Staying Passionate About Boating

For recreational boaters who can’t get on the water because of Covid-19 restrictions, the Boat Owners Association of the United States, better known as BoatUS, is offering ways to sharpen their skills and keep their passion alive through online resources. In the first article on what’s available, we take a look at the Offshore Sailing School.

Instruction for All

The Colgate Offshore Sailing School’s Learn to Sail course starts with the basics and takes attendees through intermediate experiences. It was developed by Steve and Doris Colgate to provide the skills to handle a sailboat up to 30’ (9.14 m) long. In addition to helping teach new sailors, it could be a good refresher course for those whose skills need sharpening.

The course consists of four modules and has interactive exercises as well as quiz questions. After completing the course, the Colgates suggest sailors continue their education with the Fast Track to Sailing textbook.

Hands On is Still Best

Eventually, as more areas around the United States and in the Caribbean open up,

sailors may want to get hands-on instruction at one of the school’s six locations. There are four on the west coast of Florida in Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, St. Petersburg and Captiva Island, plus one at Scrub Island Resort and another in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.