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Charlotte Harbor Sailing, LLC

Discover the Freedom of Sailing

We are going on hiatus due to weather damage to our marina. Our last lessons and charters are October 7th, 2023 and we will be utilizing alternate pickup locations. We are not scheduling fall/winter yet, but will update you here once things are back to normal.

Sailing Lessons out of Punta Gorda, FL

Sailing Lessons

Offered on our Boat or Yours
Offered on Your Boat Only

Lesson Prices

American Sailing AssociationAmerican Sailing Association

ASA Certified Sailing Lessons:
Achieve your sailing certification with the American Sailing Association standards aboard Eliora, our 31’ Catalina; we teach sailing onboard sailboats, not classrooms. You will get lots of personal attention and helm time as all classes have a maximum of 4 students. In addition to the beginner and intermediate courses ASA101, ASA103, ASA104, ASA105 and ASA111, we also offer the harder-to-find course Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA106).

ASA Certified Private Sailing Lessons:
Private lessons are offered on our Catalina 310 if you prefer personal one-on-one lessons with no additional students in the class. If you would like private lessons on your own boat, our Captains will come to your marina anywhere on the Southwest Florida coastline from Naples up to Tampa. We also offer ASA114 Cruising Catamaran certification on your own boat. If you would like to rent a boat in the Bahamas or Caribbean to take lessons we do have Captains available to fly down.

Private Informal Lessons:
If you just want to have fun! You can go sailing on our Catalina 310 or use your boat, and a Captain will give informal, private lessons with no tests or certifications. You pick the topics to be covered, and work on any skills you wish. Perhaps you just need a little refresher course, or some more sailing time before the next test, maybe you want to learn more about your boat. There may be up to 6 people aboard plus the Captain. There are 2, 4 or 6 hour options available.

Veterans:
Make sure you mention you are a Veteran when you book your class. As a thank you to our Veterans, we offer a discount on ASA101.

Give us a call, text or email and we will design just the lessons you want.

Contact Us

Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101)

Sailing Made Easy
The textbook “Sailing Made Easy” is included in this course.

 You will be able to skipper or crew a 30-foot sailboat on familiar waters in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards. No previous experience is needed, you will get hands on experience to build sea knowledge and confidence. Includes log book, textbook and a 90 day membership with ASA.

Prerequisite:
No previous sailing experience is required.

Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 310.

Sailing Time:
This class is 2 Days – days only.

Sailing Lessons

 Some of the Topics Covered:

  • Boat Parts & Names
  • Basic Sailing Terminology & Helm Commands
  • Getting Underway & Docking
  • Basic Sail Trim & Theory
  • Points of Sail
  • Coming About & Jibing
  • Rules of the Sea
  • Seamanship & Safety
  • Navigation Rules
  • Anchoring
  • Knots
  • Man Overboard & Safety

Sailing Class Pricing Options

Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103)

Coastal Cruising Made Easy is the textbook for the coastal cruising course
The textbook “Coastal Cruising Made Easy” is included in this course.

 You will be able to cruise safely in local and regional coastal waters as skipper or crew on sailboats up to 35 feet in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship. You will work on the skills learned in BKB 101 and gain more sailing experience.

Prerequisite:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101).

Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 310.

Sailing Time:
This class is 2 Days – days only.

Basic Coastal Cruising Sailing Lessons

 Some of the Topics Covered:

  • Weather Safety
  • Sail Selection & Reefing
  • Basic Coastal Navigation & Rules
  • Running Aground
  • Sailing a Compass Course
  • More Terms & Definitions
  • Motoring & Engine Operation
  • Lights & Basic Boat Systems
  • Anchoring
  • Docking Procedures
  • More Rules of the Sea
  • Duties of Skipper & Crew

Sailing Class Pricing Options

Bareboat Cruising (ASA104)

Cruising Fundamentals is the textbook for the bareboat chartering course
The textbook “Bareboat Cruising Made Easy” is included in this course.

 You will be able to act as skipper or crew aboard sailboats 30′ to 45′ during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds and sea conditions. This is an advanced course and you will learn about provisioning and preparedness on longer sailing trips. Learn about galley operations, boat systems, auxiliary engines, routine maintenance procedures, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation including basic chart plotting, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather interpretation, and more.

This certification enables you to charter sailing vessels anywhere in the world. (After completing this course, contact ASA to get your international proficiency certification if you are sailing internationally.)

Prerequisites:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101), Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103).

Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 310.

Sailing Time:
This class is 2 Days – with 1 night at anchor.

