Sailing School Recommendations?

[melanienashan]

My husband and I have been talking about learning to sail in order to live on a boat one day. (Hopefully soon!) For a gift for him for our 20th wedding anniversary I want to go to a sailing school. Can you recommend the one that you think is the best? We live in Montana and I know we will have to travel to one but would prefer to do it somewhere in the continental US. We have very limited sailing experience. He more so than me but basically sailing our Hobby Cat.

I am reading information on the internet but thought it would be best to ask in a sailing chat room.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might offer.
Mealnie

[Christian Van H]

This would be an incredible experience: Mahina Expeditions conducts sailing and navigation training and expeditions in the South Pacific and offers offshore sailing seminars

[htraudes]

Melanie, you're thinking ocean sailing? West coast?

[JusDreaming]

I used two different schools, many years ago. They were both good, but one was more fun than the other . I think I learned more at the US Sailing course in St. Petersburg, but the ASA sailing course in Ft. Lauderdale was more fun.
The course in St. Pete consisted of sailing around Tampa Bay, and the course out of Ft. Lauderdale, we sailed down to the Keys. But, again both were good courses, I learned different things with both!!
I do know some of the instructors in Ft. Lauderdale and they are VERY qualified and good people to learn from!! An offshore course to Bimini would really be a fun choice as a present!!!!!!!!!
Blue Water Sailing School Course Progression

[speciald@ocens.]

Depends on what you want to learn -

Racing - J World, Colgate
Cruising - Mahina, Annapolis Sailing School, Colgate
Basics - Annapolis SS

Most of these programs have multiple sites in the continental US and Virgin Islands.

[Chuteman]

M:
What time of year are you considering?

Given your location, make it easy = San Francisco Bay.
Not only will you have one of the best Sailing locations in the world but plenty of tourist destinations nearby to make your 20th anniversary even more special.

My recommendation would be OCSC in Berkeley Marina.....
OCSC Sailing School | Learn to Sail - San Francisco Bay Area | Sailing Lessons | California Sailing Club
They will give a solid foundation for all / any of your sailing plans.

Disclosure - I'm a member & have taken classes there too.
I've also sailed on the east coast including the Chesapeake and the range of conditions on SF bay will be worth the trip.

[imagine2frolic]

If you are looking for something local. Then get a hold of ASA

About The American Sailing Association

BEST WISHES in finding what you are looking for. Chuteman is right S.F. Bay is a wonderful place to learn. Summer sailing will challenge you, and let you know if this is what you really want to do. It's where I took my lessons, and honed my skills.......i2f

[jackdale]

Montana is close to some of the most beautiful sailing in the world - the Pacific Northwest. It is also some of the most challenging; if you can sail here you can sail anywhere. There are sailing schools in Washington and British Columbia.

Jack

[imagine2frolic]

if you can sail here you can sail anywhere

That's what I was told about S.F. Bay. It was challenging with the wind, currents, and traffic. It just isn't the ocean. I am sure it's beautiful, and is extremely challenging with the notorius currents there. Jack, you being an offshore instructor should very well know the above statemnt is not 100%. The open ocean is quite another beast, and it can go on for days at a time, and this has been known to break more than one spirit. Be cause for pushing the easy button on the EPIRB. Even when the boat itself is perfectly safe........i2f

[Chuteman]

M:
Forgot to add US Sailing link which will providing listings of schools alternative to ASA
Getting started

i2F - Agree that inshore & coastal are not Ocean, but they are just starting out - so crawl before they walk. The various locations mentioned will give them a strong foundation for advanced training like Mahina and other Ocean opportunities like crewing.

[Gudgeon]

J World offers a cruising course. I think it is taught in a J120. They teach in various locations San Diego Key West Annapolis. I think the San Diego course goes to Catalina Island. I have done their racing cousres and they are one of the best around.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by imagine2frolic

if you can sail here you can sail anywhere

That's what I was told about S.F. Bay. It was challenging with the wind, currents, and traffic. It just isn't the ocean. I am sure it's beautiful, and is extremely challenging with the notorius currents there. Jack, you being an offshore instructor should very well know the above statemnt is not 100%. The open ocean is quite another beast, and it can go on for days at a time, and this has been known to break more than one spirit. Be cause for pushing the easy button on the EPIRB. Even when the boat itself is perfectly safe........i2f

I agree - SF Bay can be very challenging.

I have also sailed open ocean enough to have a huge respect for it. Open ocean sailing = "long periods of tedium punctuated by episodes of terror."

Jack

[pete33458]

I've been to the Chapman School (Stuart FL), Bluewater Sailing (Ft Lauderdale FL) and Colgate (BVI, but also Ft Meyers FL). Different certifying bodies (ASA, USS), but all were quite good. The content is pretty standardized for each level. Colgate has an accelerated week-long course (didn't take that one) that might be a good compromise if you are limited for time.