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 continues to leave an indelible mark on sailing and boating education and the sailing and boating industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace the sea.

In 1964, Steve started 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 the Colgate 26, known for its speed, safety, and ease of handling. Widely used in sailing schools, clubs and the U.S. Naval Academy for training and racing, the Colgate 26 won Cruising World Magazine’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser Division in 1997.

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.

In 1990 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. With the goal of providing high-quality sailing education to enthusiasts of all levels, under her leadership Offshore 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 Take the Helm programs held at boat shows, designed to empower women through hands-on sailing experiences and workshops. These ultimately fostered a sense of camaraderie and support among women sailors and encouraged women to continue to enhance their lives through sailing.
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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 quickly moved up to management jobs at several levels. Josh now manages the entire operations team and works closely with the Colgates and sales team to provide excellence for Offshore Sailing School clients and employees.

Chasen Finkelstein joined Offshore as a sales associate and quickly moved into Offshore Sailing School’s lead sales management and business development role. He has extensive business experience and love for all things related to being out on the water.

Chasen works closely with the company’s VP and owners to ensure success for his team and the company’s clients.