Lessons in Venice/Sarasota FL USA

[hcurtis]

Originally Posted by TomLewis

Maybe a sailing rodeo cowboy.

How proud you and dick must be to point out a newbie's mistake.

Enjoy the day.

[hcurtis]

I wanted to do a follow up post regarding my experience with Sara Bay Sailing School in Sarasota, FL in case someone did a search in the future. I took two classes, which were two full days long each. The classes were on a 22' Catalina with a tiller, so you get a pretty good feel for sailing. I enjoyed the two instructors I had. Bill and Sarah were both very knowledgable captains and I learned a TON! My first class had another student with me, so there was three on the boat and my second class was just me and an instructor. I was very pleased with this situation. Anyway, we sailed most all of the time other than some studying of charts, knots and a lot of new vocabulary. From points of sail, to man overboard lessons, to anchoring, motoring, docking and more, I feel confident to take a sailboat out already. Obviously, sailing is one of those things you will keep improving on forever and there will never be an end to that part, but I am a musician, so I am used to that.

Anyway, I highly recommend Sara Bay. I feel I already know more than MANY of the boat owners we encountered that didn't have a clue who would be the stand on vessel when passing, but I guess you get used to lots of people that haven't a clue out there. I also love sailing in Sarasota. There was so little traffic and of course beautiful weather. What a great time. Well, I should go practice some of those knots, and keep reading. Enjoy all. I will continue my journey and post some updates now and again. Maybe someday I will meet some folks out there. Looking forward to learning more and more!

Thanks all for your wonderful help.