Best of 2000: Best Sailing Lessons

San Diego Sailing Academy
1500 Quivira Way, Mission Bay
(619) 223-6253

The San Diego Sailing Academy offers professional sailing instruction for boat owners and those interested in running charter operations and in other sailing careers. Graduates receive American Sailing Association certificates necessary to sail professionally. Instructors are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, and no more than two students at a time are included in each certification class. Three-day excursions start at $1000. A five-day combination package, Basic Coastal Cruising/Bareboat Chartering Certification, costs $1500 and includes training in piloting and sailing by using a chart, reading a hand-bearing compass, jibbing, steering in waves, anchoring, and how to dock using either a motor or under sail power. Seven-day excursions can run over $2000, and the company also books corporate sailing regattas for up to 12 participants and post-certification refresher courses.