT. I learned alot and was much more cofident.

Sailing and Powerboating for Women at Sea Sense

Carol, the "C" in CNJ

[Pblais]

I learned alot and was much more confident.

Those are the two things you need from any training. Understanding is the key to being comfortable. It's something everyone needs and wants. Suddenly things become familiar and you have more confidence. A good start means you can only become more confident and for all the right reasons. The basics allow you to see things very different. Suddenly you can see the wind and none of your land friends will understand.

[Bobo]

Thanks, Everyone! What a great resource this is. I'm signed up for Sistership in May. I'll keep you posted!!!

Anne