Sailing Photos & Testimonials

My wife and I enjoyed the classes very much. We strongly recommend the courses 101 and 103 for the beginner who is thinking of buying a boat or a couple that want to have a very pleasant three days of seeing what sailing is all about. The class was very informative, the boat very comfortable and the teacher/captain was the best.
Northville, MI (BKB101, BCC103 Lessons)

Just to say thanks to you and Tim and Mark for an absolutely superb experience. Could not have been better. The plan is to be back next year for 104.
Ann Arbor, MI (BKB101 & BCC103 Lessons)

We were DELIGHTED with ASA 104 at Charlotte Harbor Sailing! We found the Catalina 310 to be a great boat, very easy to understand and to move about it. She is in great condition, everything in ship shape. The marina at Fisherman’s Village is easy to get to, in what appears to be a safe and secure location, with good facilities for guests, and easy access to groceries and restaurants. Captain Don was everything we could ask for in an instructor; knowledgeable, patient, friendly, cheerful. Our evaluations for the school, course and instructor will be very positive. We will certainly recommend Charlotte Harbor Sailing to anyone who asks or seems interested.
Skowhegan, Maine (BBC 104 Lessons)

It was absolutely fabulous. It was much better than I anticipated and the Captain was great. I look forward to taking 104! Cape Coral, FL (BKB101 & BCC103 Lessons)

Loved the boat, an experience of a lifetime. First time I slept aboard a sailboat, and it was very pleasant and comfortable. The Captain was the best host, and we felt freedom like we never had!!!
Cape Coral, FL (Overnight Charter)

We both enjoyed the sailing class! Phil is an excellent captain and teacher. We plan to continue taking the next lesson in the series in November of this year. I believe it is course #103. Phil has a natural talent in presenting information and teaching in such a manner that the student feels relaxed and comfortable (Me!). Clinton, NJ (BKB101)

We most certainly did enjoy the course with Captain Charlie despite the poor sailing conditions on our second day. Charlie is a born teacher and sailor and he explained everything calmly and patiently – which he certainly needed to do in my case! His sense of humor and charm made our first sailing course a memorable and very pleasurable experience; we hope to continue to the next stage one day. England (BKB101 Lessons)

The class, the captain and the experience were excellent. I am considering taking more classes.Minot, ND (BKB101 Lessons)

We had a wonderful day. Phil made us feel right at home onboard. The day was custom to us and we certainly appreciated the ideas Phil gave us to help plan our day. We packed a couple of coolers and had a day on the water and a picnic at the State park. Beautiful! Thanks again Captain Phil for a safe and fantastic sail!(8 Hour Charter)

We enjoyed the course. The captain, Phil, was great and a good teacher, very laid-back and easy to learn from. Port Charlotte, FL (BKB101, BCC103 & BBC104 Lessons)

Just got back to our hotel after our day sailing with Tim. Had a wonderful day and Tim was the perfect Captain! It was a perfect day to see Charlotte Harbor and what a great sailing location it is. Please give our thanks to Tim for a job well done! Shirley, MA (8 Hour Charter)

Just wanted to let you know what an AMAZING time we had last week on the boat with Mark! Mark was WONDERFUL and went way above and beyond what we had expected! We will definitely book again when we are down there! Nashville TN (2 Hour Charter)

Just wanted to say thanks again for an awesome two days of sailing. You made it very easy to learn quickly and feel comfortable aboard the boat! I think it’s safe to say that both my brother and I have found a new passion. We have not stopped thinking and talking about sailing since we last left you at the dock. We’re already planning our next lessons so that when we come back next March, we can take the 106 course with you! Santa Monica, CA (BKB101 Lesson)

I had a great time on the course. Capt Phil made sure we had the basics down before moving on to more advanced coursework. He also made sure we got some sightseeing in at Cabbage Key! It was just what I expected. Huntington, WV (BCC103 & BBC104 Lessons)

The class was very educational, fun and adventurous! The class exceeded our expectations! We loved the overnight anchorage at Pelican Bay! Capt. Don is a fantastic instructor! Looking forward to more classes with him. Cape Coral, FL (BKB101, BCC103, BBC104 Lessons)

I enjoyed the sailing lessons immensely! The captain was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable! One of my best weekends in Florida!Cincinnati, OH (BKB101 Lessons)

Yes the ASA106 class was what I expected, quite different to my ASA104 and ASA105 which I did with a different sailing school. I enjoyed the calm atmosphere – the boat – and the experienced captain as an instructor. One could see that Captain Don Bentley knew what’s important and how to prepare a student to get around on the water – especially at night. Thanks for making the Thanksgiving weekend a successful experience for me. Plymouth, MI (ASA106 Lessons)

My experience was great. Captain Phil was a great teacher and made the class fun, but serious as far as what we needed to know to be safe and competent sailors. Thanks so much. Greeley, CO (BKB101, BCC103 Lessons)

We absolutely enjoyed the class and will definitely be taking more. Captain Phil was the best teacher and was very patient. We are still studying on the books because you can never know too much. The boat was very nice and comfortable and made us want one. Hope to sail more soon. Northville, MI (BKB101, BCC103 Lessons)

We very much enjoyed our sailing lessons with CHS and Captain Mark. For us, I could not have imagined a better experience.Naples, FL (Catamaran BKB101, BCC103 Lessons)

We had an awesome time! Here are my comments:
Captain Phil is an amazing instructor – experienced, patient, encouraging and fun. With his guidance and help I connected the reading in the ASA class manuals to hands on learning. Although nervous and a bit intimidated when I first stepped on board, he eased my fears and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Because of him, I learned to love and respect sailing. The classes were more fun and exhilarating than I ever imagined. I would definitely recommend Captain Phil to anyone and everyone! Loveland, Colorado (BKB101, BCC103, BBC104 Lessons)

I really enjoyed meeting Capt Phil! He is a great teacher and made the experience memorable. I hope to be with him soon again and continue my certification with ASA. I highly recommend CHS to anyone considering taking ASA courses. The boats are very nice and the sailing conditions are superb! Aspen, CO (BBC104 Lessons)

We had a great time. Both Captain Phil and Captain Charlie were great. We learned a lot. The instruction was thorough, yet fun. My wife got the sailing bug. We will be repeat customers for classes and chartering, when we can get down again. Thank you for everything; it was very enjoyable. Bettendorf, IA (BCC103, BBC104 Lessons)

I want to thank you for a wonderful trip yesterday. While there could have been more wind, it was exactly what I was hoping for, my folks loved it. I look forward to sailing with you again.Sarasota, FL (2 Hour Sunset Cruise)

It was a wonderful experience to sail with the Instructor/Captain Phil. I have been sailing on my own boat for 15 years, and I thought that I knew it all. I was wrong. He got me really hooked on the ASA education program and I am now currently working on my own instructor credentials.North Port, FL (BCC103, BBC104, NAV105 Lessons)

Yes, I am very pleased with my experience. Phil is a great instructor, I came away with the confidence to proceed on my own. I am still working on getting my boat ready to sail. Port Charlotte, FL (BKB101 Lessons)