Sailing Schools in Florida
23 search results

Port of Call Charters School
Ft Myers, Florida, United States
Port of Call Charters School is located in the beautiful waters of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, offering a relaxed and scenic setting for sailing education. The school uses the calm, jade-blue waters of the intercoastal waterway and nearby gulf to provide hands-on training on a variety of vessels, from small keelboats to larger cruising yachts. Whether students are looking to build confidence, learn new skills, or pursue certifications, the small class sizes and personalized approach ensure a comfortable and effective learning experience in an inviting environment.


Miami Sailing School
Miami, Florida, United States
Miami Sailing School is based in Coconut Grove, a laid-back neighborhood with a deep sailing history and easy access to Biscayne Bay. The bay itself is a great place to learn—reliable wind, warm water, and plenty of room to explore. Classes are small and hands-on, usually just one to four people, so you get plenty of time at the helm. You’ll sail on either a 40-foot monohull or catamaran, logging serious hours on the water each day. Whether you're just starting out or brushing up your skills, the goal is the same: help you get comfortable and confident on a boat.

Pensacola Sailing Academy
Pensacola, Florida, United States
Located in the historic downtown area of Pensacola, the Pensacola Sailing Academy offers a welcoming environment for sailors of all levels. With easy access to the bay, it provides an ideal setting for both learning and practicing sailing skills, whether for beginners or those looking to deepen their knowledge. The academy’s focus is on providing comprehensive instruction in a relaxed atmosphere, making sailing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Windward Sailing School
Amelia Island, Florida, United States
Windward Sailing has been serving sailors since 1997, offering a range of courses and certifications. Located in Amelia Island, Florida, their sailing area provides both inshore and offshore deep water sailing with quick access to the Atlantic Ocean. The boats are docked on the Intracoastal Waterway, allowing students to sail directly from the dock and experience a variety of challenging currents and pristine waters. With favorable winds throughout the year, the school offers a mix of conditions ideal for building sailing skills. They provide competitive combo courses, standard ASA classes, as well as bareboat and captained charters, and private lessons. The school has earned recognition as an ASA Outstanding School four times, and several of their instructors have been honored as ASA Outstanding Instructors.

Gulf Coast Sailing & Cruising School
Charlotte Harbor, Florida, United States
Gulf Coast Sailing & Cruising School, located at Burnt Store Marina in Charlotte Harbor, Florida, offers a welcoming environment for sailors of all levels. With over 35 years of experience, the school provides personalized instruction on a variety of vessels, including small tiller boats for beginners and larger yachts for more advanced students. The protected waters of Charlotte Harbor and access to the Gulf of Mexico create an ideal setting for hands-on training, making it a great place to build confidence and refine sailing skills in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.


Blue Water Sailing School
Fort Lauderdale, Flordia, United States
Blue Water Sailing School is dedicated exclusively to sailing education, with 100% of its efforts focused on training and instruction—not charter sales. Recognized by Practical Sailor as one of the top sailing schools in the country, it has earned multiple ASA Outstanding School awards and remains a leader in hands-on, live-aboard instruction. All instructors are USCG-licensed, ASA-certified, and experienced cruisers with thousands of miles under sail. Courses are taught aboard live-aboard boats, anchoring in new locations each night—unlike many schools that return to the same dock or rely on day sailing. Course routes are carefully matched to student level: beginners and intermediates sail the Florida Keys, while advanced students cross the Gulf Stream to Bimini, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. Class sizes are capped at four students for maximum personal attention, and private instruction is available. Tuition includes everything—boat, instructor, provisions, books, certification, and taxes—with no hidden fees. With more course dates and a broader range of ASA levels than most U.S. schools, including offshore and transatlantic passages, Blue Water Sailing School delivers unmatched value and depth of experience.


Koa Sailing School
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
Koa Sailing School is located in the vibrant downtown area of St. Petersburg, Florida, with a slip nestled in a protected corner of Boca Ciega Bay. Their classroom is within walking distance of numerous restaurants and entertainment options, just a few blocks from Tampa Bay. The school operates aboard a beautiful 51-foot Jeanneau sailing yacht, offering a unique hands-on learning environment. Whether on land or at sea, the school emphasizes building skills like teamwork, self-reliance, and critical thinking through engaging courses tailored to a variety of backgrounds and interests.


