asa catamaran sailing school

ASA Sailing School for Catamaran Cruisers & Liveaboards

Build sailing techniques & prepare for the sailing lifestyle, asa sailing school & live-aboard instructors.

A catamaran sailing school was unheard of years ago. In the early days of Catamaran Guru, catamaran experts, Stephen & Estelle Cockcroft kept their cruising kitty going by teaching American Sailing Association courses and offered liveaboard orientation experiences aboard their monohull and later their catamarans. They know by experience that a liveaboard seaschool is the best way to learn to sail.

Though no longer offering instruction or liveaboard orientation experiences themselves, their passion to help others follow their nautical dreams of yacht ownership has kept them involved in sail training and hands-on cruising lifestyle experiences.

Why catamaran sailing school is important

The ASA sail training courses provide a good grounding for all new sailors and advanced courses increase competency and confidence. While learning to sail monohulls will provide many useful basics of sailing knowledge, instruction aboard a catamaran, and even better aboard your catamaran or a similar model is the best possible scenario.

Getting yacht insurance , especially a policy you can afford, requires proven related boating experience. The only way to get that experience safely is with a catamaran sailing school that offers liveaboard hands-on experiences.

Another vital role sea school plays for cruisers is getting the enthusiasm and confidence of the first mate up. While not always the case, often one partner in a sailing duo is the driving force of the cruising life dream while the other is often reluctant. Here are our tips on overcoming the reluctance of a catamaran cruising partner .

The top tip is to participate in a liveaboard experience with a seaschool even before you buy a boat. 

Weeklong liveaboard sailing school is invaluable for anyone who plans to own their own boat, but especially those who plan to be full-time cruisers. During these hands-on sailing experiences, your seaschool instructor combines our real-life practical methods with the most up-to-date sailing theory courses. These experiences set you up to enjoy a stress-free cruising lifestyle. Especially when you can train aboard your own boat, you can become comfortable with your equipment and configurations for operation and safety.

You not only learn how to be a team as you sail, anchor, trim sails, and navigate safely from point A to point B, you also get your questions answered by experienced liveaboard sailors about how to downsize, provision for long cruises, and mostly, how to enjoy watching the sunset in a gorgeous anchorage with your favorite beverage in hand.

CATAMARAN SAILING SCHOOLS & LIVEABOARD EXPERIENCES

Sail with us to learn.

Week-Long Liveaboard Courses Rare RYA Classes & Certifications

Catamaran Guru’s real-life practical methods combined with up-to-date sailing theory in lessons aboard recent model catamarans…or your own boat! 

Prepare for certifications or take the first step aboard to embark on your dream life of boat ownership or cruising

Classes in S Florida and the Bahamas.

Our Seaschool Students Excel As Sailors & Cruisers

We are very proud of our former seaschool students. Most of them have embraced yachting, sailing, and cruising in some way or another. Many of our graduates have successfully own their own boats. Some are long-term cruisers or charter boat owners and some have even done successful circumnavigations. Others have done long-term sabbaticals and several liveaboard school graduates have even moved on to successful careers in the marine industry as yacht brokers, charter yacht operators, and charter management.

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ASA Sailing School

ASA   Classes are currently being held in Annapolis, Bahamas, USVI and St. Petersburg, FL and Annapolis, MD. By the cabin (single student participant) available in St. Petersburg, Florida only.

To become one of the  ASA Sailing Schools , Waypoints Yacht Charters went through rigorous qualification standards which are internationally recognized. Our ASA-certified courses give sailors of all experience levels an opportunity to become more competent and confident in their abilities. We provide courses to bring the first-timer to a level of competent seamanship  (Basic Seamanship) , offer advanced courses for the experienced sailor  (Advanced Cruising Standard) , and open the world of possibilities for those wishing to charter in the world’s finest sailing destinations  (Advanced Ocean Cruising) .

Your sailing lesson is taught aboard sailboats and catamarans, complete with the amenities of today’s luxury cruising boats. Our boats provide fully-equipped galleys, air conditioning/generators, private cabins, shared heads (some are private/en-suite), and covered cockpits. No matter which charter destination you choose, you can expect the same level of service and comfort.

