Florida Sailing Lessons in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg, FL Sailing School at The Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites
Offshore Sailing School’s St. Petersburg, FL sailing school fleet is in St. Petersburg Municipal Marina across from the Downtown St. Petersburg Hampton Inn & Suites where most of our students stay. The picturesque city of St. Petersburg sits on Tampa Bay and the Vinoy Basin where good winds and sunny skies make our Florida sailing school in St. Petersburg great for sailing lessons and sailing vacations. Earn your bareboat cruising certification at this dynamic Florida destination, with quick access to interesting and picturesque anchorages. Click the course links below to learn more about sailing lessons in St. Petersburg, FL.
Learn to Sail in Three Glorious Days on Tampa Bay
If you are just starting out in sailing or looking for a brush up on your sailing skills, consider the 3-day Learn to Sail OSS 101 course. Combine your sailing course with a 5-night hotel stay (Sunday through Thursday) and explore beautiful St. Petersburg Beach, top-notch museums within walking distance of the hotel, chic shops and delectable dining.
Learn to Cruise and See the World Under Sail
If your ultimate goal is to own a cruising sailboat or charter a yacht with friends, the Fast Track to Cruising® Course OSS 101/103/104 is our most popular program and takes you from novice sailor to cruise-ready in 8 days. If you already know how to sail, then your next step is the 6-day Live Aboard Cruising Course OSS 103/104/114 on Tampa Bay. Your “home” while participating in these exciting sailboat cruising programs could be a 44′-47′ Jeanneau monohull, or a spacious 40′-45′ Leopard catamaran as you sail from point to point in Tampa Bay and along the Gulf Coast of Florida. During your sailing lessons, you cruise to beautiful harbors, anchorages and fun marinas where you can sample the laid back world Floridians love so much. Download Cruising Courses in St. Pete on the Gulf Coast of Florida to learn more about cruising destinations you might visit during your sailboat cruising week.
About the Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites
Unwind after your Tampa Bay sailing lessons at the Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites! The AAA-rated Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg (a member of the Hilton Hotel group) is located next to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in the historic downtown district. This conveniently-located, comfortable hotel features an art deco motif, with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a secluded roof-top swimming pool, and fitness room. All guests enjoy complimentary breakfast during their stay. Across the street from the hotel is the all-new St. Pete Pier, with 26 acres of walking/jogging paths, a variety of kids and family play areas (including a splash pad), fishing dock, several waterfront restaurants, a marketplace and picnic areas. Nearby is Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Vibrant Art Scene and Sun Coast Beaches
American Style magazine highlighted St. Petersburg’s “vibrant” arts scene. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Central Avenue or along the waterfront on Beach Drive and duck into one of the many cafes for dinner or a cocktail. The Museum of Fine Arts, Dale Chihuly Collection, Mahaffey Theatre, and Salvador Dali Museum are all within walking distance. A short drive away is St. Petersburg Beach – luring beach lovers to the Sun Coast. There’s no better place to go for St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay sailing lessons, and extend your learning vacation with another day or two to visit Busch Gardens and Disney World.
At the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown St. Petersburg:
- Flat screen TV and DVD player in each guest room
- Complimentary, deluxe hot breakfasts
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout hotel
- Second-story terrace with heated swimming pool
- Guest laundry facility
- Fitness room
- On-site Suite Shop
- Coffeemaker, refrigerator and microwave in your room
- Valet parking
- Convenient downtown location directly across the street from marina and new Pier with many restaurants, bars, museums within walking distance
While other Florida sailing schools teach up to 6 people on a boat, Offshore Sailing School never teaches more than four per boat and instructor unless you opt for a Buy the Boat program. Private Couple or Family Courses are also available. Please check the individual courses for more details. Rates vary by season. Please see the “What’s Included” tab for more details. If you’d rather not book online, contact us: 888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700; email Sail@OffshoreSailing.com.
Here is an overview of what’s included when you take an Offshore Sailing School course in St. Petersburg at The Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites. Please check the individual course pages for more details.
An overview of what’s included when you book a package including accommodations at the Hampton Inn:
- Your course tuition
- Accommodations and taxes
- Complimentary daily breakfasts at hotel
- Your cabin aboard for Live Aboard Cruising Courses
- All breakfasts, lunches, snacks and three dinners aboard during live aboard courses (two dinners ashore are on you)
- Your course textbooks
- Diploma and logbook
- Course certifications when you pass the tests
- Other items specific to each course
- Exclusive one-year subscription to Cruising World or Sailing World magazine (mailed to U.S. address)
Call 888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700
Email Sail@OffshoreSailing.com
How to Get to St. Petersburg
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a short drive or taxi ride from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. Super Shuttle offers discounted one-stop direct service for Hampton guests and all the rental car services are available at the airports.
Address Information:
The Hampton Inn and Suites
80 Beach Drive NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Sailing School in St. Petersburg & Tampa, Florida On-the-Water Training & Certification
Offshore Sailing School offers the most trusted, hands-on sailing instruction in Florida. As a premier sailing school in St. Petersburg, Florida, we specialize in US Sailing-certified courses for all skill levels. From beginner programs to advanced cruising instruction, our curriculum is designed to build confidence on the water. Learn aboard high-performance monohulls or catamarans in the heart of St. Pete’s vibrant coastal scene, where real-world sailing education meets exceptional service and care.
