Without sailing instruction, the only way to earn sea legs is to run a full marathon in scuba gear. Tread waters instead of asphalt with today's Groupon: for $149, you get a two-day Sailing 101 class from Seaforth Boat Rentals at any of their five locations. Your Basic Keelboat Sailing (ASA 101) course includes lifetime membership to the American Sailing Association (ASA), a copy of the requisite literature Sailing Made Easy, and instruction by an ASA-certified instructor who will teach proper seafaring practices and choreograph your poop deck two-step (a $324 total value).
Boasting one of the biggest "bareboat" fleets on the West Coast, Seaforth Boat Rentals imparts aspiring and seasoned seafarers alike with an extensive list of public and private sailing classes. Each two-day introductory course runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a Saturday and Sunday, putting wave-tamers at the helm of a Capri 22' during moderate wind and sea conditions out in San Diego Bay. Class sizes of three to four recruits ensure each gets individual attention, and prior experience is not required, as student sailors learn the basics in a lively, welcoming atmosphere free of upwardly mobile deckhands or know-it-all Dreyfusses. Upon course completion, marine graduates are qualified to rent and helm boats up to 25 feet in length.
In addition to honing nautical navigating abilities, all students receive a lifetime membership to the ASA, which includes a certification seal, ASA Magazines, a ASA-certified sailor ID card, and license to sing PG-13 sea shanties in movie theaters.
Reviews
Yelpers are setting sail with Seaforth Boat Rentals and giving its West Harbor, Coronado, and Quivira Road locations an average of four stars:
- They are very helpful, friendly, and they make sure they answer all your questions and go over any and every detail. – P C., Coronado location
- Very knowledgeable, very helpful and they truly want to bring the sailing community together. The classroom setting is very nice and easy to find. Looks like I'll be sailing in no time! – ronda u., Quivira Road location
Seaforth Boat Rental
The experienced staff at Seaforth Boat Rental play host to watery adventures that were voted finalists for the KGTV San Diego A-List’s Best Water Activities in 2010 and 2011. Guided sailing adventures and WaveRunner tours shoot seafarers along the waterways for exceptional views of the coastline, splashing sea life, and dolphins circling on their own WaveRunners.
Consummate aquaphiles can haul various benefits⎯including reduced rates on the rentals of kayaks, canoes, and other seaworthy crafts, access to all five Seaforth locations, and free bicycle rentals in Mission Bay⎯with the Seaforth Sailing Club membership. Seaforth also offers sailing classes along with myriad sailing, yachting, and fishing charters for luxurious days on the water or early mornings spent serenading elusive sailfish.