ASA Courses

1: basic seamanship, basic keelboat sailing (#101).

COURSE DATES (2024): April: 6-7 • 12-13 • 20-21 • 27-28 May: 10-11 • 18-19 • 25-26

This is your first step into the exhilarating world of sailing. This course is designed to teach basic sailing and safety procedures. The practices that are covered are techniques for handling a keelboat, understanding how to use your sails in the wind to propel the boat, sailing terminology, essential knots and much more. This includes learning to maneuver the boat while under-way (tacking and gybing). You will practice the skills needed to sail with hands-on sailing experience in light to moderate winds.

• Identify basic parts of a sailboat and describe their functions
• Tie and describe functions of six knots without assistance within time limits.
• Understanding the rules of the road and right of way
• Safety drills including man-overboard.
• Ability to tie a boat safely to a dock

This is a 2-day course on a monohull, not overnight.

Basic Coastal Cruising (#103):

COURSE DATES (2024): April: 22-23

Once you have a basic working knowledge of sailing this is your next step to learn daytime coastal cruising. In this course, you will be putting the skills you learned in the introductory course to practice! You will learn the inner workings of a sailboats equipment and systems, how to trim your sails for peak performance, navigation basics, weather analysis and safety, motoring and docking skills, boat handling while under power and sail, sailing skills and hands on sailing practice. Show the proper purpose and use of and safety equipment onboard, fueling and fire precautions.

• Practicing proper setting of the sails for various wind conditions and point of sail
• Identify the main responsibilities of skipper and crew.
• Display the ability to do a check out of the vessels gear and equipment.
• Ability to describe the actions and precautions to take with reduced visibility.
• Show the proper method of a personal flotation device in the water and use it safely.

2-day course on a monohull, overnight not required.

Prerequisites: ASA #101

ASA 101 & 103 Combo

Basic Sailing (#101)/Basic Coastal Cruising (#103)

Combined course with four days of on-water instruction.

COURSE DATES (2024): April: 11-14

• 4-Day Course: Four Days of On-Water Instruction
• Prerequisites: NONE

2: Advanced Cruising Standard

Bareboat chartering (#104).

COURSE DATES (2024): April: 20-21 • 27-28 May: 11-12 • 18-19 • 24-25

This multi-day cruise in coastal waters will be in moderate conditions. Learn how to operate and troubleshoot the engines, electricity, navigational instruments, and other boat systems. Now you will be assuming the position of skipper while learning advanced sailing skills and seamanship, safety at sea, navigation fundamentals, weather management. You will have an understanding of liveaboard life, provisioning and the responsibilities and rewards that come with bareboat cruising.

• Ability to be on board a live cruise for 48 hours, acting as crew and skipper.
• Show the method of plotting a course while determining E.T.A and compass heading.
• How to troubleshoot and identify various issues with engine malfunction (cleaning strainers, checking fuel filters, etc).
• Characterize courtesies and customs of yachtsmen including placement of flags, etc.
• Assessment of safe weather conditions
• Ability to use and launch a dinghy and outboard engine at anchor.
• Appropriately prepare for a charter including provisioning and use of the galley.

2-day course on a monohull, overnight required .

Prerequisites: ASA #101 & #103

Cruising Catamaran Sailing (#114)

COURSE DATES (2024): April: 20-21 • 27-28 May: 18-19 • 25-26

This course will give you hands-on experience on how to skipper a sailing catamaran (a multi-hull vessel). This is a catamaran version of the 104 Bareboat Cruising course.  The auxiliary powered catamaran will be between 30-45’. Depending upon your location, you will cruise inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds and sea conditions. Maneuvering under power, docking, anchoring practice catamaran sailing skills. You will learn to sail fast and safely.

2-day course, overnight not required but possible.

