About Us, Celebrating 61 Years!

Steve Colgate, a luminary in the sailing world, has dedicated his life to promoting sailing through education, innovation, and competitive racing. As the founder and chairman of Offshore Sailing School, Steve left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring countless individuals to embrace the sea.

In 1964, Steve co-founded Offshore Sailing School. His wife, Doris Colgate, took his Learn to Sail course in 1967 and “married Offshore and Steve” two years later. Their vision was to provide top-notch sailing instruction for all skill levels. Steve has published many textbooks on sailing, and co-authored several sailing books with Doris, including “Fast Track to Cruising” and “Fast Track to Sailing.” His mentorship has shaped the careers of many sailing professionals. A significant contribution to sailing is Steve’s design of the Colgate 26 sailboat. In collaboration with naval architect Jim Taylor, Steve created a boat known for its speed, safety, and ease of handling. The Colgate 26 is widely used in sailing schools and clubs, for training and racing. For his innovative and far-reaching sailing instruction programs, his sailboat racing career, and the Colgate 26, Steve was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2015.
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Doris Colgate, a pioneer in the sailing industry, has significantly advanced sailing education and empowered women in the sport. Her journey reflects her passion, commitment, and unwavering dedication to excellence. She founded the National Women’s Sailing Association and Women’s Sailing Foundation, dedicated to providing sailing outreach programs for disadvantaged girls, and enhancing the lives of all women through sailing. For her work in these organizations and leadership of Offshore Sailing School, Doris was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2022.

In 1969, Doris joined Offshore Sailing School. The school aimed to provide high-quality sailing education to enthusiasts of all levels. Under her leadership, the school expanded from a single location in New York City to multiple locations across the United States and the Caribbean. Recognizing the need for more opportunities for women in sailing, Doris launched the National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) in 1990. She also initiated the Women’s Sailing Conference, an annual event designed to empower women through hands-on sailing experiences and workshops, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among women sailors.
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Randon Finkelstein, from Houston, Texas, discovered sailing at age 12 and quickly advanced from instructor to COO. A US Sailing National Faculty member and certified instructor at all levels, Randon holds multiple licenses, and with over 30,000 nautical miles sailed, he inspires sailors worldwide.

Josh Julow, a Metro-Detroit native, swapped fresh water for salt water in 2014. A Marquette University graduate, he started at OSS as a sales and operations assistant and later managed operations. After a two-year hiatus away from Offshore, he returned driven by his love for water and adventure.