Windward Sailing School
Amelia Island, Florida, United States
About
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.
Courses (3)
ASA 101 - Basic Keelboat Sailing
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ASA 103 - Coastal Cruising
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ASA 104 - Bareboat Cruising
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Location
The Area
Nestled on the scenic Amelia Island, our school offers a prime location for learning to sail. The area features deep water access both inshore and offshore, with easy entry to the Atlantic Ocean. Our boats are docked directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, allowing for immediate departure and practical hands-on experience right from the dock. The waters here are influenced by strong currents and consistent winds, providing excellent conditions for developing a wide range of sailing skills. Year-round, students can enjoy diverse sailing experiences in a relaxed yet professional environment.
Getting There
To reach Windward Sailing School, start by flying into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is approximately a 45-minute drive from Amelia Island. From the airport, you can rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft to head south on I-95 or A1A Beachfront Avenue directly to Amelia Island. Once on the island, follow local signs to Beech Street, where the school is conveniently located at 714 Beech Street. If you prefer train travel, Amtrak's routes connect to Jacksonville, from which you can arrange a car rental or shuttle service to the island. Driving yourself is also an option if you're arriving from nearby states, with ample parking available near the school.
Best Time to Go
The best time to sail around Amelia Island is from late spring through early fall, when the weather is warm and winds are steady enough for enjoyable day trips and longer offshore adventures. Summer months offer the most consistent conditions, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors alike.
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