38 Years in the British Virgin Islands

August 28th, 2010
The Moorings fleet in the BVI

Some of The Moorings fleet in the British Virgin Islands

In 1972 Steve and I put together the first of more than 100 cruising vacations for our growing list of Offshore Sailing School (www.OffshoreSailing.com) graduates who wanted more. We got on a plane in the heat of a New York City August morning and sped down to the British Virgin Islands with 34 graduates – all for less than $500 per person including air! It was beastly hot when we changed to a puddle jumper in Puerto Rico, but on the ground at Beef Island a steady breeze off the water wafted through the air. We got to expect those cooling Trade Winds any time of year and, along with our graduates, fell in love with those beautiful, lush islands. A year later, we forged a partnership with The Moorings and started teaching cruising courses on their yachts.

 Today, 38 years later that partnership is going strong. Offshore Sailing School has taught thousands of would-be cruisers to take the helm of a bareboat charter yacht. I can’t think of a better place to fulfill your sailing goals and enjoy a refreshing and rewarding learning experience than from The Moorings Village at Wyckham’s Cay in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands (http://www.moorings.com/vacation-options/bareboat-yacht-charter/destinations/caribbean/british-virgin-islands/tortola).

This is the place to Learn to Sail, take the Fast Track to Cruising course, our Live Aboard Cruising course and get into Passage Making. You can get US SAILING certification or Colgate Certification and start cruising all over the world at The Moorings bases after just one course. Offshore Sailing School’s Colgate 26 fleet at this location provides a five-day relaxing vacation with certification at the Day Sailing level. It’s also the stepping-stone for Live Aboard Courses on gorgeous 43′ to 51′ cruising yachts, even power cruising on super comfortable Moorings 47′ power cats.

Here’s an excerpt from The Moorings website: The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are comprised of more than 25 beautiful jewels set amid the sheltered, turquoise waters of the central Caribbean Sea. Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada are the major isles of the archipelago. The smaller islands, many splendid for day or overnight visits, add to the varied mix of tropical pleasures, which can be as laid-back or as active as desired during a British Virgin Islands yacht charter. White-sand beaches, luxury waterfront resorts, sailor-friendly bars and upscale restaurants, chic boutique shopping, snorkeling and scuba diving on coral reefs teeming with sea life, it is all the perfect blend to create a delightfully rejuvenating experience under sail.

The Baths in the British Virgin islands

Learning to Cruise on a power boat or sailing yacht in the British Virgin Islands

No matter when you go, you’ll enjoy temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 with constant breezes and beautiful crystal clear waters. At this location you can spend your time learning while staying in a lovely room ashore (our five-day Learn to Sail course on a Colgate 26), go from novice to ready-to-cruise in an accelerated Fast Track to Cruising experience with two days learning the basics on a Colgate 26 and then five days mastering the techniques of handling a beautiful 43’ cruising yacht. Or, if you already have the basics you can step right into the Live Aboard Cruising course and earn your bareboat cruising certification in five action packed days.

Then the world is yours – chartering with The Moorings back in the BVI, heading abroad to the Greek Islands or the South Pacific, or one of their many other locations in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Far East, South Pacific, Mexico and Pacific Northwest.

But you gotta start somewhere, so send me an email (doris@offshoresailing.com) and I’ll get you hoooked up with one of our super sales associates for a learning vcation you’ll long remember!

Yours truly,

Doris Colgate of Offshore Sailing School

Doris Colgate, forever sailing and loving it

A Southwest Florida Jewel for Offshore Sailing School

August 28th, 2010

Thirty-five years ago, when Steve and I decided we needed a southern U.S. base we drove the Florida east coast route from Port St. Lucie down to the Keys and up the west coast to Captiva Island – in search of the perfect destination resort. It was quite an eye opener as we visited one location after another – finding beautiful beaches but no harbors where we could keep boats, a great harbor but rinky-dink motels or no housing at all ashore – or a combination that worked but with a low, fixed bridge in the path to open water. 

South Seas Island Resort's pool and fishing pier viewed from Pine Island Sound

Then, running out of time, we came upon South Seas Plantation (now called South Seas Island Resort) on the tip of Captiva Island.  Tired, and feeling like we needed to think twice about Florida, Steve had earlier called the resort and was transferred to the harbor master who said the resort only had 50 rooms and the marina was full. He was a power boater, we found out later, who referred to sailors as “ragmen” (“rag” for sails). But we made one more call on the advice of a beach vendor at the then Marco Island Marriott, and reached the manager of the resort who said “I know who you are, come on up!  We’d love to have you.” Turns out he was at Out Island Inn in the Bahamas when we opened a racing program there in 1971. It is a very small world when it came to hotel managers.

