Her Ladyship Sailing- A sailing school for couples and women in beautiful Key Largo, Florida

Next ladies sailing class in the Florida Keys

2011-09-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

Next live aboard ladies sailing class/ASA101-103 certifications in the beautiful Florida Keys is December 02-06, 2011. Sign up soon as spaces are limited. We look forward to sailing with you soon.

Email us for more information at info@sunshinesailing.com

5 day live aboard women's sailing course/ASA101-103 certifications
Dates: December 02-06, 2011
Price: $1975/person includes all meals aboard (mostly organic), ASA certifications, ASA textbooks and logbook, a one-year ASA membership, fishing licenses and all taxes

Location: Tavernier, Florida Keys (about 10 miles South of Key Largo)

*We are located about 1h15min from Miami airport and about 1h30min from Fort Lauderdale airport.

Sailing Boot Camp for Jim and Laura

2011-06-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

Jim and Laura, having met while serving in the army, were ready to get their “sail-on boot camp” for seven days with Selah. The sailing adventure began on Tuesday with tacking and jibing in Hawk’s Channel. We dropped the anchor that night at Tavernier Key. After dinner, a visit via dinghy took us to share “brownies n’ tea” with Jen and her crew on Indian Summer II. Wednesday was inshore to the marina for a quarry hike and other remedies for Laura’s motion sickness. Both completed their ASA 101 exams that day. Happily, she fully recovered and was ready to sail again the next morning for a snorkeling trip to White Banks. The snorkeling conditions were so fantastic; we went on to Molasses reef to see more of the underwater world! Laura turned into a fish herself at “Mo’s”! Friday morning we left for Channel Five Bridge, and the couple worked the main and jib sheets for the practice jibes. Jewfish Bank was our quiet anchorage that night.

Early Saturday (first time we can truly say “early”), we left to go to Lignumvitae Key to make the 10 AM park tour. We learned a lot about the quest to keep the island true to its original botanical species. Our mighty dinghy motor took us to Robbie’s for some refreshments and ice for our coolers. ASA 103 exams were taken back at the boat, and then Selah moved on then to Lorelei’s for our anchorage. We made a dinghy ride for dinner out that night. We returned by the “romantic paddling method” in the moonlight.

Sunday, we arose to head out to Snake Creek Bridge to make the 1330 high tide. Jim had his practice at circling in heavy boat traffic before the appointed bridge time. He took Selah through the snake-y turns like a pro’, and Laura took control of the helm for the ride out to the blue, and then back to Rodriquez Key .

Monday was a breezy morning, 18-20 knots. We practiced our final Crew-Overboard maneuvers, took Selah home “wing-on-wing”, while Laura and Jim danced on the bow. There was just enough time for Jim to complete the 104 ASA exam with a big smile on his face.

Congratulations Sailors! We were honored to sail with you! Bob, Ann, and Selah!

Workin' the jib sheets.

Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications

A sailing vacation gets you away.

Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications

Dolphins on the bow. Love those playful creatures!

Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications

Off to explore.

Learn to sail in the FL Keys/Couples sailing instruction/ASA live aboard vacation in FL

Relaxing in the undersea world.
Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications
Arriving at Lignumvitae Key.
Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications
Sunset at Lorelei's.
Learn to sail and cruise in the FL Keys/Couples sailing instruction in FL/ASA live aboard class
Jim bringing Selah through Snake Creek.
Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications

Big smiles. This is the sailors' life.
Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications

Laura on the wheel out in the blue waters.
Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications

Dancin' on the deck.

Couple's sailing lessons in FL Keys/ASA live aboard sailing classes/ASA101-103 certifications

Back at the Tiki. Great job Jim!

For more information on our ASA sailing classes and instruction in Key Largo, FL. Please visit our website at www.sunshinesailing.com

We offer live aboard ASA sailing courses in the Florida Keys for couples, singles and women. We also offer sailing classes and sailing charters for families that would like to learn to sail in a friendly environment. During a typical live aboard sailing course, we mix in some snorkeling and some fishing while sailing. It makes for a perfect learn to sail vacation.

