Sailing Lessons
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 minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 students. In addition to the beginner and intermediate courses ASA101, ASA103, ASA104 and ASA105, 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. Another option is to bring your boat to Punta Gorda and dock it at Fisherman’s Village. 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 8 hour day 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 and we will design just the lessons you want.
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101)
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101)Sailing Made Easy is the textbook for this class.
You will be able to skipper or crew a 30-foot sailboat on familiar waters in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. No previous experience is needed. This course is usually offered over a weekend, it can also be combined with other courses with additional days. Includes log book, textbook and a 30 day membership with ASA.
You will get “hands on” experience to build sea knowledge and confidence. The textbook “Sailing Made Easy” by ASA is included in this course.
Prerequisite:
No previous sailing experience is required.
Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 310
Some of the topics covered:
- Boat Parts & Names
- Basic Sailing Terminology & Helm Commands
- Getting Underway & Docking
- Sail Trim & Theory
- Points of Sail
- Coming About & Jibing
- Rules of the Sea
- Seamanship & Safety
- Navigation Rules
- Anchoring
- Knots
- Man Overboard & Safety
Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103)
Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103)Coastal Cruising Made Easy is the textbook for this class.
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. This course is usually offered over a weekend, it can also be combined with other courses with additional days.
You will work on the skills learned in BKB 101 and gain more sailing experience. The textbook “Coastal Cruising Made Easy” by ASA is included in this course.
Prerequisite:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101)
Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 310
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
Bareboat Cruising (ASA104)
Bareboat Cruising (ASA104)Bareboat Cruising Made Easy is the textbook for this class.
You will be able to act as skipper or crew aboard sailboats up to 45′ during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds and sea conditions. 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.) This class includes staying overnight at anchor, and is usually taught over a weekend. It can also be combined with other courses with additional days.
This is an advanced course and you will learn about provisioning and preparedness on longer sailing trips. The textbook “Bareboat Cruising Made Easy” by ASA is included in this course.
Prerequisites:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101), Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103)
Classroom:
This is an overnight class, on our Catalina 310
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
Coastal Navigation (ASA105)
Coastal Navigation (ASA105)Coastal Navigation is the textbook for this class.
This is a home study course. You will demonstrate the navigational theory and skill to safely navigate a vessel in coastal or 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. Materials included are the “Coastal Navigation” workbook by Captain Mike Pyzel, a Power Point Presentation CD and Training Chart #1210 TR.
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 using the CD instructor on your computer, then check your 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 you can have it proctored in your area.
Some of the topics covered:
- Chart Symbols
- Tides & Currents
- Light Lists
- Set & Drift
- Compass Deviation
- Transit Bearing
- Running Fix
- Aids to Navigation
Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA106)
Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA106)Advanced Coastal Cruising Study Guide is the textbook for this class.
This is the highest coastal cruising course offered by ASA. It is the only coastal standard that includes night time sailing. 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 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. You also learn more about cruising, provisioning, boat inspections, safety, anchorages, and emergencies.
The class requires 30 hours of sailing, and is taught over a weekend. We generally meet on Friday night and return on Sunday. This standard includes nighttime sailing both nights. The textbook “Advanced Coastal Cruising Study Guide” by Leslie Legg is included in this course.
Prerequisites:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101), Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA103), Bareboat Chartering (ASA104) and Coastal Navigation (ASA105) certifications.
Classroom:
This is a night-time/overnight class, on our Catalina 310.
Some of the topics covered:
- True Wind verses Apparent Wind
- Weather Helm verses Lee Helm
- Sailing Forces of Center of Effort and Sail Trim
- Weather Reading of Clouds, Fronts, & a Barometer
- Heavy Weather Sailing
- Anchoring, Anchor Watches, & Rafting
- Dealing with Emergencies
- Clearing Customs
Sailing Review Clinic (ASA111)
Sailing Review Clinic (ASA111)Review your ASA 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. This is a sailing clinic, not a graded course with an exam and skills assessment. You will receive credit for attending and will be mailed an ASA111 logbook sticker. Sailors may take this clinic multiple times, and cover multiple skill areas. We offer the clinic as either 4 hours, or an 8 hour full-day class.
The course has no formal classroom component since the emphasis is on practical, on-water sailing skills. 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.
Note that because there would be beginner and advanced students in a shared class, we offer this as a private course.
Minimum Prerequisite:
Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA101).
