Class Information
Location
Classes are taught primarily on Sarasota bay. We will rig and launch from the Ken Thompson Park boat ramps located on City Island (on Lido Shores) near the original Mote Marine Research Center, 1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236.
In the case of red tide:
lessons are moved to Anna Maria Sound - launching at Kingfish Landing on Hwy 64 (Manatee Ave West).
Forecast
The Classroom
Lessons are aboard 'JoySEA Too' a 19' Flying Scot- a trailer-able day sailing fractional sloop (one mast with mainsail and jib). A perfect learning vessel and a wonderful boat for new sailors on a budget. On this vessel we’ll be learning in the Sarasota Bay, sailing ground landmarks are mapped above.
Aboard the ship, your instructor, Steve Bonham, uses instructional diagrams—like the photos above—to help you visualize and understand your surroundings. After the lesson, Steve often follows up by sending photos from your trip with added details such as wind direction, sailboat position, and sailed course.
Learner Outcomes
Half-Day Lesson Outcomes (Foundations)
By the End of This Session, You Can…
Sailing Basics & Safety - Understand wind direction, weather, tides, and basic safety planning
Boat Familiarity - Identify key parts of a sailboat and what they do
Rigging the Boat - Set up the mast, sails, lines, and knots needed to sail safely
Launching & Dock Skills - Launch from a ramp, leave the dock, and return safely
Sail Handling - Raise, lower, and secure sails correctly
Steering & Boat Control - Steer on different points of sail and control speed
Crew Communication - Use clear commands and teamwork between helm and crew
Tacking & Gybing - Change direction smoothly and safely
Navigation Awareness - Recognize channel markers, landmarks, and hazards
Man-Overboard Drill- Perform a basic MOB recovery using a proven method
Anchoring & Beach Landing - Anchor securely and land the boat on shore when conditions allow
Full-Day Lesson Outcomes (Skill Building & Confidence)
By the End of This Session, You Can…
Boat Control Mastery - Confidently tack and gybe repeatedly on all points of sail
Navigation Skills - Use charts, landmarks, bearings, and GPS to know where you are
Right-of-Way Rules - Understand basic “Rules of the Road” to avoid collisions
Radio Communication - Use a VHF radio for weather, bridge openings, and emergencies
Advanced Sail Handling - Sail downwind, reef sails, and handle stronger winds
Heaving-To & Pausing - Safely stop or slow the boat without anchoring
Mooring & Anchoring - Pick up a mooring ball and anchor with confidence
Single-Handing (Optional) - Safely sail the boat solo
Emergency Skills - Perform advanced MOB drills and recover from a capsize (optional)
Docking Under Sail or Power - Return to the dock smoothly and secure the boat
Wrap-Up & Next Steps - Self-assess skills and set future sailing goals
Want to get ahead on learning some of these skills?
Check out our learning materials!
Rates
DETAILS
Lessons are taught to small groups of 3 people max
Class scheduling is based on best weather and wind conditions for learning, contact Steve Bonham to schedule your lesson
If you are interested in a night sail, when weather conditions are right - including clear skies and a near-full moon Sail2Learn offers night sailing lessons.
Contact
Email to schedule your sailing lesson - or to request further information.
Email: sbonham@georgiasouthern.edu