Florida Yachts Charters - Key West
Key West, Florida, United States
Located in Key West, Florida, this sailing school has been helping aspiring sailors since 1983. They offer a range of classes based on ASA training courses, which can be tailored to fit individual needs. Whether you're a beginner or aiming to become a certified bareboat skipper, their programs are designed to help you develop practical sailing skills, often combined with a vacation experience. With a fleet that includes ASA-certified day sailors, modern monos, and catamarans, the school provides a relaxed environment for learning on vessels ranging from 22 to over 54 feet. Their experienced instructors, many of whom are USCG licensed captains and award-winning ASA instructors, are passionate about teaching and guiding students through every step of their sailing journey.
Florida Sailing & Cruising School
Cape Coral, Florida, United States
Florida Sailing & Cruising School, located in Cape Coral, has been a trusted name in sailing education since 1984. With over 30 years of experience, the school offers small, personalized courses that focus on hands-on learning aboard liveaboard vessels. The courses include accommodations, course materials, instruction, and certification from ASA, all designed to prepare students for yacht chartering and ownership in a relaxed, supportive environment.


Florida Sailing and Powerboating School and Charters
Sarasota, Florida, United States
Florida Sailing and Powerboating School and Charters is an ASA-certified school and charter service based in Sarasota, Florida. They offer a range of sailing and boating courses, with experienced instructors guiding students through everything from basic skills to advanced certifications. Located in a family-friendly area close to popular attractions, the school provides year-round on-the-water training in the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a great spot for both learning and enjoying a relaxing vacation on the water.

U-SAIL of Central Florida
Sanford, Florida, United States
U-SAIL is a welcoming spot for learning the basics of sailing. Located on the protected waters of Lake Monroe, part of the scenic St. Johns River, it’s just a short drive from Orlando. The school's fleet includes fully rigged keelboats ranging from 18 to 30 feet, all Coast Guard compliant. With instructors who bring over 30 years of racing and cruising experience, U-SAIL offers a relaxed environment for students to gain confidence on the water. The school also provides courses for ASA certifications, coastal cruising, and navigation, as well as introductory sailing experiences with a captain or instructor for those new to the sport.

Whitecaps Sailing School
Punta Gorda, Florida, United States
Whitecaps Sailing School is located in Punta Gorda on Charlotte Harbor, offering a calm and inviting environment for learning to sail. The school provides hands-on instruction in a variety of courses, from basic keelboat sailing to advanced coastal cruising, all taught by experienced instructors dedicated to helping students build confidence on the water. With a focus on practical, real-world experience, students gain the skills needed to handle different boats and navigate diverse conditions, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and those looking to refine their sailing abilities.

Coconut Grove Sailing School
Miami, Florida, United States
Coconut Grove Sailing School is nestled in the historic Dinner Key marina, right in the heart of Miami’s charming Coconut Grove neighborhood. The village, founded in 1863, has a rich sailing heritage and is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. The school offers a variety of private and group sailing lessons in the beautiful turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay, a renowned sailing spot that hosts events like the Bacardi Cup and Miami Sailing Week. Whether you're interested in quick, beginner lessons or immersive live-aboard experiences, the school provides a relaxed environment where students can learn and enjoy the vibrant local scene just a short walk away.

Captain Stefan Yacht Charters & Sailing School
St Petersburg, Florida, United States
Captain Stefan offers private sailing lessons for both beginners and experienced sailors. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, he provides affordable day trips and overnight charters exploring the local waters and marinas around Tampa Bay and Egmont Key. His laid-back coaching style aims to boost confidence and sailing skills while keeping the experience enjoyable. Operating out of the Harborage Marina, which offers protection from Tampa Bay, Captain Stefan takes advantage of the consistent winds and predictable weather, with options to venture offshore when conditions allow. With over 30 years of experience in yacht delivery, racing, and cruising, he sails a versatile Beneteau Oceanis 373 equipped with many features that offer a comprehensive sailing experience.

