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This is a new page, and we have a long way to go before it is complete. If you can't find the answer you are looking for on this page or elsewhere on our website, please call us at (281) 334-4179 or use our request for information form.
How many students are in a class? What should wear or bring to class? How long should I wait after I complete the BKB course until I take the Combo course? Do you offer discounts for more than one student? Can you recommend accommodations in your area? Do you have gift certificates? Which Houston airport should I fly into? What is the youngest age that can take a sailing course? What happens if I do not pass the written exam or the sailing skills evaluation? Do you have boats that I can use when I complete my training?
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Q: How many students are in a class? A: We never put more than 4 students on a boat for any of our courses. However, we frequently have classes with as many as 20 people in the classroom, resulting in 5 boats on the water. Large classes add to the learning experience, and give use an opportunity to practice "rights of way".
Q: What is your class schedule? A: We have Basic Keelboat (101) classes every weekend except Christmas. Our Combo is every weekend provided we have a minimum of 2 students. Usually by March we have a Combo class every week. (103&104) is held Friday thru Sunday except holiday weekends, when we go Sat thru Mon. Fast Track Coastal Navigation (105) and Advanced Coastal Cruising are held 4 times each year. click here for schedule.
Q: How do I enroll for a class? A: To enroll for any of our classes you will need to call our office at (281) 334-4179. We do not take personal or credit card information on the internet, since we cannot guarantee a secure connection. A short telephone conversation helps ensure you get the course you want, and the date you want is available.
Q: What should wear or bring to class? A: Keel boats are not generally wet, so dress like you were going for a walk on a windy day. You should always wear shoes that wont leave marks on the deck. For a complete list of what to bring click here.
Q: What is a mentor sail? A: A mentor sail is a free sail with a instructor. Students that complete their Basic Keelboat Course (101) will receive 1 free mentor sail. There is no time limit on when the free mentor sail may be used. Students decide what they would like to work on during the mentor sail. This sail also introduces the students to a wheel steered boat with a diesel auxiliary engine.
Q: How long should I wait after I complete the BKB course until I take the Combo course? A: I can't give you a good answer to this question. I have had students who have taken these course back to back and done very well, and others who have struggled. I would recommend that you complete your mentor sail and your free charter before continuing on. You will be the best judge of when you should move to the next level.
Q: Do you offer discounts for more than one student? A: We will give a $25.00 (per person) discount to a group of 4 or more. We can also give a discount when a student signs up for more than one course. i.e.; $60.00 off the Combo course if you enroll at the same time you enroll for the BKB course.
Q: Do I need to bring a lunch? A: No: For the BKB class we will break for lunch after the classroom portion of the course. We will sail in the afternoon. On the second day we begin sailing in the morning and will sail the boats to the Classic Cafe for lunch. Bring lunch money.
Q: Can you recommend accommodations in your area? A: There are numerous places to stay in the area, but we really don't know good from bad. I have created a link page which lists accommodations in the area, including RV parks and B&Bs. If a student reports that he had a bad experience with an area lodging, that establishment is removed from the list. Click here to go to the area lodging page.
Q: Do you have gift certificates? A: Yes. Gift Certificates make great gifts for any occasion. Call us for details.
Q: Which Houston airport should I fly into? A: Houston has two major airports; Bush International and Houston Hobby. Houston Hobby is about 30 to 45 minutes from our location. Bush International is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
Q: What is the youngest age that can take a sailing course? A: 14 yrs. is the youngest age that we recommend to take this course. Young people under 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have children over 8yrs. of age that you would like to have participate, you can elect to take private lessons and allow them to join you at no additional charge, provided it does not exceed our 4 student per boat limit. There are other factors to consider before you decide, so you should call and discuss your options with us.
Q: What happens if I do not pass the written exam or the sailing skills evaluation? A: Most of our students meet the meet the certification requirements in the allotted time frame. Students who fail the written exam, are allowed to retake the exam at a later date. The instructor can help them identify the areas that they should concentrate on. If additional boat work is required the student may return and complete their boat work at a later date. There are no additional charges for this service. We cannot certify a student that does not meet the standard, but we are prepared to work with him or her as long as they continues to try.
Q: Do you have boats that I can use when I complete my training? A: Yes. Bay Area Sailing School is a part of Sackett's Sailing Center, which has a fleet of boats available for charter. |