Prerequisites: ASA #101 and #103

ASA 104 & 114 Combo

Bareboat Chartering (#104)/Advanced Cruising Catamaran Sailing (#114) Combo Class

COURSE DATES (2024): April: 18-21 • 25-28 May: 16-19 • 23-25

An advanced cruising Standard for individuals with cruising experience who also desire catamaran experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew on a sailing vessel, sailing by day in coastal waters with overnight sailing and anchoring. The Standard includes knowledge of onboard systems including minor engine troubleshooting, fuel, cooling, and electrical systems, the head, and safe use of the galley. Practice piloting, navigation, cruise planning, VHF radio use, and other skills required for coastal cruising or island hopping. The course covers terminology, construction, and skills unique to multi-hulls, preventing capsizing, effects of windage, crew overboard, handling under sail, docking, anchoring, and understanding twin screws. Provisions are not included.

• 3-Day Course: Three Days Spent Aboard with an Overnight Sailing and Anchor
• Prerequisites: ASA #103

3: Advanced Ocean Cruising

• No courses are available at this time

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We offer a full range of sailing courses with focused on-the-water instruction. Whether you’re a novice learning the basics and pursuing ASA certification, or an experienced sailor hoping to fine-tune your skills with a private sailing lesson, we have a course for you. Sail with us on the Chesapeake and Caribbean, and take your sailing to the next level!

Sail Solomons has been recognized by the American Sailing Association as an “ ASA Outstanding School ” each year from 2008 through 2012. Our instructors have been awarded “ ASA Outstanding Instructor ” from 2007 through 2012, making us the most-awarded sailing school on the Chesapeake Bay!

Our scheduled sailing courses range from novice to advanced, beginning with basic introductory courses and extending through the ASA continuum to advanced cruising. Our small class size (2-4 students) allows a hands-on focus with maximum on-the-water training. Most courses are conducted on weekends, to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Cruising courses are taught in a live-aboard environment to fully immerse you in the cruising experience. Mid-week combination courses are also available to get you on the fast track to cruising!

ASA is the leading authority on sailing instruction in the USA. As an ASA school , Sail Solomons offers a full range of ASA certification courses that are recognized internationally, so you can begin to charter the globe!  ASA course prices include instruction, ASA texts and certification materials. All Sail Solomons instructors are ASA-certified instructors and licensed by the US Coast Guard.

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ASA Sailing Courses

The following are summaries of the eight levels of the ASA sailing program that are taught at Blue Water Sailing School. For a detailed explanation of what is included at each course level, click on that course level’s name to read that course’s Outline of Student Standards for Certification.

ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing

Learn the fundamentals of keelboat sailing, including sail theory and practice, terminology, Rules of the Road, safety equipment and procedures, Crew Overboard drills, more sailing practice, knots and much more.

The Basic Keelboat Sailing course is approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators ( NASBLA ) and the United States Coast Guard as a recognized Safe Boating Course. As such, it meets all requirements for mandatory education and licensing for every state in the United States. Follow this link for detailed course standards.

ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising

Learn the fundamentals of daytime coastal cruising in moderate wind and sea conditions. Subjects include the “Federal equipment carriage requirements”, recommended safety equipment, weather forecasts and interpretation, skippers and crews duties, chart reading and interpretation, marlinspike seamanship, sailing skills and practice, boat handling under sail and power and more.

ASA 104, Bareboat Chartering

Additional knowledge and skills for coastal cruising in an auxiliary powered sailboat. Subjects include cruise planning, living aboard, wind and weather, boat systems and troubleshooting, docking, rafting, anchoring, chart reading and interpretation, extensive sailing drills and practice, knots and more.

ASA 105, Coastal Navigation

Navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters. Subjects include chart reading and interpretation, government and private publications, navigation equipment and use, tide and current tables, plotting position, bearings, running fixes, set and drift, lights, day shapes, buoyage systems, current and leeway and much more.

ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising

Learn advanced techniques and procedures for cruising in auxiliary sailboats in coastal and inland waters, day and night, in any condition. Subjects include advanced sail theory and trim, weather systems and forecasting, sail inventory, heavy weather preparation and skills, various anchoring techniques, emergency measures, boat systems and engineering, and more. Students will demonstrates various sailing and seamanship skills.

