Submitted on behalf of a Sail NOLA customer: When my friend Phyllis decided to learn to sail, she asked me if I would take lessons with her on Lake Pontchartrain. She had chosen two days of private sailing lessons with Frank Jones as the instructor and thought it would be more fun if we both went. I'm an avid SCUBA diver and have always preferred being *in* the water, not *on* it. But I agreed to go to support her, having little expectation that I would find the experience particularly enthralling. Boy was I wrong! We were a couple of total newbies, somewhat nervous and apprehensive, but Frank's friendly, personable demeanor and calm, patient, encouraging manner quickly instilled in us a confidence that we were sailing with a very experienced, knowledgeable instructor. My worries that our inexperience might somehow hurt the boat disappeared in the waft of information gently flowing from Frank. Not only does he know how to sail, he knows how to teach it! His enthusiasm for sailing showed through, and I found myself enjoying how relaxing it was to be out on the water, even with storms brewing in the distance. We were so relaxed, we sometimes forgot about the tiller and wandered off course, ha ha! Frank allowed Phyllis and me to practice tacking at our own pace, and after a few tries we found we could do it with ease and coordination. By the end of the first day, we could even tie our own knots! We had booked lessons for two days, but when they were done, I found myself wishing for more. I hadn't thought I would enjoy sailing, but being on the water learning from Frank was an incredible experience, and I'm so grateful to my friend Phyllis for inviting me. I hope someday to take more lessons, and would definitely recommend Frank to anyone thinking about learning to sail. He's awesome, not only as an instructor, but a great guy too read more

I booked a cruise with Sail NOLA for my wife's birthday, and Captain Frank and his family ensured that our family had beautiful and memorable experience. From the initial communication, Frank was responsive and considerate. He monitored the weather and accommodated a quick change of schedule in order to ensure that we would have optimal weather. Consistent with his responsiveness by phone and email, Captain Frank was punctual and ready for us when we arrived. The Float On was a beautiful, comfortable, and well-maintained vessel. Captain Frank was great with our 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter--even giving our son lessons on how to sail the boat. Capt. Frank was his newest hero (Our daughter was more interested in lounging.). Capt. Frank is easy to talk too, friendly, open, and unintrusive. We were all at ease and comfortable spending the afternoon with him. We capped off the evening with a delicious catered meal from some of our favorite local restaurants, while watching the sunset from the sailboat. It was a beautiful, and much-needed break from the day-to-day--a great way to unwind. Highly recommended - can't wait to do it again! read more

Captain Frank is as professional, pleasant, accommodating and most importantly, skilled, as you could ask for in a sailing instructor. He graciously scheduled a private lesson for us in a very narrow window of availability (on our part.) He went far beyond what should be expected to take us out on a particular day just before a major holiday. Captain Frank had both a neophyte and a student with more experience and knowledge, in the same lesson, yet accommodated both seamlessly. The Captain also communicates clearly, prior to the lesson, what you need to bring with you and what will be provided. He also keeps you informed regarding the best hours for sailing based on the weather and he updates you as warranted. The cost of the lesson was more than reasonable for the level of services and the time on the water.We have already made plans to book flights in from NM, specifically to have lessons with Captain Frank again. read more

Recently my wife surprised me with sailing lessons, and I'm so glad she chose Captain Frank with Sail NOLA. Frank teaches on his 36' Hunter Legend sailboat. It's in great shape and the deck is clean. All the riggings were in good condition. Before shoving off he showed us the basic parts and procedures of the boat, including starting the engine and using the instrumentation. He gives learners the helm early to get them confident and comfortable. In the first lesson we covered topics including basic steering as well as important techniques such as tacking and heave to. Other topics included leaving port and docking the boat, right-of-way and basic knots. His calm demeanor led for a stress-free sail. His instructions were simple and he was open to questions. Overall it was a great lesson and we had a blast! We very much look forward to taking the next one soon. read more

Our family of five had an amazing time on a private sailing cruise from Sail NOLA during Spring Break! My husband and I got to relax and enjoy the calming sail, witness the joy our children felt from the experience, and engage in wonderful conversation with Captain Frank. Our 4-year old son couldn't decide if he wanted to nap in my arms or watch for sharks and pirates -- there were neither to be found! Our 8- and 7-year old daughters had a blast learning about sailboats and new lingo (which they were thrilled to share with friends once we returned home), and even getting to sail the boat!! The experience was a true pleasure for all of us and we can't wait to go back again this summer. We wholeheartedly recommend Captain Frank's Sail NOLA for your own private cruise or sailing lessons. Be warned, as one of our children noted, your face may hurt from smiling too much! read more

Where to begin?.?........... First off, any notion of an authoritative skipper will be put to rest as soon as you meet Capt. Frank. He is punctual but also catered to a tardy student (me) without any gripes. Expect to be met with a warm smile and a basic rundown of all the safety equipment onboard, a keystone of any seasoned skipper. There are many skills to be learned with sailing and Mr. Frank let me set my own pace on tackling certain ones that I felt I needed more instruction and practice. A+ vessel and equipment beyond par from the normal weekend cruiser and an instructor who's only concern, besides his vessel and passengers safety, is their enjoyment of the experience. Whether you plan on taking an enjoyable cruise on the lake or honing in on your sailing skills, Sail NOLA is capable of catering to all of your needs. read more

