Sailing Instruction

The USF St. Petersburg Waterfront maintains almost 40 sailboats from 13-37 feet in length. Opportunities for the person that has never been on a boat before to the seasoned sailor ready for overnight sailing adventures. Our premier dock facility was completely redone in 2010 and can support multiple sailing activities simultaneously.

Lessons

The Waterfront offers many different sailing classes as a part of our WaterLife programming. Our Learn to Sail program is a perfect first step. Keelboat sailing is offered as well as clinics and overnights. Whether you've never been in a boat or you're ready for Coastal Cruising aboard our 37' WANDERER, we have a class for you! If you're looking for an introduction to sailing sign up for our Keelboat Experience, our instructors will show you the 'ropes' and help you learn your way around one of our largest sailboats.

Step One: Start Sailing Right

Our Start Sailing Right course is the perfect first step.

Session I
Saturdays and Sundays: May 11, 12, 18, and 19 from 2:00pm - 7:00pm

Session II
Saturdays and Sundays: June 1, 2, 8, and 9 from 2:00pm - 7:00pm

Step Two: Keelboat Sailing

Increase your skills by learning the additional systems of a keelboat.

Session I
Saturdays and Sundays: February 23, 24, and March 2,3 from 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Session II
Sundays: March 31*, April 7, 14, and 21 from 1:00pm - 6:00pm
*Session II meets on Easter Sunday

Step Three: Sailing Overnight Adventure

This 3 day, all inclusive overnight sailing class, will leave the dock Friday at 3:30 PM & return between 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Sunday. You'll island hop, sleep under the stars, and learn about costal cruising!

Spring Dates Coming Soon!

Registration

To register for instructional lessons, please complete the Sailing Registration Form. Registration is official once payment is received.

Please complete our Waterfront Private Lessons & Skipper Certification Checkouts Form if interested in scheduling an appointment with an instructor.

Learn to Sail Courses FEE SCHEDULE:

SSR, Keelboating, Overnight:
Students $85.00
Staff/Faculty/Alumni/Affiliates $185.00
Public $225.00

United States Sailing Certification

US Sailing Certification - Demonstrate your skills and earn your US Sailing national certification at either the dinghy (Flying Juniors) or keelboat (J24) level.

Sailboat Use

The Waterfront maintains two fleets of sailboats for students and others to use and enjoy. The first fleet is the dinghy fleet, which consists of Flying Juniors. The FJs are simple to rig and launch. They are designed to be sailed by two people. The second fleet of boats at the waterfront is the keel boat fleet which consists exclusively of J24 sailboats. The J24 is a 24' one design that is popular through the USA and the world. Our J24s are set up for "day-sailing." The Waterfront also maintains cruising and racing sailboats in the 32'-37' range.

Boats are available from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week. Sailboat check out is free for current USF students and those with Membership.

If you know how to sail and would like to use the boats you must complete a one-time certification sail with a member of the Waterfront staff. There is a $25.00 charge for current USF Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Affiliates for the certification.

Flying Junior (dinghy) or J24 (keelboat) Skippers Checkout - Successful completion of each checkout will give you access to the boats in either our Recreational Dinghy Fleet or Recreational Keel Boat Fleet. 

General Sailing Information

The waters of Tampa Bay have a long and proud history in the sport of Sailing. Many College All-Americans, Olympic Athletes, and Americas Cup Crewmen learned how to sail on Tampa Bay.

Tampa bay has also been the venue for many National and International sailing competitions. Sailing is a life long sport and you can experience it at the Waterfront.

Competitive Sailing Team

Did you know that USF St. Petersburg has a varsity sport on our campus? Both the The Varsity Women's Sailing Team and Men's Co-ed Sailing Team are ranked among the collegiate sailing teams in the nation. Check this out for more information.

Interested in starting a sailing club? Click here for details.

For current activity rates click here

Sponsored by USFSP Office of Student Life and Engagement