ASA 107, Celestial Navigation

Even in these days of satellites and electronic navigation, the complete seaman is adept at the art of celestial navigation. Learn to navigate a boat on open waters by the sun, the moon and the stars. Topics include time and coordinate systems, operation and use of the sextant, sight reduction methods for sun, moon and stars, running fixes, determining compass deviation and more.

ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking

The ultimate in sailing education and the highest level of ASA certification. Students will participate in an offshore passage of at least 72 hours. Subjects include advanced topics in navigation, passage planning, characteristics of seaworthiness, watchkeeping, emergency procedures, abandon ship procedures and precautions, navigating using celestial navigation, and much more. Students will integrate all previous subject material.

ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran

An advanced cruising standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper and crew of a 30 – 50 foot multihull sailboat by day in coastal waters. The standard includes those skills unique to a 30 – 50 foot multihull sailboat.

We actually went somewhere (Key Largo), rather than returning to the dock each evening. The course was made to be an adventure, as well as simply instructional. The weather was “made to order” — sun and gentle breeze Saturday through Wednesday, then Force 8 for our ‘foul weather instruction’ on Thursday.

I thought it was an excellent, challenging course. It definitely wasn’t a “cruise.” The instructor expected a lot from the students. I like that.

I have nothing but the utmost praise for your entire operation and the quality of the instruction that I received. Al Hatch is a consummate instructor and brings to this activity a love and a passion that is genuine and expansive. I hope to be able to return to Blue Water to experience some of the higher-level courses of instruction, and I certainly would have no trouble at all recommending your company to anyone.

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Sailing School

Sail Away Catamarans Sales and Charters offers a large and diverse fleet of catamaran makes and models available for your ASA training courses! Our charter fleet offers three and four-cabin models depending on your group size, and lengths varying from 38-48’. We offer customized live aboard sail training courses in the  Bahamas , Key West , or on the  Chesapeake Bay  with ASA Certified Instructors all of whom are US Coast Guard Licensed Instructors with years of Cruising, Racing, and Chartering experience.

We truly love our jobs, but we take our sailing seriously so you will be safe on the water. Our teaching philosophy is simple, fun, entertaining, and engaging, focused on safety, and providing the knowledge to set you confidently on your path for sailing.

The American Sailing Association (ASA) program has structured levels of sailing standards, which are examined at progressive certification levels at our sailing schools. Students who learn to sail with Sail Away Catamarans receive a Logbook that lists the standards, certification, and records of sailing experience. All courses and examinations are run by ASA-qualified instructors. When a certification level is successfully completed, your logbook is signed and stamped so that any charter or rental fleet operator can see your level of competency.

Whether you add ASA courses to your charter or desire to take classes as a part of a group of students, Sail Away Sailing School has you covered.

We are passionate about sailing, catamarans, and the care of our pristine local waters. It is our pleasure to give you a top-notch education aboard immaculate vessels while cruising these coveted waters and having a great time!

ASA Sailing Certification Courses Offered

Asa 101, basic keelboat sailling.

Learn to skipper a 20′ – 27′ sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship, and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.

ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising

Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25′-35′ keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety, and seamanship.

ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising

Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30′-45′ sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.

ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran

Learn to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30-45′ feet in length during a multi-day live aboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions.

captain rates are $500/day for ASA instruction

Sailing Seminars / Live-Aboard Lessons

Catamarans are the boat of choice for many as they offer spaciousness, comfort, and they don’t heel over. If you are new to catamarans or have never been on one, we offer 6 hour sailing seminars. These seminars are taught completely on the water aboard one of our sailing catamarans. The seminars provide an open forum that introduces you to terminology and hardware specific to cats, and identifies the differences between anchoring and docking a catamaran. You will also have ample opportunity to hoist the sails or take the wheel if you like. If you are considering living aboard, we will also discuss lessons learned and handy tips discovered by our staff while living aboard as well as discussion on how to find the right boat for you if you want to live the cruising lifestyle. These seminars are scheduled several times a sailing season and are generally held with no more than 10 “students” – contact us for available dates . These seminars cost $400/person - feel free to bring your own food and refreshments.

