Time on the water is the most valuable outlet we all have to soothe our souls. If you are new to Offshore Sailing School, consider joining our more than 150,000 graduates who enthusiastically endorse our reputation as America’s #1 Sailing School®. If you already are an Offshore Sailing School graduate, welcome back!
"Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School is truly the best sailing school. Everything is first class, and well worth the money and time spent." "Fast Track to Cruising gave us the knowledge and skills to enjoy cruising for the rest of our lives." "Amazing course! I’ve done a lot of sailing, and learned a lot during week.
You earn three US Sailing certifications — Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising — starting with two days on a 26 footer, then six on a gorgeous big cruising monohull or catamaran yacht. At course end you’re ready to pursue the cruising lifestyle with confidence and ease!
Steve and Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School has wonderful “staycations” and “nearcations” that get you out on the water in open air. Your time learning to sail or handle a power boat can be private or in groups of no more than 4, with a dedicated instructor who makes sure there is appropriate physical space aboard. We are here for you!
Our research has determined there is no significant benefit to having a sailing certification. Apart from the education received, there are no real measurable benefits to having a recreational vessel certification.
Our short answer to this question is it takes sixteen hours to learn to sail. We have found that it takes the average person about sixteen hours of instruction to be competent enough to complete this task. Granted, there are still lots of variables. Different boats have individual handling characteristics.
In Northern California, the price of sailing lessons is around $25 an hour, whereas in Southern California, the lessons are usually $18-$20 per hour. Lessons can cost $30 or more per hour on the East Coast.
Only you know what your ideal budget is, depending on your needs. You could spend from as little as $700 or as much as $3,000 a month for two people – it all depends on what boat you have, who does your boat work, where you cruise, how you like to spend your time, and more.
Sailing is an activity that anybody can enjoy, no matter their age. It's never too late to learn either. Sailing programs exist in virtually every state with a coastline or big lake. Instructors don't discriminate; in fact, many master sailing instructors are past retirement.
Sailing is really very simple; a skilled instructor can teach you the basics in an afternoon. Most beginners shove off on their own after just a few days of lessons. Once you're sailing, you'll wonder why you waited so long to learn.
Tuition for Basic Sailing is $590. There are also group discounts – 5% for 2 people, 10% for 3, and 15% for 4. Tuition includes certification to the American Sailing Association Basic Sailing Standard.
Catamarans however, because of their extra stability and room, allow for much easier movement around the boat as they do not heel. For this reason catamarans are often considered “easier” to sail.
0:091:52Basics of Catamaran Sailing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're going to focus on the differences. Working to windward when sailing towards the wind a goodMoreSo we're going to focus on the differences. Working to windward when sailing towards the wind a good cruising cat with many kills who sit on about 40 degrees to the wind and salad.
You do not need a license to sail around the world. However, certain licenses and certifications can help you in local jurisdictions, and it's not a bad idea to get them.
How big should a sailboat be to sail around the world? The best sailboat size to sail around the world is 35 to 45 feet. Smaller boats of 25 feet will be more uncomfortable and inconvenient; it is, however, possible. Larger sailboats of 60 foot and up will be more comfortable, but they are more expensive as well.
The average total cost of living on a sailboat is $1,990 per month. Keep in mind this price can vary depending on your experience and other variable costs.
The Fast Track to Cruising® course for women only is an exclusive and very rewarding opportunity for women to enjoy the camaraderie of other women while learning from expert US Sailing-certified instructors.
The Offshore Sailing School newsletter is emailed twice a month to anyone interested in learning more about sailing and boating. It is packed with sailing and boating news, how-to tips, upcoming programs, contests and special deals.
Monday and Wednesday – Days 3 and 5 – Bareboat Charter Cruising Course (Full Day Sailing) 9:00-10:00 – Classroom lecture for all. 10:00-1:30 – On-water instruction on cruising boat. 1:30-2:00 – Lunch break (may pick up lunches in morning and be on water all day) 2:00-5:30 – On-water instruction on cruising boat.
Most charter agencies do not allow night sailing and require that you are anchored, docked or on a mooring before sunset. Night sailing is not covered in this course, but is covered in Passage Making courses (OSS 106 and OSS 108), the next step in your learning process. What You Learn.
The Offshore Sailing School newsletter is emailed twice a month to anyone interested in learning more about sailing and boating. It is packed with sailing and boating news, how-to tips, upcoming programs, contests and special deals.
St. Petersburg, Florida. Your vacation learning to sail on Tampa Bay starts from the waterfront Hampton Inn & Suites, in trendy downtown St. Pete with terrific museums, restaurants and night life. Captiva Island, Florida. Sail where dolphins and manatees play.
OSS 101 is the ultimate way to embark on a whole new lifestyle. Take the helm of a sleek Colgate 26 sailboat and gain amazing confidence on a 2-day or 5-day learning vacation. Learn to Cruise. OSS 103/104 gets you ready to see the world under sail.
The Offshore Sailing School newsletter is emailed twice a month to anyone interested in learning more about sailing and boating. It is packed with sailing and boating news, how-to tips, upcoming programs, contests and special deals.
Colgate is truly the best of the best sailing school. Everything is first class. Colgate delivers a value proposition – an excellent value for the price paid and instruction (and instructional environment) received.
Founded in 1964 by Olympian, America’s Cup competitor and National Sailing Hall of Fame inductee, Steve Colgate, Offshore Sailing School is the longest running and most respected sailing and boating education company in the United States. More than 150,000 adults and their families chose Offshore Sailing School to learn how to sail, ...
The Offshore Sailing School newsletter is emailed twice a month to anyone interested in learning more about sailing and boating. It is packed with sailing and boating news, how-to tips, upcoming programs, contests and special deals.
Ultimate beginner to cruise-ready course taught in 8 full days, with first two days (OSS 101) on a Colgate 26, next 6 days (OSS 103/104) on a 43′-50′ cruising monohull, All three USSA Certifications including USSA Basic Keelboat (101), USSA Basic Cruising (103), and USSA Bareboat Cruising (104) earned.
The USSA Bareboat Cruising Certification enables you to apply for US Sailing’s International Proficiency Certification (IPC), required to charter a sail or powerboat in many Mediterranean destinations.
OSS 101/101Pro/105 – Fast Track™ Sailing: A new total immersion course for beginners and returning sailors taking you from novice to advanced sailing, all on a Colgate 26, with navigation and small boat cruising included.