Sailing School
Waypoints: Thanks to our 2008 students...
ECY was named Outstanding Sailing School for 2008! Captains Rick and Fred were named Outstanding Instructors for 2008...Learn More»
Emerald Coast Yachts Sailing School
Professional Training – Flexible Scheduling – Small Class Size – Private Lessons - Variety of vessels – Extra Sail Time – Terrific Location – First Class Customer Service
Sailing is joyful work… it is not only about the destination, but the feeling of achievement when you arrive safely at your destination using your skill and the power of the wind! All of us at ECY were students at one time, we all cruise regularly, still charter, race a bit, and sail offshore. To create our sailing school, we incorporated the elements we loved about our own experiences and minimized the logistical challenges everyone faces when they start sailing.
Our sailing school specializes in “private” sailing classes. By “private”, we mean that you and someone you choose will be the only students staying aboard the vessel and in your sailing classes. We recommend choosing someone that you intend to sail with after graduation as your primary class partner – spouse, son, daughter, good friend, brother or sister – anyone you choose! (Note: We also have had luck pairing up students
that are looking for class partners… if you need a partner and have a flexible
schedule, please let us know your preferred class schedule when registering.)
We believe that students receive a better sailing education when the instructor to student ratio is 1:2. We also extend our class length to allow our ASA certified instructors the time we feel is necessary to provide a thorough training experience.
SMALL CLASS SIZE
Our classes were designed to have only two students per instructor. This maximizes each student’s hands-on experience on the water and provides the most comfortable environment to get your questions or concerns addressed and to share ideas.
Our classes are structured around two certifying students, but we can accommodate groups of up to 4 certifying students in any of our classes by special arrangement (additional fees may apply per student). We do not charge extra for anyone who would like to “ride along” with certifying students – making our school a great place for families to learn to sail together.
PRIVATE LESSONS
All of our classes are "private". This means that only you and your friends or family will be in the class.
EXTRA SAILTIME
Learning to sail is both a lot of work and a lot of fun. At ECY, we feel that the time dedicated to meeting the ASA standards for each course should be supplemented with enough time to enjoy the sail and practice each skill enough to master it. Not only do we offer a small class size, we have extended each of our classes to allow our ASA certified instructors the time we feel is necessary to provide a thorough training experience – and for our students to enjoy the sail.
EXCELLENT FACILITIES + TRUE SAILING DESTINATION
Our area offers a great array of sailing experiences - including the Gulf of Mexico, large bays, sounds, the intra-coastal waterway, tight channels, bayous and small harbors. The training waters of northwest Florida cannot be beaten. This gives ECY the unique opportunity to provide a live aboard experience, time to practice important navigation and vessel handling skills on every sail, but with private accommodations! In most classes, the instructor returns to his own home every night, allowing the students
to relax, enjoy restaurants, study or just re-group for the next day of classes. With our wonderfully central location on Pensacola Beach (Little Sabine is a popular sailing destination for cruisers), our students can walk to restaurants, beaches, nightspots, shops, fishing piers, and a grocery store – once you are at ECY facilities, there is truly no need for a car.
PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTORS + QUAILITY VESSELS + VARIETY CHARTER VESSELS
To make the school work well, all members of our faculty are United States Coast Guard Captains, are American Sailing Association certified instructors (through advanced classes), have taught for years, and sail our waters regularly. We offer our classes year round and are scheduled by appointment to meet the needs of our students. We have a variety of sailing vessels to use during our classes and land-based classrooms to use for exams,
advanced
work and as a retreat during adverse weather. All of our training
vessels are also used in our charter program – thus they are well maintained and equipped for both charters and classes. The training you receive at ECY will help you prepare for charter experiences, cruising, or to purchase and manage your own yacht.
FIRST CLASS SERVICE
We simply love sailing ourselves and enjoy introducing it to new sailors. We know we have created the sailing school that we all wish we had attended – not only have we received the “ASA Outstanding Sailing School” and our instructors have received the “ASA Outstanding Instructor” awards multiple times, but our students return for additional classes, and then return to bareboat charter the lovely emerald coast with ECY often.
WE HAVE FUN!!!