Blue Water Sailing Opportunities

We also offer opportunities to take blue water sailing / life afloat lessons between the east coast of the US and locations such as the Bahamas, USVIs and BVIs. If you have never sailed on the open ocean, these sailing excursions will expose you to an extraordinary sailing experience! Contact us to schedule these special open water excursions!

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Contact us to learn more about sailing courses offered at Sail Away.

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Virgin Island Sailing School

The only asa certified sailing school based in the usvi's.

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Virgin Island Sailing School Contact Information

1. now hiring: permanent base manager .    .

2.   ASA 105 online : Work at your own pace. This multi-module online lesson series

includes upgraded videos, quizes, 1 on 1 sessions. Everything you need to pass ASA 105. Click here for an overview

VI Sailing School is the only   American Sailing Association ( ASA )   certified sailing school based in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Founded in 2010 on St. Thomas Island, we offer week-long live-aboard sailing courses, as well as skippered charters with as much formal or informal sailing instruction as you’d like.

We established V.I. Sailing School here for several reasons. 1. Because it is, quite simply, the best place to sail in the world – almost unfailingly warm and breezy, with smooth, calm waters that are sheltered by surrounding islands. 2. The VI’s are engaging and wonderous. From the snorkeling to the history; each day offering new beaches to explore, breathtakingly beautiful anchorages, and seriously notable sunsets. 3. The airfares are the most reasonable in the Caribbean.

Operating in these time of Covid “aftermath” we want to be honest so there is an understanding of how we are operating. These are difficult times for EVERYONE. Particularly for people like us in the service industry.  We depend on a support network of Mechanics, Cleaners, Parts supplies and most of all Instructor/Captains, much of which has been greatly diminished over the few years.

So we may have an outboard engine that is hard to start, or a stove with a burner out, but we have maintained the most important part!.. A great team of captains/instructors who love nothing better than to pass on their skills and knowledge to make the adventure of sailing a part of your world. Additional, some important practical points:

Our Classes emphasize the safe and proper operation of a sailboat. Our Charters are yours to create (usually more relaxing and/or more customized/focused schooling structure). You let us know your idea of a perfect week in paradise, and we’ll do our best to exceed your expectations. See our Video here.

Cheers, Capt Scott Founder, VI Sailing School  

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Learning with Black Rock Sailing School

Black Rock is New England’s foremost sailing school; one of the most awarded ASA sailing schools in the US and we offer certified ASA courses and much more in Boston, Rhode Island, and the US Virgin Islands.

We have a great Female instructor on staff and are pleased to offer most of our ASA courses for Women only.  Please look within our bookings system for Women only courses or alternatively give us a call to discuss your goals and schedule a course.

To avoid surprises at the checkout, all pricing includes course materials, books and fees

Standard ASA Courses in New England:

Basic keelboat.

Duration: 3 Days Prerequisite: NONE Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Boston, Warwick

Also available as part of a US Virgin Islands package

Advanced Keelboat

Duration: 3 Days Prerequisite: ASA 101 Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Boston, Warwick

Will also be available as part of a US Virgin Islands package in Winter 2024/5

Coastal Cruising

Bareboat chartering.

Duration: 4 Days live aboard Prerequisite: ASA 103 Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Warwick, RI

Coastal Navigation

Duration: 3 Days Classroom Prerequisite: NONE Class Size: 6 Locations: Boston & Warwick

Duration: 5 Days live aboard Prerequisite: ASA 104 & 105 Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Warwick, RI

Catamaran Course

Duration: 2 Days live aboard Prerequisite: ASA 104 Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Warwick, RI

Combination live-aboard courses:

Duration: 6 Days Prerequisite: NONE Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Warwick & US Virgin Islands

Duration: 7 Days Prerequisite: ASA 101 Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Warwick & US Virgin Islands

Catamaran Chartering

Duration: 5 Days Prerequisite: ASA 103 Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Warwick & US Virgin Islands

Adv Coastal Navigation

Duration: 7 Days Prerequisite: ASA 104 Class Size: 3-4 Locations: Warwick. US Virgin Islands

The 2023/24 Caribbean Season:

This Winter season, from December through to April, we will be offering 8 nights fully inclusive packages on our 40ft Beneteau Intuition, or 36ft Cat, Learning Curves out of Redhook, St Thomas.