Classroom:
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 310
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
Cruising Catamaran (ASA114)
(Catamaran Lessons are Taught on Your Boat Only)
Cruising Catamaran (ASA114)Multihull Cruising Fundamentals is the textbook for this class.
This is only offered as a Private Course taught aboard your boat. It is an advanced cruising standard 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.
This class includes staying overnight at anchor, and is usually taught over a weekend. It can also be combined with other courses with additional days. The textbook “Multihull Cruising Fundamentals” by Rick White with Harry Munns is included in this course.
We do not have a Catamaran available for lessons; however, we do offer both ASA Certified Catamaran Lessons on your boat, and also 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
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
ASA Certified Lesson Prices on Our Catalina 310
All classes have a minimum of 2 students and a maximum of 4. If you sign up as a single and no one else signs up to join the class, you can either reschedule or choose the private lessons option.
There is a discount for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th students in your party. Register at same time for the discount, and share the study materials.
Private Lessons: If you prefer personal one-on-one lessons with no additional students in the class, choose the private option below.
| Lesson | Sailing Time | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | Private 1 Person | Private 2 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASA101 Basic Keelboat Sailing |
On our Catalina 310. Usually a 2 Day Weekend (Days only) |
$600 | $1,050 | $1,500 | $1,950 | $1,300 | $1,700 |
| ASA103 Basic Coastal Cruising |
On our Catalina 310. Usually a 2 Day Weekend (Days only) |
$650 | $1,150 | $1,625 | $2,100 | $1,400 | $1,850 |
| ASA104 Bareboat Cruising | On our Catalina 310. Usually a Weekend or 2 Days & 2 Nights – Friday Night at the Dock Before Leaving & 1 Night Usually at Anchor, Returning Sunday Afternoon |
$875 | $1,550 | $2,200 | $2,850 | $1,875 | $2,500 |
| ASA105 Coastal Navigation | Home Study Course, No Sailing or Classroom Time | $275 | $475 | $675 | $875 | $275 | $475 |
| Lesson | Sailing Time | Private 1 Person | Private 2 People | Private 3 People | Private 4 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASA106 Advanced Coastal Cruising | On our Catalina 310. Usually a Long Weekend – Friday evening through Sunday, with nighttime sailing both nights | $2,200 | $3,000 | $3,700 | $4,400 |
| ASA111 4hr Review Clinic |
On our Catalina 310. Either Morning or Afternoon classes are offered. | $499 | $599 | $699 | $749 |
| ASA111 8hr Review Clinic |
On our Catalina 310. Usually starts at 9am | $799 | $899 | $999 | $1,049 |
* Plus gratuity, food, and drinks. Prices are per lesson, up to 4 students per class.
ASA Certified Combination Lessons on Our Catalina 310
All classes have a minimum of 2 students and a maximum of 4. If you sign up as a single and no one else signs up to join the class, you can either reschedule or choose the private lessons option.
There is a discount for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th students in your party. Register at same time for the discount, and share the study materials.
Private Lessons: If you prefer personal one-on-one lessons with no additional students in the class, choose the private option below.
| Combined Lesson | Sailing Time | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | Private 1 Person | Private 2 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASA101 + ASA 103 Basic Keelboat Sailing + Basic Coastal Cruising | On our Catalina 310 Usually Over a 3 Day Weekend (Days only) |
$1,150 | $2,000 | $2,850 | $3,750 | $2,425 | $3,300 |
| ASA103 + ASA 104 Basic Coastal Cruising + Bareboat Cruising | On our Catalina 310 Usually Over a 3 Day Weekend, with 1 night at anchor |
$1,425 | $2,525 | $3,575 | $4,625 | $3,050 | $4,100 |
| ASA101 + ASA103 + ASA104 Basic Keelboat Sailing + Basic Coastal Cruising + Bareboat Cruising | On our Catalina 310 Usually a 4 Day Weekend, with 1 night at anchor |
$1,900 | $3,400 | $4,800 | $6,200 | $4,100 | $5,500 |
* Plus gratuity, food, and drinks. Prices are per lesson, up to 4 students per class.
ASA Certified Private Lessons on Your Boat
If you prefer private lessons on your own boat, the prices are listed below. If your boat is moored in Ft Myers, Naples, Venice or Sarasota, driving time for the Captain has been added. If your boat is docked farther away, please contact us for pricing. An option is to bring your boat to Punta Gorda and dock it at Fisherman’s Village, (check with Fisherman’s Village for rates and availability).