Many searching for a sailing school in St. Petersburg, Florida, face large class sizes, minimal on-water time, and unqualified instruction. Offshore Sailing School solves these issues with small class ratios, experienced instructors, and a structured program focused on real skill-building. Our students train on modern boats in real wind and tide conditions, gaining practical knowledge instead of classroom theory.
With more than 60 years of experience, Offshore Sailing School offers expert instruction in Learn to Sail, Fast Track to Cruising, Catamaran courses, and more. We teach students of all ages with personalized coaching and a commitment to quality. Whether you’re just starting or looking to become a competent cruising sailor, we have a course that fits your goals. For expert instruction and real results, contact us now to request a quote and reserve your course in St. Pete.
We understand that learning to sail is a personal journey filled with excitement, challenges, and lifelong dreams. At our sailing school in St. Petersburg, Florida, you are supported every step of the way by passionate instructors who care about your progress. Whether you’re chasing a dream or starting something new, we’ll help you feel confident, prepared, and inspired on the water. Contact us today to start your journey with Offshore Sailing School.
What Makes Our St. Petersburg Sailing School Different
- Personalized Sailing Lessons for Every Student: Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn to sail in St. Petersburg, FL, or a seasoned sailor refining advanced techniques, Offshore Sailing School offers personalized sailing lessons tailored to your unique goals. Our instructors adapt every sailing lesson to your pace, making sure your sailing adventure is both comfortable and empowering. We believe intelligent sailing begins with understanding each student’s background and giving them a life-enriching experience they won’t forget.
- Modern Training Boats and Real-World Scenarios: Our sailing courses in St. Petersburg, FL, feature instruction aboard high-performance monohulls and cruising catamarans in realistic cruising environments. From docking practice to route planning for future island hopping or Gulf Coast excursions, our approach blends comfort with challenge. These vessels provide a comfortable experience while immersing you in the practical conditions you’ll encounter during real sailing. We go beyond textbook learning to deliver a superb experience rooted in sailing skills and situational awareness.
- Friendly, Certified Instructors Who Know These Waters: Our sailing team includes US Sailing Certified Instructors who know the local waters inside and out. From St. Pete’s urban coastline to Gulf breezes that rival Key West, you’ll benefit from their deep local knowledge and professionalism. These passionate sailors lead each sailing class in St. Petersburg, FL, with enthusiasm, care, and adherence to the highest safety standards. Their guidance ensures an exhilarating experience while building strong safety skills and confidence.
- A Welcoming Community with a Passion for the Sea: At Offshore Sailing School, you’ll join a vibrant community that lives through sailing. From first-time learners to experienced sailors, everyone is welcomed into a culture centered on growth, fun, and shared love for the sea. Our sailing courses foster a network of passionate sailors who support one another in achieving their sailing goals. Whether it’s your first tack or your first overnight, we’re here to make it an unparalleled experience from start to finish.
Sailing School in St. Petersburg, Florida: Discover the Joy of Sailing
Experience the freedom and excitement of sailing in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida. Offshore Sailing School offers comprehensive programs for adults of all skill levels, whether you’re new to sailing or looking to refine your technique. Our sailing school in St. Petersburg, Florida, provides expert instruction tailored to recreational and professional goals. Whether you’re planning a sailing vacation, pursuing certification, or just looking to enjoy time on the water, we’re here to help you start your journey with confidence.
Sailing Courses and Certifications in St. Petersburg
Offshore Sailing School offers a range of courses in St. Petersburg, FL, for every goal, from beginner basics to advanced cruising certifications. All courses emphasize hands-on training and practical, real-world experience on the water.
Course offerings include:
- Learn to Sail: Introductory course covering sailing fundamentals and safety.
- Fast Track to Cruising®: Accelerated program focused on coastal cruising skills.
- Bareboat Charter Cruising: Certification that allows you to charter yachts worldwide.
- Live Aboard Cruising: Hands-on, immersive learning on the water.
- Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising: Training on multi-hull sailing vessels.
- Performance Sailing: Focus on improving sailing speed and technique.
- Monohull and Catamaran Refreshers: Ideal for brushing up before a trip.
Our skilled instructors provide personalized attention, ensuring you receive the knowledge and confidence you need to sail independently. Explore our sailing courses in St. Petersburg, FL, to find the right path for you.
Why Learn to Sail in St. Petersburg, Florida?
St. Petersburg is a top sailing destination offering ideal year-round conditions and steady breezes across Tampa Bay and the Vinoy Basin. It’s the perfect setting for sailing courses in St. Petersburg, FL, whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills in safety and navigation. With expert instruction, coastal beauty, and a focus on essential skills, you’ll sail for adventure and discover a lifetime passion that leads to an extraordinary life and an enjoyable journey on the water.
Reach Your Sailing Goals with Expert Instruction!
Whether you’re learning for fun, freedom, or personal growth, Offshore Sailing School in St. Petersburg has a program that fits. Our structured sailing classes in St. Petersburg, FL, build your skills step by step, helping you sail safely and confidently. Instead of struggling alone, let our expert instructors guide you through each stage. You’ll leave with essential sailing and safety skills and a lasting passion for life on the water. Ready to take the helm? Call us today and start your sailing journey with Offshore Sailing School.