Olympian, America’s Cup sailor, National Sailing Hall of Fame inductee, and our company founder, Steve Colgate, knows why winning teams work so well together. He and his team of expert coaches have combined their knowledge and experience to develop highly successful sailing team building programs. During our corporate team building events, very different personalities learn how to work together to accomplish a common goal. Good leadership skills are developed, trust and respect are fostered.
Our Team Building Programs
CORPORATE SAIL-RACE CHALLENGES®
Sailing Team Building Programs
NO BARRIERS, EVERYONE IS EQUAL
Anyone of any age, any size and strength can participate in a Corporate Sail-Race Challenge® team building event because sailing can be easily taught, is fun, and not overly challenging. Offshore Sailing School coaches and facilitators specialize in teaching people how to sail and work together as a team successfully. Whether your group includes people who are avid sailors or boating novices, young or old, fit or not so fit, they are encouraged to participate and learn equally. Contact us and ask about our corporate team building events today!
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Maximizing a sailboat’s performance is remarkably similar to maximizing a company’s performance. Here’s how our comprehensive team building programs can help boost overall company morale and productivity.
Sailing requires successful interaction between skipper and the crew to make the boat go where it should.
Sailing facilitates strategic planning and enhances problem solving skills.
Wind shifts on the water are like changes in the workplace, requiring smart, timely reactions.
HOW THE CORPORATE SAIL-RACE CHALLENGE® WORKS
Each boat is assigned a team of four or five participants with an expert Offshore Sailing School coach. Each team member rotates as captain and crew. Company executives express how amazing it is to experience taking orders from an employee when they are tasked with crewing instead of leading, and employees discover how challenging it is to be in the driver’s seat. This all results in renewed respect for one another.
Team up with us now!
SAIL@OFFSHORESAILING.COM
DETAILS & COSTS
BOATS & LOCATION
TESTIMONIALS
Our sailing team building courses can be a half day, full day or multiple days. Programs are tailored to your individual needs. Please call 888-454-1700 to learn more and get a quote for your group event. This sailing program is available in St. Petersburg, Florida, for groups of 8-16 participants.
TYPICAL HALF-DAY SCHEDULE (9:00-1:00 OR 1:00-5:00)
• Welcome meeting ashore with program overview & team building concepts related to sailing
• Session on sailing basics and the language of sailing (20 min.)
• Dockside session to acquaint teams with boats, basic sailing maneuvers, sail handling (20 min.)
• Hands-on sailing instruction, with strategic and tactical planning aboard (1-1/2 hours)
• Races and exercises test team interaction as sailing continues (1-1/2 hours)
• Debrief ashore after all boats return to dock (20 min.)
• Awards presentation (if pre-arranged) – a festive ending for productive results at work • All participants receive personalized certificate and logbook
TYPICAL FULL-DAY SCHEDULE (9:00-5:00 WITH BREAK FOR LUNCH)
• Welcome meeting ashore with program overview & team building concepts related to sailing
• Classroom session on sailing basics (20 min.)
• Dockside session to acquaint teams with boats, basic sailing maneuvers, sail handling (20 min.)
• On-water hands-on instruction (2 hours)
• Lunch break ashore (1 hour)
• Sailing continues with exercises focusing on strategic and tactical planning (1 hour)
• Multiple races in fun atmosphere challenge and test team interaction (2-1/2 hours)
• Debrief ashore after all boats return to dock (30 minutes) • Awards presentation (if pre-arranged) – a festive ending for productive results at work • All participants receive personalized certificate, logbook, and Gift Certificates to use toward future sailing certification courses with Offshore Sailing School
TYPICAL FULL-DAY SCHEDULE (9:00-5:00 WITH BREAK FOR LUNCH)
• Hats, team t-shirts or polo shirts
• Sailing gloves • Trophies or awards
• Corporate or group banners to display on each boat
• Photographer, videographer
• Accommodations ashore
• Meals and/or snacks
• Independent facilitators
• Tents and other services
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Packages are tailored to meet the goals of the group program organizer. Many groups bring their own facilitators to work closely with our faculty instructor coaches. In this case the coaching team meets with facilitators before participants arrive to fine-tune objectives. A typical British Virgin Islands Leadership Adventure package includes:
• Pre-departure orientation and training at home location from Offshore Sailing School lead faculty.
