Quick Contact

Waterfront Program
Eckerd College
4200 54th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33711

toll-free: (800) 456-9009
local: (727) 864-8288

Instructional Program

Instructional Program

Sailing Classes

Introduction to Sailing - Dinghies

Ages 18 and Above
This class is designed for the active sailor and is taught on 14' 420 dinghies. With two persons per boat, each participant gets the opportunity to steer the boat as the skipper and control the jib sail as the crew. The class begins in the protected waters of Frenchman's Creek and then, followed by the instructor's chase boat, the students are sent to the more open waters of Boca Ciega Bay where they can take advantage of a larger sailing area and steadier winds. These boats are fast and there's nothing more exciting than pumping a dinghy onto a full plane, skimming across the water, and hanging on for dear life! 

Class Schedule

Session 1
   

February 15  

Wednesday

6:00 - 8:00 pm

February 18 & 19

Saturday and Sunday

9:30 am - 5:30 pm (1 Hour Lunch)
Session 2    
March 8
Thursday
6:00 - 8:00 pm
March 10 & 11
Saturday and Sunday
9:30 am - 5:30 pm (1 Hour Lunch)
Session 3
   
April 11
Wednesday
6:00 - 8:00 pm
April 14 & 15
Saturday & Sunday
9:30 am - 5:30 pm (1 Hour Lunch)

Class Fee $150

Beginning Sailing - Keelboats

Ages 18 and Above
If you are a novice or small boat sailor who wants to step up to a large keelboat, sign up for this class! Students are taught on a 26' Colgate. The program covers the basic theory and terminology of sailing, rigging, fundamentals of keelboat handling, sail adjustment and maneuvers, with a continuing emphasis on weather and safety. Overboard recovery, rules of the road, and local knowledge chart reading will be introduced. This introductory class is the first step in gaining confidence aboard a larger sailboat.

Class Schedule

Session 1
February 16
Thursday 6:00 - 8:00 pm
February 18 & 19
Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm (1 Hour Lunch)
Session 2
March 1
Thursday 6:00 - 8:00 pm
March 3 & 4  Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm (1 Hour Lunch)
Session 3
April 11 & 18
Wednesdays
6:00 -8:00 pm
April 15 & 22
 
Sundays
9:30 am - 4:30 pm (1 Hour Lunc)h

Class Fee $200

Advanced Sailing - Keelboats

   

Class Schedule

Session 1    

Feb. 29 & March 7

Wednesdays
6:00 - 8:00 pm
March 4 & 11   Sundays  9:30 - 5:30 pm (1 hour lunch) 
Session 2    
April 12 & 19
Thursdays
6:00 - 8:00 pm
April 14 & 21
Saturdays 9:30 am - 5:30 pm (1 Hour Lunch)

Class Fee $250

What We Do

The Eckerd College Waterfront Program, one of the most comprehensive collegiate programs in the U. S., offers instruction in a variety of watersports to participants of all ages, from children to seniors.