The package includes:

• All Breakfasts, Lunches, and 2 evening meals on the boat
• Fuel / Water
• Books, course materials and ASA fees
• Linens and Towels
• Snorkeling equipment
• All slips and mooring fees
• Skipper / Instructor for the duration
• Choice of courses or combination of courses and private tuition.

We customize your package just for you with the courses or combination of courses you want –  including any of our ASA courses, or combinations of courses plus private tuition and guided Captained Charters.

We ensure that whatever course combination you chose we also leave time for fun activities, such as snorkeling and hiking.

Pricing for 2023 is as follows:

$4,995.00 per person for an 8 nights fully inclusive package with 10% discounts for Couples sharing a cabin and 20% for families booking the whole boat.

Book your Caribbean adventure here, choose your choice of Boat:

Blue Water Cruising

If you are interested in experiencing the joys of Blue water cruising, we have openings for crew for our trip North in May:

St Thomas USVI to Bermuda leaving around the beginning of May for 5 days

Bermuda to Warwick RI leaving around the 7th May for 7 days

Dates are weather dependent – we will send out an email announcement closer to the time, please contact us to talk through options and pricing

Course Books

Season pass / course bundle / gift cards.

Bundle and save! Considering more than one course? Call and save up to 20% by booking several courses together and perhaps bundle in a seasons Sailing Club membership.

Alternatively, Searching for that perfect gift?

Purchase a gift card with the value of your choosing redeemable against any of the Black Rock Sailing school offerings and gift an experience to remember! Call us today!

Other courses and information:

Night Sailing Courses, Docking, Maintenance and other endorsements.

We offer several other courses from time to time, both a mix of ASA certifications and our own, to improve your boat handling and maintenance skills such as:

• Night sailing
• Diesel Engine Maintenance
• Electrical Systems
• Water systems
• Winterizing your boat
• Preparing for the summer season

We run these courses based on demand, so please check our web site and social media, or call us to chat through your requirements.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Already a member, don't have an account create one., the bahamas, caribbean, a guided flotilla.

• 2024: Dec 7 - 14
• 8 Days | 7 Nights

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Bahamas. Picture yourself sailing through translucent blue waters, surrounded by playful dolphins and lively reefs with colorful fish and graceful sea turtles. Led by Capt. Joe Cetner, a seasoned sailor and an exceptional ASA instructor known for his captivating storytelling, this journey promises the perfect escape from the holiday hustle. Join us for an extraordinary experience exploring the beauty and charm of the Bahamas, guided by a true expert who knows these waters like the back of his palm.

The Sailing

Sailing in the Bahamas offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and serenity. It boasts some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling or diving. Imagine sailing through crystal clear turquoise waters discovering hidden cays and pristine beaches. With steady trade winds and secluded anchorages, every day on the water promises a new experience.

FLOTILLA LEADERS

Capt joe center joined by capt. jean & “admiral” mila of whitecaps sailing.

Capt. Jean, “Admiral” Mila and Capt. Joe will be your flotilla leaders. They know the sailing waters and show participants places that many tourists do not know. They put a very heavy emphasis on safety while ensuring that all participants go home with fun and unforgettable vacation memories.

Jean a native of Belgium, is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain and Master 100T and is qualified to teach ASA 101, 103, 104, 105, 114 and 118. Mila, born and raised in Peru, is for all intents and purposes the Admiral of the flotilla, master organizer, first mate and holds a USCG 50T license. Together they run Whitecaps Sailing, an ASA sailing school in Punta Gorda, Florida. They have been organizing sailing flotillas with American Sailing since 2009 and have introduced many sailors and non-sailors to fascinating destinations in the Mediterranean and other locations like Brazil and Seychelles.

