Blue Water Sailing School

Much of the teaching at Blue Water happens underway rather than at the dock. Alongside a fast-track that stacks ASA 101, 103, and 104 into a single intensive week, the Fort Lauderdale school runs week-long liveaboard courses that sail to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas: students earn certifications while actually making passages, standing watches, and anchoring out.

The credential behind the model is five ASA Outstanding School awards, a recognition that goes to the schools ASA judges best-in-class year over year. The catalog runs the full ladder, through coastal navigation (105), catamaran cruising (114), and offshore passagemaking (106).

That liveaboard-heavy model makes the school a strong fit for sailors aiming at bareboat chartering or their own cruising boat, who want sea time and open-water decision-making to go with the certification card. The school takes part in ASA’s Veterans Sailing Education Program, which discounts the 101 for veterans, active military, and reservists.