Bareboat Cruising

 Some of the Topics Covered:

  • Planning a Cruise & Provisioning
  • Plotting a Course & Chart Reading
  • Advanced Sail Trim
  • Anchoring Methods
  • Interpreting Marine Weather Information
  • Safety & Emergency Operations
  • Engines & Boat Systems
  • Cooking Aboard
  • Seamanship
  • Proper Radio Communication
  • Navigation Rules

Sailing Class Pricing Options

Coastal Navigation (ASA105)

Coastal Navigation is the textbook for this course
The textbook “Coastal Navigation” and Training Chart #1210 TR are included in this course.

 This is a home study course. Learn the the navigational theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters. Topics include reading and plotting on nautical charts, dead reckoning navigation, bearings and fixes, as well as more advanced topics. It is a very rigorous course and is superior to the Navigation needed to pass your U.S.C.G. Captain’s test.

Prerequisites:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101), Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103), Bareboat Cruising (ASA104).

Classroom:
This is a home study course with no classroom time, the course materials will be shipped to you. You will work through the problems in the workbook, then check the answers in the back of the book. When you are ready to take the test, simply contact us to set up a time with one of our instructors, or have it proctored in your area.

Sailing Time:
This is a home study course with no sailing time.

Coastal Navigation Sailing Lessons

 

 Some of the Topics Covered:

  • Chart Symbols
  • Tides & Currents
  • Light Lists
  • Set & Drift
  • Compass Deviation
  • Transit Bearing
  • Running Fix
  • Aids to Navigation

Sailing Class Pricing Options

Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA106)

The textbook
The textbook “Advanced Cruising and Seamanship” is included in this course.

 This is the highest coastal cruising course offered by ASA, and it is the only coastal standard that includes night time sailing. You will be able to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions, day or night.

You will be taught to sail through coastal waters at night without a GPS or Chartplotter, using only a compass, a chart, a depth sounder, knot meter and a flashlight. You will learn more about sail theory and steering forces, advanced sail control, weather predictions using clouds and instruments, boat system maintenance, heavy weather precautions, safety and seamanship, along with provisioning, boat inspections, safety, anchorages, and emergencies.

Prerequisites:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101), Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103), Bareboat Chartering (ASA104) and Coastal Navigation (ASA105) certifications.

Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 310.

Sailing Time:
This class includes nighttime sailing on two nights.

Coastal Cruising

 Some of the Topics Covered:

  • Sailing and Navigating at Night
  • True Wind verses Apparent Wind
  • Weather Helm verses Lee Helm
  • Sailing Forces of Center of Effort and Sail Trim
  • Weather Reading of Clouds, Fronts & using a Barometer
  • Heavy Weather Sailing
  • Anchoring, Anchor Watches, & Rafting
  • Understanding Fuel/Water Capacity and Needs
  • Towing and Preparation
  • Dealing with Emergencies
  • Clearing Customs

Sailing Class Pricing Options

Sailing Review Clinic (ASA111)

Sailing Made Easy
Review your textbooks before this class.

 This review clinic is designed for ASA Certified sailors who wish to refresh and tune-up their sailing skills, and/or get focused instruction in specific areas. The emphasis is on practical, on-water sailing skills.

This is a sailing review, not a graded course with an exam and skills assessment – no textbooks are required. However, we recommend you review your sailing book(s) before the class to refresh your knowledge and brush up on terminology before going out on the water.

Sailors may take this clinic multiple times, and cover multiple skill areas.

Minimum Prerequisite:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101).

Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 310.

Sailing Time:
We offer the clinic as either a 2, 4 or 6 hour Private class. If you prefer to go out with other students, an option is to join one or more days of a regular ASA101, ASA103 or ASA104 class.

Basic Keelboat Sailing Lessons

 Some of the most common topics covered:
The outline below is intentionally very general, create your own itinerary or contact us for a detailed list of common topics to customize the lesson to your needs.

  • Safety & planning at the Dock
  • Review Boat Parts & Equipment
  • Getting Underway
  • Maneuvering under power
  • Sail Trim & Theory
  • Points of Sail
  • MOB
  • Coming About & Jibing
  • Rules of the Sea
  • Navigation
  • Anchoring
  • Knots
  • Docking

Sailing Class Pricing Options

Informal Sailing Lessons

There are no books for this class.

This is a great option, allowing you to tailor the lessons to your own needs. A Captain will give informal, private lessons with no tests or certifications; you pick the topics to be covered, and work on any skills you wish. Perhaps you just need more sailing time before the next test, maybe you want to learn more about your boat. There may be up to 4 people aboard plus the Captain. Give us a call and we will design just the lessons you want.

