Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I want to charter a boat in
the Caribbean. Will your school give me a license to do
that?
A: There isn't really a license that will
guarantee you the right to charter a sailboat. Our
American Sailing Association Certification program will
help you earn both Basic Keelboat and Basic Coastal
Cruising certification. That and some experience is
enough for most charter companies. If you choose to go
on to the Bareboat Chartering certification, our course
will give you the prerequisites necessary to take that
course.
Q: What is the American Sailing
Association?
A: It is a non-governmental organization
dedicated to sailing education. By establishing
standards for sailing schools, the ASA enables us to
offer a certification that is internationally recognized
by charter and insurance companies.
Q: Some schools say they offer
US Sailing Certification. What is the difference between
the ASA and US Sailing Certification?
A: Their certifications standards are very
similar. The ASA program followed by Lighthouse Landing
is more widely used.
Q: Will I be able to rent a
boat at Lighthouse Landing if I take one of your sailing
courses?
A: Our courses are taught on the same boats we
rent. After successful completion of the one of our
courses you be able to enjoy sailing the Colgate 26 on
Kentucky Lake.
Q: I understand the course on
the date I am interested in already has four people.
That date is the only one I can work into my schedule.
Can you fit me into that class?
A: No, I'm sorry. The classes are structured for
4 students; neither you nor the other students would
have the kind of experience we feel you deserve if we
expanded the class size. We would be happy to take your
name just in case there is a cancellation, or we could
look at some of the other dates to see if we can come up
with a match for you.
Q: Can my 12-year-old son take
the course with me?
A: We like to see young people getting involved
in sailing, but at this time we don't have a youth
course. It would be better for him to learn on a small
boat that he could handle by himself, like a Sunfish or
Optimist. The minimum age for participation in
Lighthouse Landing non-family group sailing courses is
16.
Q: I'd like to sign my family
up for your Practical Sailing course. We have 3
children: 11, 13 and 15 years old. Can we all get
certified?
A: That should be a great family experience. Our
classes are normally designed for four students of at
least 16 years old but we can accommodate your group. By
reserving an entire class for your family we can accept
up to six participants and include the children in the
course. The instructor will be able to certify the
younger children as crew. Your older child's full
certification will depend on how well he/she does and is
left to the discretion of the instructor.
Q: What kind of boat do you use
at Lighthouse Landing Sailing School?
A: All of our courses use the Colgate 26. It was
designed in cooperation with one of the countries
leading sailing instruction professionals. It is
designed to make learning safe, fun and easy. The United
States Naval Academy at Annapolis has selected the C 26
for their sail-training program.
Q: I want to learn how to sail
larger boats. Will I be able to do that at your school?
A: Yes. Our training boat is the Colgate 26. It
has all the same sail controls and equipment you will
find on well-equipped larger boats. It is more nimble
and responsive than bigger boats so you will learn
faster and easier.
Q: I want my wife to take the
course with me but she is uncomfortable about sailboats.
How safe is it?
A: Our instructors are focused on making you
comfortable on the sailboat. The C 26 is a very safe
sailboat. It is unsinkable, can't be capsized and has a
large secure cockpit. USCG and Lighthouse Landing safety
equipment is always onboard.
Q: I have my own boat and don't
plan to charter. Is there any benefit for me in taking
the course?
A: Many of our students own or plan to get their
own boat. They tell us they are better and more
confident sailors after taking one of our sailing
courses. Most insurance companies will offer a discount
on your boating policy when you successfully complete
the course.
Q: Who will the instructor be?
A: The Basic Sailing instructor is a local sailor
who has been ASA Instructor Certified and is a USCG
licensed captain. He is also ASA certified and has the
USCG Masters license.
Q: I took Basic Keelboat last
year and want to get Basic Coastal Cruising
certification but don't see that course in your
schedule. Will you be teaching it this summer?
A: We offer the Basic Coastal Cruising
certification in our Practical Sailing course. In
addition to Basic Coastal Cruising you will get a review
of Basic Keelboat and lots of hands on practice in this
course.
Q: I want to set up a private
class so my wife and I can get ASA certified. What will
the cost be?
A: Our classes normally have four students. You
can limit the class size to two but you would have to
pay tuition for a full class. We find most people have a
better learning experience with a full class.
Q: Do we need to bring a sack
lunch when we go out on the boat?
A: No. You will come back to the dock for a lunch
break. There are several restaurants close by.
Lighthouse Landing has several picnic tables around the
resort if you want to have your lunch break on the
grounds.
Q: My friend went to the coast
to take her ASA sailing course. Will I have the same
quality experience on Kentucky Lake?
A: Most certainly. Kentucky Lake is part of one
of the largest man made bodies of water in the world. It
is protected from the large seas you may find on the
coast and is clean, fresh water. Our county has more
miles of commercial waterways than any other county in
the lower 48 states so you will learn how to deal with
commercial traffic. Kentucky Lake is large enough that
we never feel crowded. Most of all, our beautifully
sailing Colgate 26s and excellent staff assure you will
have a really great time learning to sail.
Back to the SAILING SCHOOL
Reservations@LighthouseLanding.com
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