There is a discount for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th students in your party. Register at same time for discount, and share the study materials.
| Private Lessons on Your Boat | Sailing Time | Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte 1 person | Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte 2 people | Ft. Myers or Venice 1 person | Ft. Myers or Venice 2 people | Naples or Sarasota 1 person | Naples or Sarasota 2 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASA101 Basic Keelboat Sailing |
On your sailboat Usually a 2 Day Weekend (Days only) |
$1,500 | $1,950 | $1,575 | $2,025 | $1,650 | $2,100 |
| ASA103 Basic Coastal Cruising |
On your sailboat Usually a 2 Day Weekend (Days only) |
$1,625 | $2,100 | $1,700 | $2,175 | $1,775 | $2,250 |
| ASA104 Bareboat Cruising | On your sailboat. Usually a Weekend of 2 Days & 2 Nights — Friday night at the dock before leaving & 1 night usually at anchor, returning Sunday afternoon | $2,200 | $2,850 | $2,275 | $2,925 | $2,350 | $3,000 |
| ASA106 Advanced Coastal Cruising | On your sailboat Usually a Long Weekend – Friday Evening Through Sunday, With Nighttime Sailing |
$2,325 | $3,025 | $2,400 | $3,100 | $2,475 | $3,175 |
| ASA114 Cruising Catamaran | On your sailboat Usually a Weekend or 2 Days & 2 Nights – Friday Night at the Dock Before Leaving & 1 Night Usually at Anchor, Returning Sunday Afternoon |
$2,200 | $2,850 | $2,275 | $2,925 | $2,350 | $3,000 |
| Combined Private Lessons on Your Boat | Sailing Time | Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte 1 person |
Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte 2 people |
Ft. Myers or Venice 1 person | Ft. Myers or Venice 2 people | Naples or Sarasota 1 person | Naples or Sarasota 2 person |
| ASA101 + ASA103 Basic Keelboat Sailing + Basic Coastal Cruising |
On your sailboat. Usually Over a 3 Day Weekend (Days only) | $2,850 | $3,750 | $2,925 | $3,825 | $3,000 | $3,900 |
| ASA103 + ASA104 Basic Coastal Cruising + Bareboat Cruising |
On your sailboat. Usually Over a 3 Day Weekend, with 1 night at anchor | $3,575 | $4,625 | $3,650 | $4,700 | $3,725 | $4,775 |
| ASA101 + ASA103 + ASA104 Basic Keelboat Sailing + Basic Coastal Cruising + Bareboat Cruising |
On your sailboat. Usually a 4 Day Weekend, with 1 night at anchor | $4,800 | $6,200 | $4,875 | $6,275 | $4,950 | $6,350 |
* Plus gratuity, food, and drinks. Prices are per lesson.
The Bahamas or Caribbean
Private Sailing Lessons in the Bahamas or Caribbean
If you would like to rent a boat in the Bahamas or Caribbean to take either Certified or Informal lessons, we do have Captains available to fly down. Keep in mind that in addition to the private lessons cost, you will need to arrange and pay for the boat rental. Also, the Instructor/Captain’s plane ticket and transportation from Ft Lauderdale, transportation to and from the boat, meals and any hotel nights. Contact us to discuss the details and create your custom lessons.
Private Informal Lessons
Informal Lessons
If you just want to have fun! 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 4 people aboard plus the Captain. Give us a call and we will design just the lessons you want.
Informal Lessons on our boat: Meet the Captain at the marina and hone your skills on our 31′ Catalina. There are 2, 4 or 8 hour options.
Informal Lessons on your boat: For private informal lessons on your own boat, there is a 4 hour minimum for lessons. If your boat is moored in Ft Myers, Naples, Venice or Sarasota, driving time for the Captain has been added to the price. If your boat is docked farther away, please contact us for pricing.
| Informal Lessons on our boat | Instruction Time | From our Marina |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hours | 2 Hours of instruction on our 31′ Catalina | $300 |
| 4 Hours | 4 Hours of instruction on our 31′ Catalina | $500 |
| 8 Hours | 8 Hours of instruction on our 31′ Catalina | $800 |
| Informal Lessons on your boat | Instruction Time | Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte | Ft. Myers or Venice | Naples or Sarasota |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Hours | 4 Hours of instruction on your boat | $500 | $575 | $650 |
| 8 Hours | 8 Hours of instruction on your boat | $800 | $875 | $950 |
* Plus gratuity, food, and drinks. Prices are per lesson.
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.
