| Review: |
The best way on the Bay
After a long hiatus from active sailing, I decided to "re-boot" and start from the beginning. I researched all the sailing schools in the SF Bay Area. On cost alone Tradewinds is way ahead of the rest in the San Francisco area. Their fleet program of paying a single monthly fee is incredible value. Not only can you go out sailing as often as you want, it also supports making sensible decisions when conditions are marginal. That's sometimes tough to do when you've shelled out hundreds of dollars for your day on the water.
But cost is not the main reason I chose Tradewinds. After my online research I visited the "shortlisted" schools. What made Tradewinds stand out from the other fine schools is when Butch the owner told me that none of their instructors are Captain Blighs. That inspired me to learn how to skipper without verbally abusing my crew. Through all their classes (BKB, BCC, BBC and ACC) the instructors were all very pleasant, patient and knowledgeable. Not only were they all excellent sailors, they were excellent teachers.
The Tradewinds staff (Butch, Matt and Brandy) have all been great to work with. They provide a welcoming and informal atmosphere. I'm very impressed with how well just the three of them manage a club and a fleet of this size.
If your main interest is racing, there are other schools that closer fit the bill. The drill instructor approach these other schools are known for is probably more appropriate. However, if your focus is on cruising and learning to be a competent sailor, Tradewinds is the best bang for buck out there, and great people to know. |