Capt. Joe Center, a dynamic seafarer and inspirational educator. With a background as a former high school teacher in Illinois, Joe brings his passion for teaching and adventure to the high seas. Joe’s talents extend to music, having rocked stages as a guitarist in a band and even graced the silver screen as an extra in the Pirate of the Caribbean movies. An ASA instructor for the past 15 years and has been named Outstanding Instructor by ASA four times. He holds a USCG 100T Master license for over 25 years. Renowned for his laid-back approach and storytelling skills, Joe has navigated countless deliveries across the US and the Caribbean.

Set sail with confidence under their expert guidance.

COMBINED CREDENTIALS

• USCG 100T Master License x2
• ASA Accredited Instructors
• USCG 50T License x1
• 15+ Years Organizing Flotillas

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Arrive in Marsh Harbour, provisioning and check in on the yachts. Get together for happy hour and dinner. Meet the rest of the participants and go over the week’s float plan.

Sundays are always fun at the Nippers Beach Bar and Grabbers. Enjoy the amazing 5-mile-long beach. We have the option to spend the night at anchor in Fisher Bay or at the Orchard Bay Marina.

We will head to Hope Town. On the way, we will have the opportunity to snorkel at Foul Cay Park. Hope Town has a great mooring field, several restaurants, shops, a beach, and the last working kerosene lighthouse in the world. Be sure to climb to the observatory deck. We will spend the night at the mooring balls just outside of the harbor.

Our destination: Tahiti Beach on Elbow Key. Stroll along the beautiful beach. We have been told the drinks at the Thirsty Cuda Bar will bring a smile on your face. We will anchor at Old Pat’s Bay and have dinner on shore.

Man O War Cay. Stop at Mermaid Reef to snorkel. At the end of the day, we will spend the evening and night at the mooring field on the inside or anchor at Dickies Cay. Dinner on board. We love to raft the boats and do a happy hour and potluck dinner.

Tilloo Cay – a large part of the island is a nature preserve. We will anchor out there for the night and have a bonfire on shore with Capt. Joe who will serenade us with his guitar under the stars. Dinner on board or BBQ with the bonfire?

Little Harbour – On the way to Little Harbor, we will stop at Foul Cay park to do some snorkeling. Little Harbour’s best attraction, Pete’s Pub and Art Gallery, offers the best seafood in Abaco. Joe says that it brings out the inner Gilligan’s island.

Totally reinvigorated and with our batteries fully recharged, we return to base for our flights back home.

*Please note that itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control.

AVAILABLE BOATS

• 40' - 46' Lagoon Catamarans
• Private Head In Each Cabin

TESTIMONIALS

Jean’s sailing and organizational skills are of the highest quality! Everyone took turns at the helm while Jean kept an eye out for trouble. We had a wonderful experience cruising with Jean and Mila. We would sail anywhere in the world with them!

We have sailed with Jean and Mila on two separate occasions. They know the sailing areas extremely well. They are well organized and do an excellent job planning, yet remain flexible enough to take into account the desires of the group. We hope to take more sailing adventures with them in the future.

HOW TO BOOK

$2300 usd per person, 50% due upon booking.

*Participants are encouraged to purchase international travel insurance.

• Accommodations For 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Wifi Onboard
• Private Cabin with Ensuite Head Aboard a Lagoon 40'-45' Catamaran
• Flotilla Fees, Outboard Engines, Charter Tax,
• OBTAIN YOUR ASA 114 CERTIFICATION DURING THIS TRIP Enquire For More Info & Pricing

Please complete the form below if you have questions or would like to make a reservation.

To View More Information & An Overview Of This Flotilla PLEASE CLICK HERE You may also email us directly at [email protected] or call us at (941) 258-8890.

