Offshore Sailing School knows we cannot thrive without great employees and products. All graduates are asked to fill out an evaluation at the end of the course. The following testimonials come from those evaluations and individual correspondence with recent graduates of Fast Track to Cruising® Courses. Many are happy to correspond by email or phone with you. If you would like us to put you in touch with anyone below, please call 888-454-7015 or email sail@OffshoreSailing.com.
Here’s what some of our Fast Track to Cruising® graduates have to say. There are many more with contact information in our Alumni Testimonials section.
Offshore made it easy to learn! From easing us through the many tactical details related to arrival and expectations with extensive email communications, to the excellent books to the truly remarkable instructor who made learning a joy – the result was one of the best weeks ever. Great memories, excellent skills development. What more could one ask for?
Mark Waltz – Muskego, WI
I went from novice, wondering if sailing was for me, to a sailing enthusiast – comfortable with a large boat, in one short week.
Mike Mahan – Miami, FL
The experience was outstanding. My wife was so worried she would not enjoy it; I thought she would bite her nails off and pull her hair out on the trip down to the class. About 2/3 of the way through the week she thanked me for making her come and still says it was one of the best weeks she has ever had. She is telling everyone she sees to do it. My thanks to the instructors for their patience and caring, not to mention their humor.
Steve Allen – Albany, GA
This experience was life-changing and opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunities. Before taking this course I had never sailed, yet alone been on a boat. I never imagined that after only one week I would be sailing with confidence. I entered the course excited and terrified, but the moment I arrived I felt a sense of ease. My instructors were extremely patient, never intimidating, and always encouraging. The difference between Offshore Sailing and other organizations is that both of my instructors had extensive experience and knowledge in sailing.
Jennifer Card – Chicago, IL
My wife and I are planning on purchasing a boat in the next few years and I feel this course was a great decision in preparing us to own a boat.
Joseph Boucher – Pasadena, MD
We had an amazing experience! Mike and I really only took this course because it was important to my brother-in-law who had a passion to learn and we wanted to spend time together. Neil took two beginners with only slight curiosity and made us extremely passionate to sail and continue the journey. He’s an amazing teacher with the patience of a saint!! We came away with way more knowledge and excitement to learn. We rented the 4600 catamaran right after our courses which will allow us to put all this great info to work.
Heather Nichols – Solana Beach, CA
I just wanted to let you know what a great time I had in St. Petersburg. Everything was perfect from the accommodations, weather, boat, instructor and classmates. The boat was provisioned perfectly. I couldn’t be happier with the experience I had at Offshore Sailing School and want to congratulate you on a superbly run organization. Cory was a great instructor and a fun guy to share a week with.
Brad Vaughan – Overland Park, KS
It is obvious that Offshore Sailing School puts a lot of effort in their selection of instructors. We thoroughly enjoyed the class and look forward to getting back out on the water with newly gained confidence in sailing. My wife and I have very different learning styles. Jim recognized that quickly and adjusted his teaching where we were both able to grasp the subjects covered and apply them in an actual sail experience. This was a family course for us and my two children (9 and 11) were a little apprehensive at times throughout the week. Despite that, on our sail Friday without an instructor, they all put what they learned to work and we had an excellent day at sea!
Kyle Couture – Birmingham, AL
I now feel much better equipped to handle our boat and I can’t wait to get out on the water. Both instructors had infinite patience. Both instructors were excellent. They taught clearly, patiently and were very encouraging. I felt comfortable under way in a way I never have before.
Mary Frith – Hamilton, Bermuda
Everything we encountered has made me more confident of my sailing skills. The food choices were excellent and the quantity good enough to have only a bit left over. The quality of literature is priceless and this well-developed program is truly a blessing. The Jeanneaus are in great shape. A pleasure. Thanks for the memories AND the much needed time at sea!!
Lynn Mendelman – East Hampton, NY
Thank you for a great learning experience! Your very knowledgeable instructors, good balance between classroom and on water time and small class size provides a unique experience which leaves students with skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime. Truly an amazing week! Thank you Steve and Doris Colgate for your incredible sailing school! Congratulations on the 50 year anniversary of Offshore and wishing you 50 more years of continued success!! Thanks for letting me be part of it!!!
Judith Azzarello – Willow Spring, IL
A true pleasure, excellent instructor. Experience was superb!! I am very excited to get out on the water in Canada.
Cindy Sorockan – Edmonton, ALB
