Our Storied History: The Colgate Legacy

Offshore Sailing School’s history is not just the story of one great sailor—it is the story of a leadership team whose combined vision transformed sailing education in America and empowered tens of thousands of sailors across six decades.

Founded in 1964 by Steve Colgate, the school quickly became known for its exceptional training standards, elite instructors, and Steve’s unmatched racing pedigree. However, Offshore Sailing School endured, expanded, and ultimately became the longest-running sailing school in the country due to the extraordinary leadership, innovation, and operational mastery of Doris Colgate.

Together, Steve and Doris built something the sailing world had never seen before: a professionalized, structured, modern approach to adult sailing education that changed the industry forever.

The Leadership and Vision of Doris Colgate

When Doris married Steve in 1969, she made him a promise: that he could continue racing at the highest levels without sacrificing the school’s growth or stability. She delivered on that promise—and more.

For over 50 years, Doris was the operational and strategic engine that enabled Offshore Sailing School not only to function but also to thrive.
She guided the company through massive expansions, curriculum evolution, staffing, relocations, recessions, hurricanes, and ultimately the challenges of COVID and Hurricane Ian—ensuring its survival when many other sailing schools closed their doors.

Her contributions to Offshore Sailing School and the sailing industry are profound:

Pioneer for Women in Sailing

Founded the National Women’s Sailing Association (1990)
Founded the Women’s Sailing Foundation, dedicated to empowering women through education, racing programs, and leadership development
Created and led the Take the Helm women’s weekend programs at major boat shows for eight years

In one year alone, more than 800 women attended

For her groundbreaking work, Doris was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2022

These programs inspired thousands of women to enter sailing with confidence and skill—and they continue to thrive today under new leadership, a lasting testament to the foundation she built.

Influential Author & Thought Leader

Doris authored Sailing: A Woman’s Guide (Ragged Mountain Press / McGraw-Hill), a defining book for women entering the sport, and co-authored:

Fast Track to Sailing
Fast Track to Cruising

Both with Steve, both now classics in the sailing education world.

The Architect of Modern Sailing Curriculum

Many of Offshore Sailing School’s most successful programs, formats, and innovations were created by Doris, including the iconic:

Fast Track to Cruising® program
This revolutionary approach enabled adults and families to transition rapidly into the cruising lifestyle—something the industry had never achieved before, and something competitors have since tried (unsuccessfully) to replicate.

Her work made adult-oriented, immersive sailing instruction accessible, approachable, and transformative.

Doris’ imprint is woven into every aspect of Offshore Sailing School. It is impossible to tell the story of the school’s success without her.

Steve Colgate: A Racing Luminary and Educational Pioneer

Steve’s credentials are unmatched in American sailing. His achievements include:

- Inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame (2015)
- Two America’s Cup trials
- Olympic Games
- Pan American Games
- Seven Transatlantic Races

8 Fastnet Races

Twenty Newport–Bermuda Races
Creator of the original US Sailing Certification System
Author of multiple sailing textbooks, including several co-authored with Doris
Technical inspiration behind the Colgate 26 sailboat

When the Colgate 26 launched, the U.S. Naval Academy selected the design as its primary training fleet– a massive endorsement of its performance and durability. The Academy now operates a fleet of 42 Colgate 26s, and the design remains a staple in sailing programs across the country.

Steve’s racing background and curriculum development expertise formed the backbone of Offshore Sailing School’s methodical, competency-driven approach.

A Legacy Built by Two Leaders

Together, Steve and Doris achieved milestones unmatched by any other sailing school in the world:

Two founders, both inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame
The longest-running, continuously operating sailing school in the United States
Tens of thousands of graduates over six decades
A curriculum emulated—but never equaled—throughout the industry
A national movement to bring more women into sailing, racing, cruising, and leadership roles
A modern teaching vessel (the Colgate 26) used by the country’s foremost naval training program

The Colgates built not just a school, but a cultural institution.

Honoring the Past, Advancing the Future

We are deeply honored to carry forward the vision and legacy of both Steve and Doris Colgate.

Offshore Sailing School now enters its next evolution with:

Dual certification through ASA and NauticEd
Luxury training experiences on monohulls, sailing catamarans, power catamarans, and powerboats
World-class locations in Sarasota and St. Petersburg
A renewed commitment to excellence, access, inclusivity, and personalized instruction

Everything we do today, and everything we will do tomorrow, is built on the foundation Steve and Doris created together.

This is more than history.
This is a legacy we are proud to honor, preserve, and elevate for the next generation of sailors.

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