I've been checking-out this sailing school in Florida that offers week-long off-shore sailing lessons. I've been wanting to see Florida for quite awhile (hear it's a really great state) and this would be the perfect excuse! Has anyone ever attended this school and if so, what did you think of their operation, instructors, equipment, etc? Thanks, Jeff
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web site address for Blue Water
Their website is at www.bwss.com I've checked it out and it's a decent site. They have a page full of testimonials and glowing reviews from former students, which is great, but who's gonna post a letter from a former student who was unhappy? Hoping to get a few responses from people who have been students and get the story from them. If they're as good as the website portrays them to be, I know where I'm spending a week this winter! Got our first snowfall last night, so Florida is looking pretty good right now! (Mother nature has apparently decided to skip fall this year. Last Monday it was 90 outside and this Monday there is 6" of snow on the ground.)
Their website is at www.bwss.com I've checked it out and it's a decent site. They have a page full of testimonials and glowing reviews from former students, which is great, but who's gonna post a letter from a former student who was unhappy? Hoping to get a few responses from people who have been students and get the story from them. If they're as good as the website portrays them to be, I know where I'm spending a week this winter! Got our first snowfall last night, so Florida is looking pretty good right now! (Mother nature has apparently decided to skip fall this year. Last Monday it was 90 outside and this Monday there is 6" of snow on the ground.)
I have...
Hi guys, I attended Blue Water's course a few years ago. I really enjoyed the trip and the course. I was a newbie sailor at the time and found the whole experience to be very satisfying and it help to increase my desire to get more experience. I thought the cost, compared to any other week of vacationing, was inexpensive. At the time the cost of the course I took (Ft. Lauderdale to Key Largo and back) was around $1200. That included almost everything (except adult libations). We went out on a 38' sloop (sorry but I don't remember the make). They had a couple of other boats doing the same class and if I remember right they were 40'+ sloops. The people were fiendly and helpful. Our captain/instructor was an older gentleman who was very knowledgeable and helpful (especially at dinner time, he could really cook!). Anyway, I hope you have a good trip. I'd be interested in hearing about it when you get back regardless of which school you go to. Good sailing! Mike
Hi guys, I attended Blue Water's course a few years ago. I really enjoyed the trip and the course. I was a newbie sailor at the time and found the whole experience to be very satisfying and it help to increase my desire to get more experience. I thought the cost, compared to any other week of vacationing, was inexpensive. At the time the cost of the course I took (Ft. Lauderdale to Key Largo and back) was around $1200. That included almost everything (except adult libations). We went out on a 38' sloop (sorry but I don't remember the make). They had a couple of other boats doing the same class and if I remember right they were 40'+ sloops. The people were fiendly and helpful. Our captain/instructor was an older gentleman who was very knowledgeable and helpful (especially at dinner time, he could really cook!). Anyway, I hope you have a good trip. I'd be interested in hearing about it when you get back regardless of which school you go to. Good sailing! Mike
Other Offshore
Florida sounds easier, but I just got back from Offshore Passage Opportunities Swan Sailing trip. We sailed offshore from Newport to Chesapeake Bay, and up to Annapolis for the boat show. Check out the website for details
Florida sounds easier, but I just got back from Offshore Passage Opportunities Swan Sailing trip. We sailed offshore from Newport to Chesapeake Bay, and up to Annapolis for the boat show. Check out the website for details
I know some Capts w/BWS
I have a freind who is a Capt/Instructor with Bluewater. He is very professional and enjoys his work. He can accomodate "newbies" or those who want to learn advanced skills as well as those needed to brush up on "rusty" skills. They use several sized boats including Beneteaus and large multi hulls. The Keys are awsome, I just returned from Key West and now I'm planning my next "Trip to Paradise". Have fun, Marc Miami, FL PS: I DO NOT WORK FOR BWS
(Maybe when I retire...)
I have a freind who is a Capt/Instructor with Bluewater. He is very professional and enjoys his work. He can accomodate "newbies" or those who want to learn advanced skills as well as those needed to brush up on "rusty" skills. They use several sized boats including Beneteaus and large multi hulls. The Keys are awsome, I just returned from Key West and now I'm planning my next "Trip to Paradise". Have fun, Marc Miami, FL PS: I DO NOT WORK FOR BWS
(Maybe when I retire...)This is the one I want to do...