We had dragged our scrapbooks full of articles about Offshore Sailing School all over Florida and didn’t need them at this perfect home for Offshore Sailing School.  The 17 mile drive down Sanibel Island and ont0 Captiva was arched with Australian Pines gently blowing in the breeze. We saw our first Osprey and thought it was a Bald Eagle. Thirty-five years ago, the resort had condos and hotel rooms facing the marina, a small ante bellum style hotel sitting on the bay, and a bunch of little fishing cottages that dated back to lime plantation and fishing camp days.  The historic Kings Crown Room was where we ate our meals, overlooking gas burning tiki torches that cast shadows on majestic coconut palms.

Over the years, the 330 acre resort grew from a couple hundred rooms to over 500 but has maintained its unique village style with two themed

areas and an atmosphere that invites learning, relaxing, exploring and total rejuvenation. Now a Luxury Resorts property, South Seas Island Resort’s ambiance, accommodations and amenities are absolutely top of the line. There are wonderful kids programs, and educational sessions for adults as well, plus fishing, jogging and bicycle paths, kayaking, golf, tennis, a gorgeous pool with private cabanas, broad white sand beaches loaded with shells, spa and fitness facilities and a Nature Center – all right on the property. You never need to use your car, as golf carts and Trek bicycles are available to rent and a trolley travels back and forth on the 2.5 mile Plantation Drive.

Best of all the sailing is terrific; with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Pine Island Sound to the east. The sunsets overlooking a horizon that stretches all the way to Mexico are spectacular. We’ve even seen the “green flash” there! It’s a beautiful place all year round, and a fantastic fall/winter/spring getaway when snow’s on the ground and the wind is howling through tall buildings and plains up north.

Colgate 26 fleet

Offshore Sailing School fleet at South Seas Island Resort

At this location you can take just about every course Offshore Sailing School has to offer: Learn to Sail, Fast Track to Cruising, Live Aboard Cruising, Bareboat Cruising Preparation, Performance Sailing and our annual Offshore/North U Race Week, plus Coastal Passage Making. It’s a favorite of all who visit, so plan your next vacation now – because our courses fill early and so do the rooms.

As South Seas says on its website – http://www.southseas.com/ - the resort is all about “Family. Nature. Comfort.” Offshore Sailing School is all about giving you the best learning vacation you’ll find.

So I urge you to take a look at this touch of paradise and check out www.offshoresailing.com for more information on a vacation that will set you on a

whole new lifestyle.

Yours truly,

Doris Colgate – a very happy sailor!

New Colgate 26 Sailboat is “Best Birthday Present”

August 18th, 2010
George and Trudy Allen

George and Trudy Allen

 
This past weekend Colgate 26 hull # 323 was delivered to her new owner George Allen of Jackson, Mississippi, by Offshore Sailing School COO Doug Sparks.  The Jackson Yacht Club on beautiful Barnett Reservoir is Hull # 323’s new home. This is one nice club. Yes, the club building is unique, the view of the lake fantastic, the food is really good, and the docks and facilities are in pretty good shape. All important attributes of a first rate yacht club no-doubt. However, what makes this club so nice is that it is the home club for some of the nicest and friendliest sailors I have ever met. They redefine the meaning of “Southern Hospitality” and take it to another level.
 
Trudy Allen, George’s wife, surprised him with what George called, “the darn best birthday present a man could ever have,” with a huge grin on his face when he saw “The Breeze” for the first time at the club. The Allen’s have a great friend named Ken Allen (no relation, but George swears that somewhere along the line they must be related because Ken is such a nice guy and so is George), who does most of the rigging for the fleet at the yacht club. Ken was a psychologist in his pre-sailboat life with a very successful practice and he gave it up to do what he does best, mess around with boats. Needless to say I learned a lot from Ken about the club, about boats, and about the love of sailing that is shared by many in this part of the country. According to Ken this C26 is only the second “new” boat on the lake in a very long time.

 Back to Trudy and George. The boat was rigged, sails bent on her and off we go for her maiden voyage on Barnett Reservoir. A very light SE breeze, 6 adults onboard and “The Breeze” sailed like a dream.  

