How to Find a Keelboat Sailing School

If you dream of sailing big boats, maybe you should skip small boats altogether.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 Pair Boat Shoes
• 1 insulated, waterproof jackets
• 1 sunblock, suntan lotion

1. Determine whether you want to take a course locally or in another location, such as a resort.
2. Visit potential schools, if possible.
3. Collect school names by contacting a national, certifying organization.
4. Call individual schools by phone or visit their websites.
5. Look for schools with programs that conform to national standards. Independent schools may offer high-quality training, but a school affiliated with a national program has had its curriculum examined and approved.
6. Choose the course format that best fits your needs. Some schools teach in multiple, short lessons, while others offer intensive live-aboard courses. You'll also find many other variations.
7. Look closely at the size and type of boats your potential schools use for teaching. Keelboats used in sailing schools range between 20 and 40 feet.
8. Get a list of course materials. Any good keelboat course should include a nationally distributed text book.
9. Ask about instructor qualifications. Self-trained instructors are often qualified, but instructors certified by a national certifying organization have proven their competency based on national standards.
10. Find a school that mixes safety and seamanship with fun. Learning to sail shouldn't be all business.
11. Compare features like number of students per class, number of class hours, type and size of boats and philosophy on instruction. In the final analysis, you need to find a school that fits you.

Tips & Warnings

• Experts generally agree that people who learn and spend time on small boats become better sailors. You can become a good sailor learning on a 30 foot or larger keelboat, but plan on practicing on your own as much as possible.