Welcome to America’s #1 Sailing School
Interested in learning how to sail or taking some sailing lessons? Do you want more than just a one or two hour lesson in terminology and boat anatomy? Do you want instructors who put you first, ensuring that you have the skills you need to safely enjoy the freedom of the sailing lifestyle? Then Offshore Sailing School is the perfect place for you! We offer far more than just a simple overview of sailing, disguised as a lesson. Our courses are designed to give students real, practical knowledge through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning.
Graduates of our sailing school come away, not only with an outstanding vacation experience, but a new and inspiring lifestyle, complete with an internationally recognized sailing certificate. You can choose to learn at our schools in New York, New Jersey, Chesapeake Bay Maryland, Florida or the British Virgin Islands, making Offshore Sailing School a complete vacation adventure. Get away for a weekend of sailing and adventure. Come home with an entirely new lifestyle – the sailing lifestyle!
Just Some of the Offshore Sailing School Course Offerings
No matter your level of interest or previous sailing experience, the single most important factor in learning how to sail or advancing your current sailing skills is decided where and from whom to learn. For more than 48 years, Steve and Doris Colgate have been teaching both novice and experienced sailors, sharing with them the joy and adventure of the art that is sailing. Their dedication, attention to detail and love for sailing is the reason why Offshore Sailing School is considered the premier sailing school worldwide. More than 125,000 graduates would whole-heartily agree our sailing lessons are unlike any other offered in the United States today.
Come for Adventures, Gain a New Lifestyle
There is nothing quite like the freedom and experience that goes with the sailing lifestyle. Whether you want to spend your weekends cruising the beautiful coasts around the U.S., or you want to live aboard and take exotic vacations in far-away destinations, we can teach you how to sail with confidence. Our courses will take you from complete novice to old salt in just a few days. We provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to enjoy sailing for the rest of your life! With a broad range of course options and a sailing education beyond compare, you can turn a weekend getaway into a life-changing adventure, with skills you can apply on or off the water.
“I’ve seen promotional campaigns in sailing magazines praising Offshore Sailing School. Quite a few times, I must admit, I felt the quote under the picture of the person taking the course was a bit sugar-coated. Now, having taken the course, I firmly endorse those comments, and feel confident enough to do what many will find inspiring.” – Michael and Sotira Forlini - Rosemere, Quebec
The Offshore Sailing Difference
Offshore Sailing School offers sailing courses designed to meet the needs of sailors with a variety of experience levels. Our courses are different than most, in that students do more than simply go out on a boat with their instructor for a few hours. Just a few of the differences in the sailing lessons offered by our sailing school include:
- Minimum two-day course length, with options for three, five or seven day courses
- Flexible course options to meet the needs of every sailor, novice to advanced
- Experienced and caring instructors, certified by US SAILING, the highest national standard in the United States
- A successful test sail, without an instructor, is required as part of course completion
- Live aboard course options, encompassing class and practical instruction
- Course guarantee, if a student is not satisfied with their instruction we will arrange a repeat course, tuition free
The sailing industry, from boat manufacturers to suppliers to services, refer clients and friends to Offshore. Here's what Peter Nielsen, SAIL Magazine's editor-in-chief (shown at right), wrote about Offshore Sailing School:
"If you want to learn to sail, look no further. Steve and Doris Colgate
will get you on the water quickly, safely and enjoyably."
– Peter Nielsen, SAIL Magazine Editor-In-Chief
Awards, Accolades and Press
Over the 48 year legacy of Offshore Sailing School, we have received numerous awards and accolades, as well as extensive media attention. Our sailing school was featured on ABC, in a half-hour travel show. In 2010, the New York Times wrote about Offshore Sailing School in an award-winning two-page feature article. Also in 2010, Offshore Sailing School was featured in the Special Health Issue of Ladies' Home Journal. SAIL Magazine also named Steve and Doris Colgate in the Top 40 Sailors Who Made a Difference, citing their contribution to modern sailing education and training.
Our Awards include:
- The Southam Award, January 2000, for Doris Colgate's book SAILING: A Woman's Guide
- Leadership in Women's Sailing Award 2004, Boat U.S. Magazine
- Betty Cooke Memorial Achievement Award 2004, Boating Magazine
- Industry Award for Leadership 1996, SAIL Magazine
- Timothea Larry Trophy 2003, US SAILING
- The Junonia Award 2010, Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau
Read our graduate reviews and find out why "Trust" is so important when seeking a positive learning experience.
SAILING- Good for You, Good for the World!™