To read testimonials about our Learn to sail vacation packages and our sailing instructors at our Key Largo location please click here

7-day Couples Sailing Course ASA 101/103 Florida Keys

2011-06-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

25 May 2011

Denise and Jesse Hollis from New York joined Sunshine Coast Adventures in the Florida Keys for a seven day live-aboard sailing adventure 19-25 May 2011. This dynamic couple immediately took to the skills and cruising lifestyle, showing enthusiasm for not only the sailing, but also the fishing and especially the marine life and beauty of the Florida Straits and Florida Bay. The wind forecast called for moderate easterlies for the duration of the trip, so after one night anchoring at Tavernier Key on the "ocean side," we decided to head down to Channel Five and cruise the Intra-Coastal Waterway on the "bay side." Our bay side anchorages included Shell Key, Bottle Key, NE corner of Barnes Sound, and Pumpkin Key. We had terrific weather with warm sunny days and comfortable evenings allowing for good sleeping with the hatches open :)

Congratulations to Denise and Jesse for completing their certifications and thank you for a great trip!

~Capt Jeff

Day 1: "I think I will get the hang of this!"

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Telltales streaming nicely

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Kayaking at Shell Key, FL Keys

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Looking astern at the new fixed bridge at Jewfish Creek, FL Keys

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Barnes Sound heading for the Little Card Sound fixed bridge.

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Checking point of sail and sail trim

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Sunrise at Angelfish Creek, Florida Keys

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Snorkeling at White Banks, Florida Keys

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Relaxing after the snorkel adventure: Life is Good :)

Couple's live aboard sailing class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Captain Jeff,

Thank you so much for helping us acquire some fantastic sailing skills! We look forward to using them in the near future and will think of you often while sailing. It has been a terrific week and we will absolutely keep in touch!

Best,

Denise & Jesse

For more information on our ASA sailing classes and instruction in Key Largo, FL. Please visit our website at www.sunshinesailing.com

Manatee Patrol

2011-06-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

11 May 2011

Today we had the thrill of witnessing a pod of seven manatees cruising slowly through our marina area. These shallow swimmers were clustered together in the largest group we had ever seen. All had typical disfigurements from perhaps propellers or other hazards, but this did not detract from their grace and beauty.

For more info see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manatee "Half a manatee's day is spent sleeping in the water, surfacing for air regularly at intervals no greater than 20 minutes. Manatees spend most of the rest of the time grazing in shallow waters at depths of 1–2 metres (3.3–6.6 ft). The Florida subspecies (T. m. latirostris) has been known to live up to 60 years... Manatees are capable of understanding discrimination tasks, and show signs of complex associated learning and advanced long term memory."

7 day live aboard ladies sailing class in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

2011-05-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

The ladies coming back from snorkeling at a beautiful reef in Key Largo, FL

Ladies taking their first exam/ ASA101 certifications. Great job little pirates!

Little mama chilling on deck/ Women live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

We caught dinner! A nice and healthy black fin tuna. Great teamwork ladies!

Mary working on her favorite...the cleat hitch! :)

Reefing the jib. Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

A spotted eagle ray swimming by the boat gracefully. Thank you for the nice visit!

Spotted eagle ray. Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

Mary waiting patiently for the brownies delivery from S/V Selah. Thank you Ann and Bob!

A picture worth a thousand words...Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

S/V Selah sailing along in the beautiful FL Keys during their 7 day live aboard couples course.

Mary reefing the mainsail. Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

Taking over this ship:) Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

Indian Summer II sailing in the turquoise waters of the FL Keys.

Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

Indian Summer II under full sails. She is a beauty.

Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

Sailing in the FL and the FL Keys. Life is good.

After practicing docking maneuvers. Great job ladies!