• Transfer from ferry or local airport direct to boats
• A professional, expert Offshore Sailing School instructor/coach on each boat
• Proven program of daily sail-related challenges underway, tailored to test stated core values
• Shared cabins aboard state-of-the-art 46’ to 54’ cruising yachts
• All breakfasts, lunches, snacks and three dinners while living aboard
• Steve and Doris Colgate’s Fast Track to Sailing textbook
• ILocal cruising park and mooring fees
• Event UV protective shirt (or polo shirt) and cap
• Sailing from island to island where manatees and dolphins play!
Corporate Sail-Race Challenges® are held aboard fleets of Colgate 26 sailboats, meticulously designed by sailing legend Steve Colgate and renowned naval architect Jim Taylor. These sailboats are crafted to deliver both speed and enjoyment, making them ideal for team-building activities. The Colgate 26 features a spacious, comfortable cockpit that can easily accommodate five adult participants, ensuring ample room for team interaction and collaboration.
Dimensions: The Colgate 26 has a length overall (LOA) of 25 feet 8 inches and a beam (width) of 8 feet 6 inches, which provides stability and ample space for crew members.
Construction: The hull is made from high-quality fiberglass, which ensures durability and longevity. The deck is designed to be non-slip for safety during maneuvers.
Speed and Handling: Known for its exceptional speed and responsive handling, It features a high-aspect ratio rig, which provides efficient sail power and allows for excellent upwind performance.
Rigging: The boat is rigged with a fractional sloop setup, which includes a mainsail and a smaller headsail. This rigging configuration is easy to manage and allows for a variety of sail trim options.
Unsinkable Flotation: The Colgate 26 is designed with positive flotation, making it unsinkable. This feature is crucial for safety, giving sailors confidence even in challenging conditions.
Cockpit: The spacious cockpit can comfortably accommodate five adults, allowing for team-based sailing and easy movement around the boat with ergonomic seats for extra comfort.
Rails and Handholds: Fixed rails and strategically placed handholds ensure that crew members can safely lean and brace themselves when the boat heels over.
Training Vessel: The Colgate 26 is widely used as a training vessel due to its forgiving nature and straightforward handling characteristics, perfect for for instructional purposes.
Racing: Despite being a great training boat, it is also capable of competitive racing. Its performance-oriented design makes it a favorite for sailing competitions and corporate sail-race challenges.
Transition to Larger Boats: An excellent stepping stone for sailors who wish to transition to larger and more complex sailboats. It provides a solid foundation of skills that can be applied to larger vessels.
A separate station for the coach is strategically placed within easy reach of all controls, allowing for effective instruction and guidance during the sail.
Colgate 26 fleets, ideal for both novice sailors and experienced racers, is suitable for groups ranging from 8 to 20 participants, and are available at most Offshore Sailing School locations. These fleets are perfect for our team-building programs, offering a unique and engaging way to enhance corporate cohesion, communication, and morale.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Most Leadership Programs are conducted aboard 43’ to 54’ cruising yachts with four cabins, spacious main salons, big cockpits and big sails for challenging and exciting drills underway. Participants generally live aboard the yachts, sailing from one port to another throughout the week. In the British Virgin Islands, the yachts come from The Moorings and Sunsail – the two largest and most prestigious charter companies in the world. In Florida, participants sail and live aboard 43’to 48’ cruising yachts.
We are thrilled to share the glowing testimonials from our previous clients who have experienced the transformative power of our team-building Corporate Sail-Race Challenges®. From invigorating team dynamics to enhanced communication and camaraderie, our participants consistently highlight the positive impact of these unique sailing experiences. Clients have praised the expertly designed Colgate 26 sailboats and the seamless organization of our programs. Discover firsthand accounts of how our sailing adventures have helped companies like yours.
LAUREN SUPPA
NEW YORK, NY
I heard nothing but rave reviews about it. The execs had such a wonderful time. Thank you so much for everything you did to make this an unforgettable event for the group.
Executive
Sales Assistant
Luxottica
ELLIS ETTER
FT. MYERS BEACH, FL
The trip was fantastic. Our cruise leaders did a great job putting the crews together. Our boat had a great time.
Director
Sales and Marketing
Pink Shell Beach Resort
LIZ NAYLOR
NEW YORK, NY
In our industry, we need people who are bright and talented, with the ability to work well as a team. Your program helps us identify those who exhibit hard work and leadership qualities. We will definitely return next year.
UBS Global
Investment Bank
Campus Recruiter
TERESA DE LA CRUZ
NEW YORK, NY
Everyone extends many thanks for making our summer outing not one to be forgotten! We all had a great time and learned so much from our wonderful boat instructors. The regatta was really a lot of fun! Those who missed the event were really bummed out. A great corporate adventure for all of us!
H.I.G. Capital
Assets
Investment Firm
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