Welcome to America’s #1 Sailing School
New to sailing? Already a sailor, ready to learn more? Offshore Sailing School has the broadest range of sailing lessons and boating courses, and the highest standards in sailing and boating education. Our founder and Chairman, Steve Colgate, is an Olympian and America's Cup sailor whose vast experience and knowledge sets the bar for expert sailing and boating instruction. Our professional instructors are all dedicated to your success. The boats you learn on are designed for performance, comfort and your safety. Textbooks written by Steve and Doris Colgate, published by McGraw-Hill, set the stage for fun days learning under sail or power. Want a short sailing lesson? Or an in-depth certification course? We have it all. With Steve and Doris Colgate – the leaders in sailing and boating education – at the helm, Offshore Sailing School is recognized world-wide as America’s #1 Sailing School®.
Our Courses and Programs View More
Learn to Sail
It’s time to embark on a whole new lifestyle. Take the helm of a sleek Colgate 26 sailboat. Be amazed at how much confidence you gain on a 3-day or 5-day learning vacation.
Learn to Cruise
Get ready to see the world under sail. Learn on a beautiful big monohull or catamaran. Live aboard or stay at a gorgeous resort each night of your rewarding learning vacation.
Learn on Catamarans
Get ready for catamaran cruising with a delightful charter cruising course on an impressive big catamaran. Then learn in-depth navigation skills on a live-aboard cruise.
Learn to Race
Hone your sailing skills with a fun, action-packed performance course. Learn to win with go-fast techniques and tactics, then wow your pals in friendly competition back home.
Learn Passage Making
Set sail on an exhilarating blue water sailing school experience. Discover how to safely sail round-the-clock. Achieve skills and confidence for long passages on your own.
Learn to Power Like a Pro
Take your family on a fun cruising course vacation. Gain ultimate confidence while living and learning on a big, beautiful power cat as you cruise from island to island.
Flotilla Cruise Vacations
Treat yourself to new adventures under sail. A benefit for Offshore Sailing School alumni, flotilla cruising vacations, led by Offshore faculty, take you all over the world.
Corporate Programs
Give your team the best time ever with an exhilarating break or focused team building event under sail. To develop leaders, plan a week living aboard.
Our Locations View More
Captiva Island, Florida
Sail where dolphins and manatees play. Come to South Seas Island Resort, a 330-acre island destination surrounded by sandy beaches, bays and the Gulf of Mexico.
Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands
Stay at gorgeous Scrub Island Resort, Marina & Spa – a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. Enjoy luxury ambiance while learning on the deep blue waters of the British Virgin Islands.
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Choose The Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina where every room has amazing views of spectacular Gulf sunsets and sugar-white beaches stretch for miles.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Earn Bareboat Cruising Certification on a Moorings sail or power charter yacht. Learn as you sail from island to island, stopping each night in a different port in paradise.
St. Petersburg, Florida
Your vacation on Tampa Bay starts from the waterfront Hampton Inn & Suites, in trendy downtown St. Pete with terrific museums, restaurants and night life.
Battery Park City, New York City
Offshore Sailing School at Brookfield Place has accessible sailing for all from North Cove Marina. Learn to sail and race. Join our sailing club, KidsSail programs, go for a ride, compete with your team.
Tribeca, New York City
Set sail from Pier 25 by the World Trade Center Memorial, enjoy shore activities and eateries. Learn to sail, bring a team, join the Offshore NY Sailing Club.
Jersey City, New Jersey
Liberty Landing Marina in Liberty State Park has amazing Manhattan views and the best NY Harbor sailing for courses, team building and our NY Sailing Club.
Testimonials
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“Offshore gave me the confidence and competence to feel comfortable in any situation on the water.”
Melinda Long
Richmond, Virginia -
“I’ve had sailing courses from other organizations but this is the best set of courses I ever experienced.”
Jesse Johnson
Austin, Texas -
“It’s obvious Offshore Sailing School puts a lot of effort in selection of instructors. We thoroughly enjoyed the course.”
Kyle Couture Family
Flint, Michigan -
“This was our third course with Offshore. The instructors really set Offshore apart from other sailing organizations.”
Andrew and Erin Deak
Rocky River, Ohio -
“I’ve sailed for 25 years. Offshore dramatically increased my sailing knowledge. I loved every minute.”
Robert Holmes
Barrie, Ontario -
“Offshore Sailing School by far exceeded my expectations. Fantastic program Mr. and Mrs. Colgate! I’ll be back for round 2!”
Brian Smith
Little Rock, Arizona -
“I had small boat experience, my wife was a complete novice. We’re now comfortable and excited to charter on our own.”
Wyatt Blasingame
Morrison, Colorado -
“I took the Fast Track to Cruising Course and went from non-sailor to confident cruiser in one week!”
Gabriel Emanuelli
Miramar, Florida -
“Everything was above expectations. This is really a top-notch, customer/student oriented business. Great experience!”
Blake Bratt
Bellevue, Washington -
“In a word – faultless!! It was all a top-notch adventure and we’re keen to do more. We will definitely be back for the live aboard course.“
Darlene Forbes
Corner Brook, Newfoundland -
“I learned very little at another NYC sailing school. Offshore is the Harvard/Princeton/Yale of sailing schools.”
Keith Bloesch
Hoboken, New Jersey -
“The most amazing week we’ve ever had! Fast Track to Cruising gave us the knowledge and skills to enjoy cruising for the rest of our lives.”
Karen and Kevin Marcilliat
Mableton, Georgia -
“We had an amazing 6 days on our live aboard cruising course! We learned so much and had fun at the same time.”
Lissa and Eric Uhlenhop
Las Vegas, Nevada -
“I attended the Learn to Sail Course with my wife and 3 of our children. We all loved the course.”
Jeff Breymaier
Maumee, Ohio -
“We are amazed at how much we learned in such a short period of time. We left feeling confident and eager to step aboard again.”
Danielle Steinberg
Georgetown, Kentucky -
“Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School is truly the best sailing school. Everything is first class, and well worth the money and time spent.”
Tom Bisanz
Frisco, Texas -
“Amazing course! I’ve done a lot of sailing, and learned a lot during week. My wife went from novice to knowledgeable and reliable.”
Robert and Betsy Lahue
Wyckoff, New Jersey -
“Offshore made it easy to learn! One of the best weeks ever. My dad and I couldn’t have had a more productive and enjoyable adventure.”
Mark Waltz
Muskego, Wisconsin -
“What a fantastic experience! Our Fast Track week was fun and educational from beginning to end.”
Todd and Lois Gillenwater
Charleston, West Virginia -
“The instructors were amazing. I learned a lot, had fun, and can’t stop telling everyone how cool this experience was.”
Charles Zahalka
Las Vegas, Nevada