The 3 little pirates. Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

Full moon night. Priceless! Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

Lighting show. Just incredible to watch. Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

A storm is heading our way. Time to reef our sails.

Women's live aboard sailing lessons in FL/ASA certifications

The ladies having fun during the storm. Great job ladies!

Women's live aboard sailing class in FL/ASA certifications

Women's live aboard sailing lessons in FL/ASA certifications

Jen,

If someone told me all the things I would learn in these 5 days, I would have told them they were nuts! You are an amazing teacher, an even more amazing human being and a truly incredible spirit. THANK YOU for a wonderful experience and for having more confidence in me than I had in myself!

Namaste,

Terri Delfino

Salen, MA

"Pirate"

-----

Captain Jenn

This week has been more than worth traveling thousands of miles for. You had it all exactly right - coming right, keep on doing it, wow! now some more... You are a great teacher, keeping it moving, missing nothing, and inspiring us. And it was all fulfilling - and fun! You get all the stars in the system. THANK YOU for all you have done & given this week.

Mary Gregory

Oxford, UK

-----

xoxo

The fish are jumpin' for these sailors!

2011-05-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hank and Susan came to sail and test the waters to see if they would pursue the sport as a part of their free time hobbies. Both are active fitness enthusiasts and with competitive spirits and embraced the concepts of sailing. Susan was a past catamaran sailor, and Hank had previous sailing experience in the New York Sound. We spent the first day sailing the breezes in Hawk's Channel, reviewing their water skills. The winds were light, and the temperatures high, but the conditions were right for the sea life to strut their stuff. In May it's the time for the fish to jump! We saw a sea ray take off out of the water like a 747, also three tarpons splashing near the boat. At another sailing moment, we came upon two large sea turtles paddling about happily in love. Ann spent some time on the bow calling the dolphins with her new whistle, but with no luck. Back at the marina, we saw hovering schools of grey snappers trying to school (and hide) from the tarpons. Much was shared - good knots, good food, good laughs, good company!

Hank and Susan - Thank you for sharing yourselves and sailing with us!
Bob, Ann, and Selah

View off Tavernier Key at Sunset

Enjoying a Mahi Mahi dinner back at home port.

2-Day Couples Sailing Vacation in the Florida Keys

2011-04-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Update 10 May 2011

Many thanks to Danish and Lamar for sending along some photos from their memorable adventure :)

A rarely seen view of Indian Summer II taken from the perspective of the snorkeler.

The monkeys guard the newly de-corked libation as it breathes.

Another fine gourmet meal at sea. Who says we have to rough it out here?

Gifts for the monkeys: Custom tailored hat and blanket will keep them warm in the higher latitudes.

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21-22 April 2011

Danish ("Pumpkin") and Lamar ("Mister") Harrell from mid-coast Florida drove down to join Sunshine Coast Adventures for a 2-day sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking vacation aboard Indian Summer II. This was the first time they had been on a trip by themselves since their 2-1/2 year old twins were born. Clearly they were ready for some adult time and eagerly seized every opportunity to have fun and relax.

The weather was perfect: Mostly sunny with winds 15-20 knots from the east; daytime temperatures in mid-80's, nighttime mid 70's; water temperature 81F. Overnight anchorage SW side of Rodriguez Key. Snorkeling at Molasses Reef.

It was great having you aboard! Thank you very much :)

~ Capt. Jeff

Lamar and Danish enjoy the smooth sailing

Time to check out the island with the kayak

"We could get used to this lifestyle!"

Gearing up for snorkeling at Molasses Reef

Blue water and infinite visibility! :)

"Someone has to do all the 'work'..."

"...while others take it easy..."

Another perfect day in paradise. Sunset at Rodriguez Key. Sailing adventure in the Florida Keys.

"Dear Jeff,

What a beautiful sailing experience! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and also letting us play. I enjoyed learning and unwinding. We hope to see you again soon and head out on a longer trip...

