Learn to Sail in St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida

“Sailing takes me away to where I always heard it could be. Just the free wind to carry me and soon I will be there ….”
- Christopher Cross, singer-songwriter from the 1980’s hit “Sailing”

For years sailing had been an activity only the rich and famous enjoy. Kennedy’s and Bush’s enjoyed the open waters under a crisp white sail, but for the masses, sailing was illusive. Access to the water, boats and instruction was limited to those blue bloods with country club credentials.

Here on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, Pinellas County, home to the waterfront cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, offers miles of surf and plenty of water for sailing either in the Gulf of Mexico or in the tranquil bays and Intercoastal Waterway. It calls to the wannabee sailor in all of us.

And the Clearwater Community Sailing Center is helping many folks answer those calls … even if their pocketbook resembles a pauper rather than a prince.

Sitting on city owned waterfront property, the Clearwater Community Sailing Center is perfectly located at a premium sailing location on Sand Key, Clearwater just south of the Clearwater Pass Bridge opposite the entrance to Sand Key County Park. This gives easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for the more experienced sailor and to the calm waters of Clearwater Harbor on the Eastern side of the key.

The center is a private non-profit 501c3 organization. That status keeps the cost of membership and sailing instruction affordable to almost everyone.

But, bargain prices don’t mean you’ll receive inferior instruction. The sailing center offers some of the most thorough and effective sailing programs in Florida. Their courses and knowledgeable, friendly staff will teach you to sail safely and confidently. In a matter of a few short lessons, you’ll learn everything you need to know to in order to navigate your dinghy or single sailed pram or race a lighting fast Laser in one of the many regattas and fun-sails the center organizes.