Full Name* Telephone Number* Email Address* Your Enquiry*

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Letovo Schoolcampus / atelier PRO

• Curated by Fernanda Castro
• Architects: atelier PRO
• Area Area of this architecture project Area:  39000 m²
• Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
• Photographs Photographs: NARODIZKIY , Dmitry Voinov , atelier PRO
• Interior Design : Atelier PRO , Thijs Klinkhamer
• Landscape Designer : Buro Sant en Co
• Client:  Letovo
• Project Architects:  Dorte Kristensen, Pascale Leistra, Karho Yeung
• Design Team:  Thijs Klinkhamer, Abel de Raadt, Alessia Topolnyk
• Russian Co Architect:  Atrium, Moscow
• City:  Moscow
• Country:  Russia
• Did you collaborate on this project?

Text description provided by the architects. The official grand opening of a special school, Letovo School , took place in Moscow last September. The assignment entailed a 20 hectare schoolcampus with educational facilities, student housing and school staff housing. The school campus offers extended outdoor sports facilities with a soccer stade, a running track, tennis courts and basketball courts. In addition there is a greenhouse, a treeyard and ample space for wandering and relaxation in the green.

While the architecture and interior of the school were designed by atelier PRO, the landscape design was developed by Buro Sant en Co landscape architecture. Russian firm Atrium Architectural Studio was responsible for the technical execution. In 2014 Atelier PRO had won the international design competition, the construction began mid-2016 and the campus was taken into use by mid-2018.

Letovo, a dream come true Letovo School is a special school for gifted and motivated children aged 12 to 17. The idea to create the school came from entrepreneur and philanthropist Vadim Moshkovich: ‘My dream was to offer talented children from all over the country access to high-quality education, regardless of their parents’ financial means. This school makes it possible for them to continue their studies at the 10 best universities in the country or at one of the top 50 universities in the world.’

Landscape-inspired design and shape Located in Novaya Moskva,southwest of Moscow ,the campus sits atop a beautiful plot of land that slopes down to a forest-lined river. Distinctive level variations were applied in and around the school to integrate the architecture into the landscape.

The shape of the large complex brings it down to a human scale for the children: the building appears to dance across the landscape due to its dynamic design. Due to the perspective effect one only ever sees part of the building's full size when walking around, which gives the impression of a refined scale. The building’s contours and flowing curves create surprising indoor and outdoor spaces as well.

The heart of the school: the central hub The central hub is the place where day-to-day life at the school unfolds. This flexible, transformable space will be used throughout the day as an informal meeting place. The dance studio on the ground floor can be transformed through a few simple adjustments into a theatre with a stage, a cosy living room or an auditorium that can accommodate 1,000 people for special events such as graduation ceremonies and large celebrations, as seen at the grand opening. This central hub connects the building’s three wings: the art wing, the south wing with science- and general-use rooms and the sports wing

Learning environment with a diversity in working spaces Letovo envisioned an innovative and modern take on existing education in Russia. In the spatial design, this perspective translates into space for theoretical education as well as special areas for group work and independent study in the tapered building wings. In the library wing there are silence spaces workshop spaces and a debating room. These are all supportive to the student’s personal development. 

Sports programme In addition to the extended sports outdoor facilities, the indoor supply of sports facilities is substantial. These cover fitness rooms, martial arts rooms, a swimming pool, a small and a large sports hall. Around the sports hall there’s an indoor running track which can be used throughout the year. It is available to school staff and external users as well.

The interior, also designed by atelier PRO, is tailored to the aims of the ambitious programme. The design of the interior also focuses extensively on the various spaces where students can go to chill and meet up with friends. The extreme cold in this area makes the school’s indoor atmosphere important for relaxation.

Ambitous learning environment The Russian client has established a private, non-profit school which aims to be the most prestigious school in the country and to offer the best educational programme through a Russion and an IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum. Students’ personal development is paramount, with the school adopting a holistic approach. It is a true learning environment that provides scope for a range of disciplines, areas of interest and recreational opportunities to foster children’s development. This aim is supported by the campus facilities and functions.

Project gallery

Project location

Address: zimenkovskaya street, sosenskoye settlement, moscow, russia.

Materials and Tags

• Sustainability

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