Thank you so much,

Danish & Mister"

ASA 103 Couples Sailing Adventure

2011-04-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

Linda and Steve from the Woodlands, Texas joined us to continue their quest to find out more about sailing! They had recently completed their ASA 101 last fall, and decided to get three days of more sail time on a live-aboard adventure. It was their first time visit to the Keys area and the weather complimented out adventure by providing 10-15 knot winds to practice the ASA 103 sailing skills. Water temperature was 85 degrees - great for a nice dip, and sea kayaking to nearby Tavernier and Indian Keys in the early evening and morning. The last day we headed out to the "blue water" to catch more wind, and then beam reached back to Tavernier making home port to finish up by practice docking skills.

Steve heading out on the first day.

Couples live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Coming about - Linda adjusting in the jib sheet.
Couples live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Relaxing after a breezy afternoon of sailing....life is good, sailors.
Couples live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Linda and Steve off to explore on a kayak around Tavernier Key.
Couples live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Steve practicing a controlled jibe on the helm for his ASA 103 certification.

Couples live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Another kayak trip to Indian Key in the morning of our third day.
Couples live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Linda working on her navigation skills in the blue water.
Couples live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Taking the ASA 103 exams during the afternoon sail back home .

Couples live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

4/9/2011
Bob and Ann -
Had a great time. Ann and Bob are the best. Steve and Linda

Family Adventure ASA101/103 Sailing Vacation 3-7 Apr 2011

2011-04-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

07 April 2011

This week Sunshine Coast Adventures was pleased to host the super nice Gordon family from Decatur, Georgia. Devin's goals were to complete ASA101/103 initially this trip, then do some practice lake sailing this summer near home, then go for ASA104 later in preparation for taking his family on a bareboat charter trip in the British Virgin Islands. We are happy to report that Devin worked hard and achieved the first goal... congratulations! Kim and Brayden learned a bunch too, including terminology, steering, sail trim, and knot tying! They will make for top notch crew on their next sailing adventure.

Fresh easterly winds in the beginning of the trip led us to start the adventure early and make a fast passage down under the Channel 5 Bridge in Islamorada. First night at anchor was spent in Matecumbe Bight. Next morning a chance to snorkel near an abandoned quarry, followed by some some practice tacking and jibing on the smooth water of Florida Bay. Second night spent at Shell Key on the inside mooring ball. Third day saw us sailing "jib and jigger" (jib and mizzen, no mainsail) up the Intra-Coastal Waterway toward the Snake Creek Bascule Bridge. We made the noon bridge opening and then sailed downwind in Hawk Channel being pushed by southwesterlies all the way back up to our home waters near Tavernier. A brief but intense squall line chilled the air and wet the decks with a bit of fresh water as we came to anchor near Rodriguez and Dove Keys off of Key Largo. Fourth day we snorkeled the beautiful clear blue waters at Molasses Reef and then anchored in the lee of Rodriguez Key. We were joined by no less than 17 other boats (sail and power), most of whom were gone by dawn, making their way to the Bahamas or perhaps further up the coast before the summertime comes.

Thank you very much Gordon family for a great 5 days!

~Capt. Jeff

Dad coaches Son on the helm....

Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

...while Mom relaxes in-between jib sheet trimming duties.

Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

The Key Largo glass bottom boat and Molasses Reef light form the backdrop for our intrepid snorkelers.

Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Beautiful clear blue water; visibility >60 feet. Happy snorkelers here.

Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Brayden checks for traffic while holding a steady course.

Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

The whole family about to take an evening kayak ride to the island.

Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

We saw lots of big smiles this week! :)

Family live aboard sailing vacation in the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Dear Jeff,

Thanks for the amazing trip. What a way to totally unwind. We learned so much! I can't wait for Brayden to share pictures and knots to his class.

Thanks again,

Kim, Devin & Brayden

For more information on our ASA sailing classes and instruction in Key Largo, FL. Please visit our website at www.sunshinesailing.com

To read testimonials about our Learn to sail vacation packages and our sailing instructors at our Key Largo location please click here

A Custom Expedition for the Duke!

