How to Open a Sailing School

Share your love of sailing by starting a sailing school.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Buy one (or more) boat or contract with boat owners for use of instruction boats.
2. Secure an insurance policy that specifies liability for rental and instruction. A recreational policy won't cover you.
3. Develop curricula for the course(s) you intend to offer. A national certifying organization such as the American Sailing Association can make this step easier by providing you with their standard course materials.
4. Join a certifying organization. It isn't necessary to offer nationally recognized credentials but there are some tremendous advantages.
5. Select course materials including, text books, log books and exams. A certifying organization will provide these items.
6. Prepare promotional materials such as brochures and advertisements.
7. Contact state and local authorities to determine whether they require licenses and permits.
8. Open for business.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't rely on revenue for, at least, a couple years. Start with enough money to survive two years without making a penny. If things go well you'll be pleasantly surprised. If not, you'll still be in business.
• If you think owning a sailing school will provide you with an easy lifestyle, think again. The only way to make it work is to treat it like serious business.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
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