My dad and I surprised my mom for her birthday with a private sunset cruise. None of us had ever been on a sailboat and found Sail NOLA online and picked this one based on it's reviews. WELL - needless to say, the reviews can't even explain how much fun we had celebrating my mom and experiencing our first cruise together! Capt Frank was so easy to work with and very accommodating. He made sure the boat was also in the perfect spot for the sunset so we could enjoy it over birthday cake! My parents and I are still in awe at how beautiful his 46' sailboat is and that he allowed us to enjoy it with him! We all also enjoyed our private tour of the boat and seeing what his future plans for the cabin would be!!! We will be back!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND ... and have already recommended to close friends!!! 10/5 !!! read more

I had an amazing time learning to sail with Sail NOLA! Captain Frank is a wonderful person and a very patient and empowering instructor. He worked with my schedule and made sure we would have good lake conditions for each of my two sailing lessons. I had no prior sailing experience, but that was no problem. I learned how a sailboat works, the parts of the boat and how to sail safely. I got experience keeping the boat on course at the helm as well as working the sails while Frank steered. We had some fast winds during my second lesson and it was great to experience the boat going at top speed! I intend to continue boating with friends and I know I will feel comfortable and educated on board. I will definitely schedule refresher lessons with Sail NOLA before sailing trips in the future. read more

When my 11 year daughter wanted to learn how to sail - I wanted the best instructor in NOLA. Someone that would take the time to create an individualized teaching method for beginners. Frank Jones was that person. He started with the basic and after the first lesson she had enough confidence to tack the sailboat. Frank's methods covered a range of check list items for beginners (sailing knots, taking the helm, raising and lowering sails, etc.). However, he also educated my daughter in the area of preparation, safety, prevention, and problem solving. The experience really allowed her to interact with the sailboat and to gaming ands-on experience. Overall, he made the lesson fun and exciting. She can't wait until the summer to have another sailing adventure! read more

My family recently sailed with Sail NOLA on a private charter and had an absolutely wonderful time! There were 4 adults and 2 young kids in our group and Captain Frank made it a wonderful experience for all of us. His personality, demeanor, and patience were perfect for adults and young kids alike. He also did a tremendous job of making it interactive and extremely entertaining for our kids. They can't wait to go sailing again! Additionally, the post-sailing picnic lunch was the perfect way to end such a great experience. It was all very enjoyable! I would highly recommend Captain Frank and Sail NOLA and I am looking forward to sailing with him again sometime soon for another charter or even sailing lessons on his beautiful boat. read more

Sailing with Captain Frank is a blast. He is very knowledgeable, his boat is very clean and his calm demeanor really makes the sail both enjoyable and relaxing. My wife and I decided to take lessons to prepare ourselves for a bareboat charter we have planed in the BVI's. After just a few lessons Frank has us sailing virtually un assisted. We plan to continue our lessons to fine tune our skills. We highly recommend anyone who is considering taking lessons or seeking a relaxing cruise to stop putting it off and contact Frank. You won't regret it! Only regret my wife and I have is that we didn't do this sooner!!! read more

Capt. Frank has a perfect disposition and temperament for teaching inexperienced but aspiring sailors like us. He was extremely patient with us, didn't get mad or yell when we messed up and was clear when directing or explaining things to us. For us, repetition is key to learning and Capt. Frank kept us going over maneuvers time and again until we felt comfortable doing them. A lot was packed in our initial three hour session -- so much so that I feel we could take the boat out on our own (in nice weather) and we'd actually be able to make it back to the dock. We're definitely coming back for more. read more

Great time was had by our family yesterday. Frank was a wonderful host and guide for our family sunset cruise. We had next-to-no (really no) experience sailing and he was patient and happy to explain the operation of the sails and rigging and encouraged our 16 year old son to help and learn. Seeing the sun set over Lake Pontchartrain was a wonderful and beautiful experience and the picnic lunch in the cabin at the dock was a great capstone to the evening. We did this to celebrate our anniversary and certainly recommend the experience if you are looking for a memorable event. We will be back! read more

The confidence exuded by Mr. Jones made my first sailing experience both enjoyable and relaxing as I felt sure of his mastery. His reassuring instruction allowed me to sail by myself in a couple of days without fear as I knew he always had my back. This was particularly demonstrated during unexpected harsh storm conditions on the lake in which Mr. Jones acted with professional ease, guiding us back into safe harbor in the worst conditions he has faced. I fully appreciate the quality of Mr. Jones' instruction and hope to sail with him again next summer read more

My family had the best sunset cruise with Sail Nola. Captain Frank had everything set up for us including food, drink, and even pulled out the couch cushions for my daughters. We all got a turn to sail and take the helm of the boat. If you are looking for a sailing experience that you will never forget, this is the place for you. I will be a return customer of Sail Nola. read more

Frank was the best boat captain! We went out for a two hour sail ride and Frank went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time! He even took the time to make sure we got a great table at the restaurant we had dinner reservations at that night! Will definitely be recommending to anyone I know going to New Orleans! read more

My niece and I had a wonderful time sailing for 5 days on Irie. We were both beginners but by the end of the week felt very comfortable with our sailing skills! Frank is knowledgeable, patient and a great teacher. We learned a lot and worked hard, but our days were easy going, relaxed and FUN! read more

I had a great experience taking sailing lessons from Frank with Sail NOLA. He waits for the perfect day and was very accommodating to my schedule. My lesson began as soon as I arrived, and I was put behind the wheel immediately. He was very knowledgeable and I learned a great deal. read more

We had such a great time with captain Frank! It was a rough day and he made sure that we were still able to be out as much as possible and that we still could get the full experience. The lesson will be tailored to the experience you have so I would recommend this to anyone! read more