Sail Away - Key West
Key West, Florida, United States
Sail Away Key West Catamaran Sales and Charters is situated in an award-winning resort and marina in Key West, Florida. The school offers a variety of catamaran makes and models for ASA training courses, with vessels ranging from 38 to 48 feet and configurations suitable for different group sizes. Students can enjoy customized live-aboard sailing courses in the Bahamas, Key West, or Chesapeake Bay, led by ASA Certified Instructors who are also US Coast Guard Licensed. The location provides easy access to stunning waters, coral reefs, and uninhabited islands, making it an ideal spot for both learning and exploring.


Emerald Coast Yachts
Pensacola Beach, Florida, United States
Emerald Coast Yachts offers live-aboard sailing classes with a team of professional and compassionate instructors. Located in Pensacola Beach, the school provides easy access to local restaurants, shops, and beaches right from the marina. Students have the opportunity to sail in the calm waters of Little Sabine Bay, explore the sounds and bays of the Intracoastal Waterway, and venture out into the Gulf of Mexico, building essential sailing skills along the way. The school specializes in private, small-group lessons for couples, families, and friends, allowing students to learn together in a relaxed environment. With flexible scheduling and extended class times, Emerald Coast Yachts ensures that each student gets plenty of hands-on experience and enjoyment on the water.

Southern Most Sailing School
Key West, Florida, United States
Located at Sun Set Marina in sunny Key West, Southern Sailing School offers a relaxed environment for learning to sail. The school's location on a narrow peninsula provides access to gentle ocean breezes without the challenge of large waves, making it ideal for beginners. Their fleet includes a well-maintained 30 Catalina Obsession MkII equipped with an electric motor, perfect for learning the fundamentals of sailing. With classes running from 9 am to 4 pm, students can focus on mastering sailing skills during the day and enjoy exploring the vibrant Key West scene at night.


Intelligent Sailing School
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
Intelligent Sailing offers one-on-one monohull sailing instruction on brand-new yachts ranging from 32 to 51 feet. Every student sails alongside a private ASA-certified captain and gets focused coaching tailored to their pace and goals. With courses spanning from single fun days to full bareboat cruising curricula, the emphasis is on learning comfortably and confidently on the water.


American Sailing Academy in Key Largo
Key Largo, Florida, United States
American Sailing Academy in Key Largo is situated within the grounds of the Key Lime Sailing Club and cottages resort on Buttonwood Sound. This peaceful location at the start of the Florida Keys offers a perfect setting for learning to sail while enjoying a relaxed vacation atmosphere. Guests have the option to stay in one of the resort's cottages and attend classes without the hassle of commuting, all while sharing stories with fellow sailors from around the world. The school provides comprehensive courses, as well as crewed and bareboat charters on vessels up to 50 feet, and a sailing club called the Skippers Society for those who want to sail without owning a boat.

MidBay Sailing
Niceville, Florida, United States
Midbay Sailing operates out of Bluewater Bay Marina in Niceville, Florida, on the north side of Choctawhatchee Bay. Located just a short drive from Destin, the school offers a variety of sailing experiences, including introductory sailing classes and American Sailing courses. Students can choose from quick, hands-on sessions that last about two hours or relax on sailing charters aboard monohulls or catamarans. For those with the necessary skills, bareboat charters are also available. The marina's convenient location allows for immediate access to the water, making it easy to spend more time sailing and enjoying the beautiful Gulf Coast scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently 23 schools in Florida. Each of these schools is a certified training center, meeting rigorous international standards for safety, equipment, and instructor expertise.
Yes, there are RYA-certified sailing schools in Florida. RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certifications are internationally recognized and often required by yacht charter companies as proof of competence.
Yes, there are ASA-affiliated schools in Florida offering a range of sailing certifications. ASA (American Sailing Association) courses follow a proven curriculum designed to take you from a complete beginner to a confident coastal cruiser.
In Florida, major certifications are available. These programs provide a structured learning path, allowing you to build your skills progressively and earn licenses that are valid for international bareboat charters.
Yes, several schools in Florida offer Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses. Competent Crew is the ideal starting point for beginners to learn the basics of life on board, while Day Skipper is the first step toward taking command of your own vessel.