Classroom:
Offered aboard our Catalina 310, or on your own boat.

Informal Lessons on Our Boat:
Meet the Captain at the marina and hone your skills on our 31′ Catalina. There are 2, 4 or 6 hour options.

Informal Lessons on Your Boat:
Offered if your boat is moored anywhere from Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte, to Ft Myers or Naples, or Venice or Sarasota. For private informal lessons on your own boat, there is a 4 hour minimum for lessons. If your boat is docked farther away, please contact us for options.

Basic Keelboat Sailing Lessons

 Some commonly requested topics:
Create your own itinerary or contact us for a detailed list of common topics to customize the lesson to your needs.

  • Safety & planning at the Dock
  • Review Boat Parts & Equipment
  • Getting Underway
  • Maneuvering under power
  • Sail Trim & Theory
  • Points of Sail
  • MOB
  • Coming About & Jibing
  • Rules of the Sea
  • Navigation
  • Anchoring
  • Knots
  • Docking

Sailing Class Pricing Options

Cruising Catamaran (ASA114)

Taught on Your boat only

Cruising Catamaran Made Easy is the textbook for this course
The textbook “Cruising Catamarans Made Easy” is included in this course.

 This is only offered as a Private Course taught aboard your boat.
This is an advanced course for individuals with cruising experience. You will be able to act as skipper and crew of a 30-45′ foot catamaran upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds and sea conditions.The standard includes those skills unique to a multihull sailboat; knowledge of catamaran structure, components and features, performance under sail and power, boat systems, seamanship and safety, heavy weather operation, and emergency response.

We do not have a Catamaran available for lessons; however, we do offer both ASA Certified Lessons and Private Informal lessons on your boat.

Prerequisites:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101), Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103), Bareboat Chartering (ASA104).

Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard your Catamaran only.

Sailing Time:
On your sailboat. This class is 2 Days – with 1 night at anchor.

Catamaran

 Some of the Topics Covered:

  • Advantages & Disadvantages of a Multihull
  • Weight Distribution & Performance
  • Differences in Ships Systems Between Multihull & Monohull
  • Performance Under Sail & Power
  • Turning Radius
  • Windage
  • Person Overboard
  • Sail Combinations
  • Reefing/Heave-To
  • Anchoring & Docking
  • Safety & Emergency Response
  • Engines
  • Common Mechanical Repairs
  • Seamanship & Safety

Sailing Class Pricing Options

Docking Endorsement (ASA118)

Taught on Your boat only

Docking Techniques for Single Engine Boats
The textbook “Docking Techniques for Single Engine Boats” is included in this course.

 This is only offered as a Private Course taught aboard your boat.
You will be taught docking skills and safety in busy harbors, those with a current and under windy conditions. Learn skills for different locations and circumstances, such as when strong currents and tricky crosswinds are present, or when Mediterranean mooring or tight, close-quarters maneuvering is required.You will practice docking on your own boat, at your marina or dock. To dock competently and without injury or property damage requires an understanding of the forces that act on a boat, how you can control them, and lots of practice.

This class is offered on your boat only. Though docking and mooring is taught and practiced in all of ASA’s sailing courses, we do not teach this as a separate course on the Catalina 310. This is because our marina does not have room for practicing extensive docking skills without damaging the boat. During classes we simply do starboard and port approaches.

Prerequisites:
No previous sailing experience is required.

Classroom:
Class is taught aboard your boat only.

Sailing Time:
This is a 2 hour course, offered on weekdays as well as weekends. It is a combination of homestudy and time at the dock – there is no sailing unless it is combined with sailing lessons.

Docking

 Some of the Topics Covered:

  • Study of docking theory, methods and skills
  • Working with currents
  • Working in windy conditions and/or crosswinds
  • Close quarter maneuvering in narrow slips and crowded harbors
  • Docking Safety
  • Practice repetitive docking and casting off maneuvers
  • Practice bow first, stern first and parallel docking
  • Practice using spring lines
  • Engine and rudder use

Sailing Class Pricing Options

 

 

This is a Drug Free Vessel:

Captains and Instructors: All our Captains/Instructors are in accordance with Coast Guard regulations, and they submit to regular random drug testing.

Passengers: No drugs of any kind are allowed on board, and the Captain is required to immediately notify the Coast Guard if drugs or paraphernalia are discovered aboard. Possession of a Medical Marijuana card does not allow its possession or use on board, nor does it mitigate the Captain’s responsibility to alert the Coast Guard.

Sailing Lessons