General Course Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

Welcome Aboard!
The FLORIDA SAILING & CRUISING SCHOOL'S (FS&CS) "Learn To Cruise" program is designed to take you through a successful live-aboard experience which goes a step beyond other programs.  Whether you take a 2-day or a 10-day class, we invite you to board the afternoon prior to your course.  That day, you will be able to get your provisioning done and get comfortable on the vessel.  Your Captain/ instructor will meet you the next morning to begin your learning experience.  Taking any of our courses does now mean that you will know everything about boating.  However, your class will be your Passport to begin exploring the world of cruising on a sail or power yacht.  Come and join us soon!

•Our Program:
 Our concept gives you the opportunity to improve your cruising skills while on vacation. Our courses are realistic and thorough, including "ashore" and   "afloat" instruction. The courses are the perfect opportunity to prepare for boat ownership, or to qualify for bareboat chartering. (Whatever your goal,   you'll not only learn a lot, but will have a most enjoyable cruise!)

•Our Facilities:
 All of our sailing and power boating courses are taught at our Tarpon Point Marina fleet base in Cape Coral, Florida. The relaxing environment of this   beautiful resort facility is perfect for matching a learning experience with your vacation. Tarpon Point is also convenient for shopping, dining and   entertainment. Our students have access to the pool and fitness center as well.

•Your Yacht and Crew:
 You will live and learn aboard well-equipped and expertly maintained sail and power yachts. You can put together your crew from family and friends,   or  we'll help with matching you to a crew. Cruising plans are made with existing weather patterns and crew preferences in mind.

•Your Instructor:
 Our staff of instructors are US Coast Guard licensed Captains. Sailing instructors are ASA (American Sailing Association) certified. Equally important,   each has a successful teaching background and vast experience in cruising or racing and yacht maintenance.

•The ASA Advantage:
 (sailing courses only) We are an American Sailing Association Certification Facility (ASA). Therefore, you not only gain valuable experience through   our cruising courses, but also meet nationally recognized standards for sail training and competency.

•The Reward:
 Upon successful completion, you will receive a FS&CS diploma for all courses and an ASA certificate for all sailing classes. The real reward is   discovering the adventure and enjoyment of cruising.

COURSE INFORMATION

All courses include accommodations on board, with boarding the evening before the course begins, instructor, fuel for the vessel and all course materials.
•Additional Crew:
Students may bring along additional crew (child, parents, friends, etc.) as long as there are two full-price students on board. The cost is 50% of the course fee per person not taking the course. Crew members may not participate in the course program. Crew member should plan activities off of the boat during the course, (i.e., shopping, swimming at the pool or sightseeing) but may stay aboard in the evening.

•Expenses:
Tuition includes accommodations on board, instructor, fuel and required course materials. You are responsible for personal expenses, dockage at other marinas and provisions for yourselves and the instructor.

•Private Instruction:
Refer to Course Rates for information and pricing.

•Enrollment Fee:
A deposit by check, money order, VISA or MasterCard for 50% of the total course fees is due at the time of initial enrollment.

•Payment:
The balance of your tuition is due 30 days prior to the class (check, money order, Visa & MC accepted).
•Course Materials:
Textbooks will be mailed to you upon receipt of your reservation deposit. It is essential that you read and study these materials prior to the start of your course.

•Boarding:
You may board your yacht at any time after noon the day before your course begins. Plan to meet with our staff, provision your yacht and make final course plans that afternoon.
•Cancellation Policy:
If we receive written notice of your cancellation at least 90 days prior to your course start date, we will refund your enrollment fee, less a $250 plus tax per student handling charge. If cancellation occurs less than 90 days but more than 30 days prior to your class, we will retain your 50% deposit; however, we will allow you to reschedule the same class (or longer) within one year of the original class start date. Your 50% deposit, less the $250 handling fee, will be applied to your rescheduled class dates. All course fees are due in full 30 days prior to your class. If cancellation occurs less than 30 days prior to your class, we will retain the full amount of the course fees, but allow you the same rescheduling policy as outlined above. The full amount of the course, less the $200 handling fee would then be applied to the rescheduled class. If your reservation is made less than 60 days prior to your class, the course fees are nonrefundable. However, the rescheduling policy as outlined above will apply.  The $250 per person fee (plus tax) is due at the time of cancellation.  The cancellation/ handling fee on a two-day sailing class is just $200 per person.
•Nautical Etiquette:
Captains, Instructors and Dock Hands are service providers. As such, gratuities are appreciated!

•Transportation Information:
For transportation options to our facilities, please Click Here.
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