THE JOY OF SAILING

“It’s remarkable how quickly a good and favorable wind can sweep away the maddening frustrations of shore living.” — Ernest K. Gann

With people becoming more likely to spend their work and personal time in front of some type of screen, outdoor experiences are critical to improving mental and physical health. In fact, a 2021 survey in the UK showed that activities that take place on or by the water were the most beneficial for improving mental health. We can’t think of a better prescription than sailing for a good dose of some vitamin sea! Sailing can also help build confidence, develop leadership and teamwork skills and instill an appreciation for the natural world. Our professional and experienced team of American Sailing Association certified instructors and United States Coast Guard credentialed captains are here and ready to get you sailing.

I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO START!

Are you a true beginner who doesn’t know the difference between the bow and the bilge? Or maybe sailing has always appealed to you, but you’ve never touched a toe on board. That’s ok! “We were all beginners at some point,” says Rose Ann Points, owner, operator, and captain with St. Augustine Sailing. “Our Intro to Sailing program is a gentle introduction to the sport of sailing. We cover the basics and get out on the water in our 21’ or 22’ Hunter sailboats for two hours. By then you’ll know if you’ve been bit by the sailing bug!” The Intro to Sailing program is for two to four people and costs $99 per person. Get a glimpse of what it means to Live the Dream by watching our Learn to Sail video here. Learn more about the sailing program here.

OK, I’VE BEEN BIT BY THE BUG, NOW WHAT?

Now it’s time for our Learn the Ropes course! This course is great for beginners or those who have stepped away from sailing and want to refresh their skills. This class is a great way to dive more into the art of sailing without a formal curriculum. Your instructor will evaluate your skill level and work with you to identify techniques and skills to work on. This course is not a certification class. Learn the Ropes classes take place on our Jeanneau 349 monohull sailing vessels and are designed for two to four people. The cost is $199 per person, you can reserve your timeslot here.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIFIC SAILING NEEDS?

St. Augustine Sailing’s private sailing lessons are the ultimate customizable sailing instruction experience. Our instructors can tailor private lessons to your experience and goals. Private lessons are a good choice for those looking to learn a new skill, work on a specific technique or become familiar with their new vessel. Our private lessons can take place on one of our luxury sailing yachts or your vessel. Pricing will depend upon your custom lesson. Fill out our online form here to start crafting your perfect lesson.

I WANT TO LEVEL UP MY SAILING SKILLS

Sailors looking to progress and engage in a more formal curriculum should explore St. Augustine Sailing’s extensive American Sailing Association (ASA) courses. ASA-established certification courses for qualified sailors are based on internationally-recognized standards of boating safety and competence. They provide standards for progressive sailing certification programs, including Basic Keelboat Sailing, Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising and Catamaran Cruising. In addition, ASA provides standards for a number of supplemental endorsements, such as Docking, Weather, Celestial and Radar. Many of our instructors have been named Outstanding Instructors of the Year, a prestigious distinction given to the top 1 percent of instructors across the world. Courses involve a combination of coursework and hands-on practice, culminating in a written exam and an on-the-water practical exam. To view our full course offering, visit here.

SPECIALTY COURSES – WOW!

Women on the Water or WOW is a hands-on instructional program designed by women for women to make sailing an attainable goal. The WOW program is designed to be flexible and fit every woman’s sailing journey. Participants meet every weekend throughout the year, each month focusing on a different topic. The topics are modified to fit every level of experience, so everyone from novices to experienced sailors is welcome to join. You can expect to see women of all ages and abilities in our workshops. “These workshops are a great supplement to our beginner and ASA courses,” says Rose Ann, program creator and instructor. “We really focus on building confidence, competence, and, most importantly, community.” Full details on the Women on the Water workshop series can be found here.

LIVE THE DREAM!

If you’re ready to throw off the bowlines and set a new course, we’re ready and here for you. Browse our website for information on classes, events, charters and more. To learn more about our instructors, visit our crew page. We can’t wait to see you out on the water!