Sailing Schools Worldwide
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287 search results

Waverides Belfast
Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Carrickfergus Marina, located on the northern shore of Belfast Lough, offers a well-equipped and accessible base for sail training. The Lough provides a good expanse of water with varied conditions suitable for learning, with the Antrim coast offering scenic sailing opportunities as you progress.

Spinnaker Crew Sailing
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Spinnaker Crew Sailing is dedicated to helping individuals explore their passion for adventure on the water. Located on Lake Michigan in Chicago, their team of experienced, ASA-certified instructors offers a range of sailing courses designed to build confidence and skills, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your knowledge. The school’s relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes learning fun and accessible, with beautiful views of the city skyline and lakefront serving as the perfect backdrop for your sailing journey.

Ocean Star Sailing Academy
Cape Town, South Africa
Ocean Star Sailing Academy, located at the iconic V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, is a premier destination for aspiring sailors. This RYA-accredited academy offers comprehensive training, including Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses, tailored to suit both beginners and experienced sailors. With a focus on hands-on learning and Cape Town’s stunning coastline as a backdrop, Ocean Star provides an unforgettable sailing experience.

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.

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.

Bow to Stern Sailing School
Oriental, North Carolina, United States
Located in Oriental, North Carolina, Bow-Stern Sailing School offers instruction from experienced sailors who have extensive cruising and racing backgrounds. The school benefits from protected waters and year-round good weather, making it easy for students to learn and practice sailing skills. They offer customized classes tailored to individual goals and schedules, with options for boat rentals and charters. Additionally, a brokerage is available on-site to assist with boat purchases, and there are many cruising destinations within a day's sail, making it an ideal spot for sailors of all levels to develop their skills.

BE-Nautical
Wilmette, Illinois, United States
Be-Nautical is a welcoming sailing school located in Wilmette, Illinois, offering a variety of courses to suit all skill levels. Whether learning individually, as a couple, or with family, students can explore everything from basic sailing to advanced navigation and weather forecasting. The school provides hands-on training through classroom instruction, practical courses, and experiential learning, including racing, night sailing, and cruising skills. With multiple Chicago area harbors as training locations, Be-Nautical also offers special programs like flotillas, offshore sailing experiences, and certifications, all in a relaxed setting that encourages learning and adventure.

Sunshine Sailing Australia
Mooloolaba, Australia
Learn to sail with Sunshine Sailing Australia, based at Mooloolaba Marina on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast. We offer a range of RYA courses, including Competent Crew and Day Skipper, perfect for beginners or those looking to build their confidence and skills. We aim to provide a fun, safe, and professional environment for your sailing education.

Sea To Sky Sailing
West Vancouver, Canada
As the only RYA recognised training centre on North America’s west coast, Sea to Sky Sailing in West Vancouver offers the complete RYA pathway. From beginner courses like Start Yachting and Competent Crew, through to Yachtmaster qualifications, you'll learn on our modern fleet with commercially endorsed instructors. We're dedicated to providing high quality RYA standard training.

Nautilus Sailing - Grenada
St. Georges, Grenada
Nautilus Sailing is based in the beautiful waters of Grenada, offering premium live-aboard sailing courses in the Caribbean’s stunning Grenadines. Located in St. Georges, the school provides learners with the opportunity to explore volcanic islands, white sand beaches, and clear azure waters while gaining sailing skills. Their courses are conducted on modern catamarans and monohulls, with experienced instructors guiding students through the cruising lifestyle in this vibrant and welcoming region.

Sail Olympia
Olympia, Washington, United States
Sail Olympia is based out of Swantown Marina in Olympia, Washington, offering sailing classes and adventure experiences in the scenic South Puget Sound. The area provides excellent sailing conditions year-round, making it a great spot for both learning and exploring. The school operates from March through October on the modern and well-equipped sailboat Meritage, which has received multiple awards for its design and performance. With a focus on personalized instruction, classes are small and tailored to individual learning goals, from basic keelboat sailing to coastal cruising and bareboat chartering. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, local culture, and sustainable, farm-to-table provisioning, all in a relaxed environment perfect for sailors of all levels.

Oceanwest Charters
Geographe, Australia
Learn to sail with Oceanwest Charters from Port Geographe Marina in Busselton, Western Australia. We offer RYA courses like Competent Crew and Day Skipper, providing a great opportunity to develop your skills in the beautiful waters of Geographe Bay. Our aim is to offer a friendly and professional learning environment.

