| I would like to ask about another SAILING school/charter co.
I didn't want to open up another note so I am putting it here.
Has anyone used a Charter Co. called Florida Yacht Charters ?
They are based in Miami and offer an A.S.A. 7 day sailing vacation
package/school.
I would be greatfull for any feedback on them as a school &/or
as a charter co. I am planning to take the 7 day live-on, Miami
to Bahama Islands course unless someone has feedback that could
change my mind.
Thanks in advance,
Hank
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| Report on Fla. Yacht Charters / Sailing School
of Miami Florida 1-800-537-0050
This is a little late but better than not saying
anything. In March, 1990 I took an A.S.A. ( American Sailing
Association ) Bareboat Charter Certification course with
F.Y.C. It was a week long course/live aboard with 4 students
and the instructor. The course was to be a overnight sail to
the Bahama Islands and then 4 or 5 days island-hopping in the
Bahamas with an overnight back to Miami, BUT because of a
strong ( 25 - 28 knot ) northerly that makes the Gulf Stream
crossing a nasty ride, we sailed down through the Keys.
We were put on a Beneteau 43, about two yrs. old, in good
condition. Prior to the sailing date I was sent all the books
that would be used in the course. They even sent me the pre-
requisite material so I could take the written prerequisite test.
The prerequisites for this Bareboat course was to have passed
a A.S.A. Basic Sailing & Coastal Cruising course. Because
I have been chartering for 6 yrs. they felt that I had the
knowledge/experience to pass these prerequisites. So I took what
the A.S.A. book calls the CHALLENGE, pass the written exam
and demo the skills required to the instructor and you could
get your Basic Sailing & Coastal Cruising certification without
taking the course.
It was a good course , I was able to have someone give me
feedback on my skills. The instructor gave us a lot of " what
if " this happens, what do you do first, second....., Did man
overboard drills, plotting, used tide tables ( had to be right
on the money as some of the places we went to could only be
reached at Hi tide) , use of marine radio ( proper LANGUAGE
like OVER at end of each sentence , Out at end of x-mission)
navigational instruments, loran use, engine maint.,
provisioning , USCG safety eqpt., anchoring , and more.....
We did have some time in the evenings to relax and
enjoy the area of our anchorage or dock but most of our time
was in review/prep. for test , prep. for next days course.
All-in-all this was a real learning experience and not just a
sit back and sail down the coast of the Keys. We were put to
the test and given the information to help make us MUCH better
sailors ( at least in my case ). There staff was most friendly
and helpful, the instructor was GREAT, in many cases he gave
us the practical approach to a problem and not just the
Book answer even though you had to know the book answer to
pass the A.S.A. test. If anyone would like more information
feel free to call.
Hank
DTN 430-7534
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