2011-03-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Margaret enjoying a sunset from Selah's front deck.

This was a definitely a Discovery Expedition for Margaret - an adventurous young woman from Canada! Margaret and her parents Julie and George, arrived eager to begin their five day sail which counted as a Duke of Edinburgh event! Margaret, sailing for the Duke’s silver award, was on a mission that would meet the requirements of the award: an expedition that included planning, training, navigation, and completing an adventurous journey!

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the UK is a youth charity that offers the world's leading achievement award for young people.. A pilot award in 1956 started the program, with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as chairman. Participants select and set objectives in each of the following areas:

Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.

And adventurous was our sailing journey!

Preparation night was at Tavernier Key, morning navigation planning, afternoon sailing and motoring skills. Day two was snorkeling and exploring the sea life at the reef. Night two was a mooring at Indian Key. Late afternoon sent the women on a kayak adventure to hike the deserted key at dusk. Very eerie , but also very beautiful! On to sailing, swimming and exploration at Lignumvitae Key and a trip to Robbie’s Marina. Then on to Snake Creek. Margaret led us through the pass with radio calls to the bridge, and some excitement as we touched bottom at low tide! She was a cool headed sailor in times of challenge! Mom and Dad also got into the sailing scene with learning the knots, taking the helm, and just enjoying the beautiful sunrises and sunsets! An upwind tacking dual took us to our last night at Rodriquez Key. Again, two women sailors took the paddles and explored the wildlife along the shore. The last day was a fast “wing-on-wing” broad reach into the Tavernier channel with Margaret at the wheel bringing Selah into home port. The Duke would be very happy with Margaret and her achievements. And like Margaret, George, and Julie, I’m sure he’s an avid sailor at heart!

Our best to Margaret, George, and Julie, and to all their future adventures! It was an honor to sail with you! On to the Gold!

Captain Ann, Captain Bob, and Selah

George taking the wheel on day one.

One of Julie's favorite spots - Selah's front deck!

Off to snorkel at the reef! Conditions were right - warm clear water and lots of fish and coral.

Julie and George relaxing. They enjoyed some great book reading, sunrises, and sunsets!

Off to explore Indian Key at dusk!

Team work paddling to Indian Key.

The following morning, sunrise over Indian Key

Margaret taking Selah through the Snake Creek Bridge.

As we begin our pass through Snake Creek, George on deck.

Julie at the wheel, taking us to our last night's anchorage at Rodriquez Key.

Pirates at sea!
Setting the mainsail!
Margaret bringing Selah to home port on the last day.

5 Day Family Sailing Adventure

2011-03-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

March 14-18, 2011
We had fabulous weather this week for our 5 day Family Sailing Adventure and ASA 101-103.
Michael, Mirella, Alathea, and Cassandra from Toronto were treated to the best the Keys have to offer, warm breezes and crystal clear water. Due to the time change and these nice longer days, we were able to really pack in a lot of fun! Long days of sailing, snorkeling, dinghy trips to visit historic Key's landmarks and see local Key's color.

Michael and Cassandra at the helm

Our first day we departed the marina early in the afternoon and set a course SW to the Florida Bay. Passing under Channel Five bridge right at sunset was a treat! And thanks to Michael super yellow sunglass lenses we navigated the lobster buoys safely to our anchorage in Matacumbe Bite well after dark.

Mirella at the helm in Florida Bay, Michael ready to trim the sheets while we practice our sailing maneuvers.

Ever the Fashionista, Cassandra modeling her pink and yellow outfit and matching pink sailing gloves. We might be the best looking crew sailing on the bay!

Cassandra and Michael trim while we practice tacking.

After a long day sailing we arrive at Lignumvitae Key and take a dinghy ride to Robby's Marina. A colorful local haunt where brave youngsters can feed the giant Tarpon!

Brave Alathea holds the fish while this monster Tarpon approaches for the free snack!