Louisiana Sailing School LLC
Mandeville, Louisiana, United States
Louisiana Sailing School is situated on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, about 40 miles north of New Orleans and the international airport. The school offers year-round sailing opportunities on the large inland lake, which features brackish water and connects to the Gulf of Mexico through The Rigolets. The calm winds and extensive area make it a popular spot for learning and practicing sailing skills in a relaxed environment.

iYacht Club
St. Thomas, VI, US Virgin Islands
Situated in St. Thomas, iyachtclub offers a relaxed and personalized sailing experience in the Caribbean's vibrant waters. As locals, they craft tailored itineraries that highlight the best spots in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, ensuring guests enjoy activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and exploring onshore. With experienced instructors like Captain Steve, who emphasizes hands-on learning in a laid-back style, visitors can build confidence and skills at their own pace while soaking in the beauty and freedom of sailing in this stunning region.

Spinnaker Sailing San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States
Spinnaker Sailing is located at South Beach Harbor in San Francisco, one of the West Coast’s premier marinas. The school offers convenient access to excellent sailing conditions, with steady winds and flat water just minutes from the dock. Its downtown San Francisco location provides easy parking and proximity to the lively SOMA neighborhood, making it a great spot for both learning and exploring the city’s vibrant scene.

Redondo Beach Recreation
Redondo Beach, California, United States
Located in Redondo Beach, this sailing school offers a laid-back environment for those interested in learning to sail or improving their skills. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced sailor, the school provides a relaxed setting to enjoy the water and develop your sailing abilities along the California coast.

Go West Sailing
North Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Head out on the water with Go West Sailing from Largs Marina in Ayrshire. We offer RYA courses such as Competent Crew and Day Skipper, perfect for learning the ropes or enhancing your skills in the renowned sailing waters of the Firth of Clyde. Our aim is to provide quality instruction in a stunning Scottish setting.

Sail Monterey
Monterey, California, United States
Sail Monterey is a versatile sailing center situated at Wharf 1 in Monterey, California. Located within the vibrant Old Fisherman's Wharf area, the school offers a variety of experiences including public and private sailing cruises, ASA sailing classes, and sailboat rentals. The sheltered waters of Monterey Bay provide a perfect setting for beginners to learn and enjoy sailing, with abundant wildlife sightings adding to the scenic backdrop. The school’s fleet includes several well-maintained sailboats, such as a 37-foot catamaran, a couple of monohulls, and smaller boats, giving students and visitors the chance to explore the bay on different types of vessels.

Adriatic Sailing
Novigrad, Croatia
Adriatic Sailing is located in Novigrad on Croatia’s north Adriatic coast, an area known for its islands, national parks, and changing weather patterns. With a history rooted in family tradition, the school combines traditional sailing methods passed down through generations with modern techniques taught through the ASA program. Students of all ages and experience levels are welcome to learn here, whether they’re families, couples, or singles. The school offers a variety of courses and excursions, allowing students to explore scenic towns, national parks, and islands while gaining practical sailing skills. On the first day, students visit a grocery store together to select their preferred provisions, and instructors share tips on meal planning for life on board. With a fleet of Beneteau and Jeanneau boats, as well as the chance to sail on a restored 75-foot antique vessel, Adriatic Sailing provides a relaxed environment for learning and enjoying the sea.

Seafarer Training
Lefkada, Greece
At Seafarer Training in Nikiana Harbour, Lefkas, we offer a friendly, hands on approach to RYA sailing courses. Whether you are starting from the beginning or looking to advance your skills, our expert instructors are here to guide you. Learning to sail in the beautiful Ionian Sea offers a wonderful combination of quality instruction and stunning Greek scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently at least 287 schools listed worldwide. This is based on schools certified by leading international organizations such as the RYA, ASA, and IYT, ensuring high-quality instruction is available in various locations.
Yes, there are RYA-certified schools in various locations around the globe. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is a UK-based organization whose training standards are considered some of the best in the world.
Yes, many ASA-affiliated schools operate worldwide, particularly in the United States and Caribbean. The American Sailing Association (ASA) is one of the largest sailing education systems, focusing on making sailing accessible and safe for everyone.
Certifications from organizations like RYA, ASA and IYT are available. These programs cover everything from basic keelboat handling to advanced offshore navigation.
Yes, several schools worldwide offer both 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.
