Fairwinds Sailing School

[Fronk5]

Hi,
I am thinking of attending the Fairwinds Sailing School in the Virgin Islands. Has anybody had any experiences with them and can tell me anything about them? Good, bad? Is ISCO widely recognized.
Thank you, Fronk

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Fronk.

What is "ISCO"? I certainly don't recognize it.

[Rubikoop]

Fairwinds had their ASA accreditation suspended a couple of years ago. You can see it a few paragraphs down here. http://www.asa.com/states/schools_outside.html

They now do ICSO classes. http://www.chartersailinglessons.com...t_charters.php

My question to the OP is why do you want an ICSO certificate?

[ty.gregory]

Okay, but if you just want to learn to sail, say your own boat, would it be so bad?

[Rubikoop]

If you just wanted to learn to sail your own boat why would you be interested in getting a certificate from the International Charter Sailing Association?

I don't know if it would be "bad" to go with Fairwinds. Apparently the ASA had issues with them.

[ty.gregory]

I guess my reasoning is, I just want to learn to sail, and don't know of other means to do it, yet. I don't need a certificate. Don't particularly want a certificate.

Any ideas?

Ty

[Fronk5]

It's not that I want the ICSO certificate, but wondering if it is equal to the ASA certificate. I don't have my own boat yet so this would be so that I could bareboat charter a boat. I presume they will want to see some kind of training or experience?
thanks, Fronk

[Rubikoop]

Originally Posted by ty.gregory

I guess my reasoning is, I just want to learn to sail, and don't know of other means to do it, yet. I don't need a certificate. Don't particularly want a certificate. Any ideas? Ty

Not familiar with Panama but I would think that going to where sailors are and introducing yourself would be a good start. Follow up with asking if anybody would be willing to teach you to sail if you provide lunch, beer, maybe some labor etc.

YouTube is a great resource to learn the vocabulary and basic concepts. Maybe start a new thread here and ask.

[ty.gregory]

Sounds good. Thanks.

[Rubikoop]

Originally Posted by Fronk5

It's not that I want the ICSO certificate, but wondering if it is equal to the ASA certificate. I don't have my own boat yet so this would be so that I could bareboat charter a boat. I presume they will want to see some kind of training or experience? thanks, Fronk

I would start by asking the charter company you wish to use what their requirements are. Ask if you had an ICSO certificate if that would allow you to bareboat. You could also request a captain and charter the boat you want. After a week I would be surprised if the charter company turned you down to bareboat later. Typically once a charter company sees a completed charter on your resume you are good to go. If by your next charter you want a review, ask for a skipper for 1-3 days until your comfortable. Charter companies want you to succeed, have fun and be safe. Generally they want to work with you.

[saltydog67]

We had a VERY negative experience with Fair Winds several years ago. They are not reputable based on our experience, and we have heard other stories. I didn't know that their ASA membership was revoked, but I am glad to see it. Look somewhere else.

[teambovine]

Originally Posted by saltydog67

We had a VERY negative experience with Fair Winds several years ago. They are not reputable based on our experience, and we have heard other stories. I didn't know that their ASA membership was revoked, but I am glad to see it. Look somewhere else.

Yah, these guys suck. Although, it may just be singular guy, since Capt. Dave Bello seems to be the only one around (other than their supposed ever ready legal team)