George Allen's New Colgate 26

"The Breeze" on Barnett Reservoir

 “We looked at a lot of different boats over the last few years. We knew what we wanted and what we did not want. We found everything we wanted in the C26,” says Trudy. George is very happy with his new boat. ” The boat has a great feel, the cockpit is great, lots of room for us no matter what we do, go racing the boat or just out with the grand kids. It is very solid and safe, easy to maintain and will be lots of fun for us. I wanted a new boat so I would always know how every single ding, dent or scratch came to be.”Trudy is just as excited about their new Colgate 26. Both Trudy and George have done lots of sailing over the years. They had a new Hunter on the lake at one time named “Some Assembly Required.” George will tell you that Trudy’s nickname is NPR, Never Pay Retail. She became a Hunter small boat dealer several years ago and when they went and picked up the first Hunter for the dealership they realized they had to rig the boat – Some Assembly Required. 

So, Hull #323, now fondly called “The Breeze”, is laying in her custom slip courtesy of the many talents of Boat Psychologist Ken Allen at the Jackson Yacht Club on Barnett Reservoir. Did I mention that some of the nicest people in the world sail here? Thanks for your business Trudy and George - enjoy many happy days on your new C26! 

If you’d like to learn how to sail on a Colgate 26 check out Learn to Sail  and  Performance Sailing and Racing Courses at Offshore Sailing School – www.offshoresailing.com.  

For more information on The Colgate 26 please go to www.colgate26.com or call Steve Colgate @ 866-842-4355. 

ABC Travel features Offshore Sailing

July 16th, 2010

Watch our Sailing Segment on ABC’s Half-Hour Travel Show below

Karen Schaler, ABC Travel Correspondent,  enjoys sailing tips from Offshore Sailing School in New York.

Sailing thoughts with Offshore Sailing COO Doug Sparks

July 2nd, 2010

Offshore Sailing School, Captiva Island, Florida, Sailing LocationJune 30, 2010.

This past Saturday I was spending time at our Captiva Island Florida  branch location at South Seas Island Resort. Just in case you are wondering the beaches are clean and the water is beautiful. The manatees are rolling the surface inside the South Seas Marina and the beach was full of people enjoying the warm, clean gulf waters. Sailing in general has been really good. This being our rainy season we can count on the late afternoon showers that roll in from the south east bringing a stiff breeze along with the much needed rain.

On Sunday we brought our cruising instruction boat a Dufour 43 classic “Oz” into South Seas Marina. Sailing from Fort Myers Beach we sailed North by Northwest along the entire western coastline of Sanibel Island. It was a great time on the clear green water with a nice Southwesterly breeze. The beaches were white, clean and full of people.

We are very fortunate to continue to sail in clean clear water as well as enjoy our sandy white pristine beaches. We are very thankful for this. No matter what you may be hearing from the national news not all of Florida’s Beaches,  and waters have been effected by the abominable catastrophy going on in the Gulf of Mexico at this very moment.

Contact us or give us a call and lets get your adventure started today, sailing will change your life. Trust me.

Doug Sparks
COO, Offshore Sailing
239-985-7539

Offshore Sailing School and the Gulf Oil Spill

June 1st, 2010
Leopard 46 on Gulf of Mexico

Offshore Sailing School catamaran course enjoys good winds and clear water on the Gulf of Mexico

There is a misconception among some vacationers, who seem to be putting travel plans on hold to sanctuaries and beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.  It is almost 5 p.m. on Tuesday morning, June 1, and our beaches remain pristine, our waters clear and enticing.

Yesterday and today our boats were sailing in the warm waters of the Gulf and on Tampa Bay, in a delightful breeze with dolphins playing in our wakes. Eager sailors were pariticpating in the Offshore Sailing School Learn to Sail, Fast Track to Cruising and Bareboat Cruising courses with big smiles on their faces.

The sky was bright blue all day with puffy clouds and, though there were predictions of occasional afternoon showers, none appeared.  On the beaches of Captiva Island and Ft. Myers Beach and in Tampa Bay, we are hundreds of miles from where the terrible oil spill is occurring.  So far no currents are bringing any of that huge plume our way.  And we don’t expect that to happen for quite a while (obviously hopefully never).

Bruce and Sean Hoffman from Washington, DC took the Offshore Sailing School 5-day Learn to Sail course at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida.

Meanwhile, our courses are in full swing and before the Memorial Day Weekend I received some wonderful evaluations from recent graduates.  We urge you to look at your vacation plans and join us this summer in one of the most beautiful close-to-home regions you’ll ever find.  For some of you it’s a short or long car trip, for others a short or long flight.  Whichever you choose, your decision to come on down and share the riches of this beautiful area – learning to sail or sail better – on a very affordable vacation, will be one of the best moves you’ve ever made.

To allay any “fears” here is our cancellation policy for our three Florida locations: http://www.offshoresailing.com/gulf-spill-update.aspx this summer.

