After thoroughly researching all of the ASA sailing schools in the area, I chose Bay Area Sailing School (which is apparently owned by Sacketts Sailing Center). Although I had a pretty decent sailing resume going in, I wanted to get my ASA 101, 103 and 104 certifications, both for the experience and to be able to charter in the BVI next year. Based on my previous experience, Bay Area Sailing School let me "challenge" the 101 course while taking the 103 and 104 courses, which reduced the 101, 103 and 104 "combo course" down to a three-day course. The 101/103/104 combo course is usually five to eight days at most schools, with 101 being the longest and having the steepest learning curve for new sailors. Being able to "challenge" the 101 course is a HUGE cost savings.
Originally I scheduled into a class with three other students. However, the other three students apparently had to cancel at the last minute, so I suddenly became a class of one. Since I had booked a flight from St. Louis just to attend the class, I was afraid that the school would cancel and re-schedule the class. Not so. Glen, the head of the sailing school, was completely accommodating and so the class became a one-on-one experience. I'm not sure that the school cleared a profit on my class, but they sure left me with a great impression on that basis alone - and I hadn't even pulled away from the slip yet.
My time was divided between an S-2 (39-footer) and a Beneteau Oceanis 390 - both proven blue-water cruisers. Both boats were very clean and in reasonably good condition. I had the opportunity to dock the boat a total of five times. Docking is probably the most intimidating part of transitioning to bigger boats, but I managed to dock the boat all five times without breaking it and I now feel completely confident that I can handle a 40-footer in close quarters with complete confidence. We spent quite a bit of time under sail in Galveston Bay and also in the Gulf of Mexico. Conditions were 6' to 8' seas with at least 25 knot winds gusting slightly higher. In other words REAL SAILING.
My instructor, Gene, was very professional and great company during my three days afloat, including the long motoring passages between Kemah and Galveston Island where the 103 and 104 course is taught. I learned a lot. Everything was very hands-on. It was clear that Gene was not going to pass me just because I read the books. Practical knowledge and seamanship is what you sign up to learn and at Bay Area Sailing School that is exactly what you get.
Overall, I would say that Bay Area Sailing School, being one of the less expensive schools along the Gulf Coast, let alone the Houston Area, was a tremendous value for the money and a quality experience in every respect. I highly recommend this school. read more