10 days from Ft Lauderdale to Bermuda. Now that's sailing offshore. I can't tell from the web page if the Celestial Nav add-on is required or not. Haven't they heard of GPS? I think each course is one-way, so you can hang in Bermuda and then fly home. Probably welcome after a week in 10-20 footers. http://www.bwss.com/bermuda99.html
10 days from Ft Lauderdale to Bermuda. Now that's sailing offshore. I can't tell from the web page if the Celestial Nav add-on is required or not. Haven't they heard of GPS? I think each course is one-way, so you can hang in Bermuda and then fly home. Probably welcome after a week in 10-20 footers. http://www.bwss.com/bermuda99.html
BWSS - First Rate Experience
I attended BWSS last December for the A+ course, which is the ASA Coastal Cruising/Bareboat Charter course. We sailed a Beneteau 390, a bit long in the tooth and in need of major upgrading and repair, from the Ft. Lauderdale charter base to Jewfish Creek at Key Largo and then back. Except for the boat, it was a first rate experience. You get ICW, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream, and Biscayne Bay sailing experience. It was just what I needed before taking delivery of my Beneteau 311 last April. I can't wait to do the Advanced Coastal Cruising class to the Bahamas. Capt. Ted Wheeler was our skipper and instructor, and I highly recommend him. Mike B311 Hull #126 s/v Carry On Pasadena, MD
I attended BWSS last December for the A+ course, which is the ASA Coastal Cruising/Bareboat Charter course. We sailed a Beneteau 390, a bit long in the tooth and in need of major upgrading and repair, from the Ft. Lauderdale charter base to Jewfish Creek at Key Largo and then back. Except for the boat, it was a first rate experience. You get ICW, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream, and Biscayne Bay sailing experience. It was just what I needed before taking delivery of my Beneteau 311 last April. I can't wait to do the Advanced Coastal Cruising class to the Bahamas. Capt. Ted Wheeler was our skipper and instructor, and I highly recommend him. Mike B311 Hull #126 s/v Carry On Pasadena, MD
I thought someone said....
the course was way less Z$$$ than this - so, if I understand it, it is one way for $z3,200 plus airfare back to the mainland? Hmmmmmmmm Sounds like a great experience but too steep for me at $400+ a day or am I missing something?
the course was way less Z$$$ than this - so, if I understand it, it is one way for $z3,200 plus airfare back to the mainland? Hmmmmmmmm Sounds like a great experience but too steep for me at $400+ a day or am I missing something?
Try this
Every other year there is a race from Galveston Tx to Vera Cruz Mexico (600 miles). The next one is in May 2004. Most of the time it cost nothing (most Captains pick up the tab)and you get some great Bluewater with experienced people who have done the race many times. As in most races, a lot of the people who go to Mexico have to fly back to get back to work so there are always lots of boats looking for two-way crew. My opinion (and it's just my opinion) is that $3500.00 for a week of offshore is outragous. If you don't want to do the race thing find a delivery Captain and offer him five-hundred bucks to let you crew. I bet he'll send a taxi to pick you up. Anyway, I've attached the link to the Galveston Bay crew list in case anyone is interested. Just sign up and let your money grow in your bank account.....
Every other year there is a race from Galveston Tx to Vera Cruz Mexico (600 miles). The next one is in May 2004. Most of the time it cost nothing (most Captains pick up the tab)and you get some great Bluewater with experienced people who have done the race many times. As in most races, a lot of the people who go to Mexico have to fly back to get back to work so there are always lots of boats looking for two-way crew. My opinion (and it's just my opinion) is that $3500.00 for a week of offshore is outragous. If you don't want to do the race thing find a delivery Captain and offer him five-hundred bucks to let you crew. I bet he'll send a taxi to pick you up. Anyway, I've attached the link to the Galveston Bay crew list in case anyone is interested. Just sign up and let your money grow in your bank account.....
Thanks Paul
I agree regarding the price - God knows I've spent tons on sailing and diving but there seems to be less expensive ways to get off shore time - there are a number of "crew wanted" websites as well. Bill
I agree regarding the price - God knows I've spent tons on sailing and diving but there seems to be less expensive ways to get off shore time - there are a number of "crew wanted" websites as well. Bill
Planning a trip to FLA Keys
Can any of you suggest a few good routes? I hope to stay at Summerland Key KOA and venture out from there. Suggestions gladly taken. I will have about 10 saling days down there. Where would you stay? Do you think a 22' will do ok? The boat is in top shape. Anyone want to join me? Thanks all!
Can any of you suggest a few good routes? I hope to stay at Summerland Key KOA and venture out from there. Suggestions gladly taken. I will have about 10 saling days down there. Where would you stay? Do you think a 22' will do ok? The boat is in top shape. Anyone want to join me? Thanks all!
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