Kids and Teens Learn Free Learn to Sail Course

Kids and teens "learn free" with their parents in Offshore Sailing School Learn to Sail course on Captiva Island

Sailing is one of the most rewarding, refreshing activities there is.  It’s absolutely awe inspiring to glide along in a soft breeze with nary a sound but the shooshing of waves against your hull.  You are commanding a sleek sailboat, with no throbbing engine, no fuel fumes hovering around your stern.  You are sailing with wind power alone. Each little move of the helm points the boat to where you want to go – in excited anticipation of reaching your destination and learning the ropes at sea. This kind of freedom, sense of accomplishment and thrill cannot be matched in any other activity.  It won’t scare your pants off like level 5 white water rafting, and the feeling you get under sail is long lasting — in your thoughts when you head home, lulling you to sleep in the quiet of the night.

Here’s a note we recently received from Indiana resident, Bryce Kibbel, who recently took our Fast Track to Cruising course in St. Pete. “I had a great time learning with the instructors. The Colgate 26 was incredibly fun to sail and the Hunter 49 was like having our own personal yacht. Well worth the time and money. The Mansion House is to be highly recommended. If traveling to St. Pete, that is where we will be staying.” This isn’t Bryce in the photo, it’s one of our teens who participated with his Dad in a Learn to Sail course last month.  Does he look like he is having a good time?  You bet!

Treat yourself, treat your kids to some quality time on the Gulf of Mexico – sailing, learning, living the start of a whole new lifestyle! If you’d like to chat about what sailing can do for you, just give me a call.

Doris Colgate
CEO, President and Avid Sailor
239-985-7511

South Seas Island Resort from the Sound

Pristine waters and gorgeous skies at South Seas Island Resort on the Gulf of Mexico

Offshore Sailing School – 46 years of making people happy campers (er sailors)!

Offshore Sailing School Graduates Sail the Windward Islands of the Caribbean

May 25th, 2010

Leg one heading from St. Lucia to Grenada

Underway in a sweet breeze from St. Lucia to Grenada

Just a couple of weeks ago, we completed two legs of our annual Offshore Sailing School graduate bareboat cruising adventures. On the first trip of this Offshore Cruising Club sailing vacation, with 25 sailors participating, we enjoyed grand close and beam reach sailing from St. Lucia to Grenada. On the second – with 24 graduates participating - our days at sea included close reaches and sometimes a beat in exciting 4-10 ft. seas from Grenada back to St. Lucia. 

On both legs we sailed five 51 footers from The Moorings, with 4-6 graduates on each boat. Florida branch manager, Andy Cross and his fun-tastic mate Jill, were the cruise leaders with cruise leaders emeritus Steve and Doris Colgate (Offshore Sailing School owners) on another of the 5 vessels. 

Andy just filed this overview. In a few days the complete story of both legs (with a total of 50 graduates participating) will be available on our web “sailing vacations” page. Check www.offshoresailing.com soon. Here is Andy’s report. 

“While ascending the companionway steps with a fresh cup of coffee in hand, the first rays of morning light were just touching the eastern face of Petit Piton on St. Lucia.  Nearby, 4 other Moorings 515’s swing gently on their moorings as warm breezes swiftly make their way down the steep hills.  Looking from boat to boat I notice other crews arising and making their own preparations for the day.  As my attention is drawn from our fleet to the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea I cannot help but get the sense that we are in for a great week. I was not disappointed. 

Comfortable routines aboard a cruising boat are easy to fall into and even easier to fall in love with.  As our leg one flotilla fleet made way through the beautiful Windward Islands we were no exception.  With due diligence paid to weather (which was sublimely consistent), navigation, and sail handling, most of our routines fell into a few key areas.  

At anchor off Sunset View on Grenada

A typical sunset in the Windward Islands on Offshore Cruising Club adventure

1. Sailing (of course) – With perfect 12-18 knot breezes on the beam the boats handled well and were sailed fast.  Fortunately, engines were mostly reserved for charging batteries and anchoring/mooring. 

2. Food – Delicious lunches and dinners aboard were complimented with exquisite Caribbean restaurants and an excellent beach BBQ in Chatham Bay, Union Island (Thanks Shark Attack!).  And noshing on tasty baguettes, croissants, and pan du chocolat delivered fresh to the boat for breakfast is always a welcome treat! 

3. Swimming/Snorkeling – 85 degree water made our stern ladder a very useful piece of equipment and Horseshoe reef in the Tobago Cay’s was a great place to swim with the sea turtles. 

4. Dinghy = Car – Whether heading to shore to clear customs, shop and eat, or for me to run from boat to boat for briefings, the dink as an invaluable tool on a cruise.  And always interesting to get a whole crew in and out of after a few rum punches! 

5. Clearing Customs – no explanation needed… 

6. Happy Hour! – At the end of a fun day of sailing toasting a job well done over a few cold ones is always a popular event.  Especially when we try and get all 25 of us on one boat for it! 

Cruising on a sailboat from place to place is a special experience.  But, to do it with multiple boats and to share the occasion with so many friends new and old is something truly memorable. Thank you again to everyone on Offshore Sailing School’s Windward Island Leg One Flotilla for a great trip.” 

Leaving the Pitons on Offshore Cruising Club adventure

Leaving The Pitons on Leg 1 of Offshore Sailing School graduate cruise from St. Lucia to Grenada

Fair Winds and Following Seas, 

Andy Cross
Offshore Sailing School Florida Branch Manager
South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island
 and The Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa, Ft. Myers Beach

OFFSHORE SAILING SCHOOL OWNERS, STEVE AND DORIS COLGATE, RECEIVE COVETED AWARD FROM LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU

May 21st, 2010
Colgates receiving Junonia Award

Steve and Doris Colgate receive coveted Junonia Award from Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau in Ft. Myers, Florida

Steve and Doris Colgate, Offshore Sailing School owners,  received the prestigious Junonia Award yesterday from the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB). The award, as stated on the plaque, honors Steve and Doris Colgate and Offshore Sailling School as official members of the “Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Junonia Club” – “due to their tremendous commitment and dedication to the Lee County Tourism Industry.” Awarded at the sole discretion of the VCB, the Junonia Award was created to recognize those individuals who have positively impacted the local tourism community by demonstrating unique capabilities, leadership, commitment, and dedication. The Junonia, a highly treasured shell, was selected as a symbol of the VCB’s ongoing annual award due to its rarity. The Colgates join an esteemed list of 11 past recipients.

The award was presented to the Colgates at the Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show held at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers on May 20, 2010. The event, co-produced by the VCB and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week. The first annual Chrysalis Awards were also announced, honoring businesses and individuals who have positively impacted the local community in six categories. The Colgates were nominated in three of those categories: Business Development, Education, and Sales & Marketing. Tamara Pigott (at right above), executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, presented the Junonia Award to the Colgates at the end of the ceremonies, evoking a standing ovation.

Offshore Sailing School, founded by Steve Colgate in 1964 in New York City, opened its first Florida location in 1975 on Captiva Island at then South Seas Island Resort. It now operates two locations in Lee County – South Seas Island Resort on Captiva and the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa on Ft. Myers Beach. “We enjoy working with the VCB to introduce sailing education as a destination vacation activity,” says Doris. Over the years, the Colgates estimate they have introduced at least 25,000 vacationers to Lee County, bringing in millions of dollars in revenues to Offshore Sailing School partners and the area in general. Offshore Sailing School operates five other locations in addition to the two in Lee County. These include branches in St. Petersburg, Florida; the British Virgin Islands, New York, New Jersey and the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland on the Chesapeake. Since its inception more than 115,000 graduates have gone through Offshore Sailing School programs. For more information, please visit www.offshoresailing.com or call 800-221-4326.

Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club visits Offshore Sailing School Performance Race Week

May 4th, 2010

Offshore Sailing School Performance Race Week Rocks!

Diana Ausburger

Offshore Sailing School Performance Race Week

Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club Performance Race Week

I’ve been sailing for about 10 years and racing for 7 but that didn’t mean I was racing well. I’ve picked up some good techniques along the way, but I was searching for something that would build on my ability to compete. Last fall I found Steve and Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School Performance Race Week. The program took place from April 18th to April 25th at the tip of Captiva Island, Florida. There, at the South Seas Resort, Offshore has a sailing school. When I looked at the curriculum, I thought I couldn’t lose but I had no idea that it would be as power packed as it was.

Offshore Sailing School is well organized. This is the 8th year they have offered Performance Rack Week which is racing specific. The program is a combination of classroom, on the water training and the North U program for sail trim and tactics which is taught by Bill Gladstone himself, writer of the North U manuals. Only 40 sailors can be accepted each year- first come first served. The applicants are divided by skill level and the goals they want to achieve with four sailors assigned to each boat (a Colgate 26) along with a professional coach who sails with them for 6 days.

offshore sailing school performance race week boatoffshore sailing school performance race week ocean

Offshore Sailing School featured on Visit Florida YouTube channel

April 30th, 2010

Enjoy a look at the Steve and Doris Colgate Offshore Sailing School in Captiva, Florida. Hosted by VISIT FLORIDA Boating and Fishing Insider, Terry Tomalin.