5-day Couples ASA101/103 Course - FL Keys

17-21 March 2011

Deb and Tom joined Sunshine Coast Adventures in the Florida Keys for an exciting live-aboard learn-to-sail cruise, including successful completion of ASA101 Basic Keelboat Sailing and ASA103 Basic Coastal Cruising certifications. St Patrick's Day, the "Supermoon," and the Spring Equinox were all part of this celebration of sailing, learning, fishing, laughing, eating, and sleeping at anchor. Mostly sunny; temperatures ranging from the upper 60's at night to the low 80's during the day. One short duration rain squall just before dawn on the fourth day (to conveniently wash the salt off the deck). Winds northeast to east 10-15 and 15-20 knots. Anchorages: Rodriguez Key (Oceanside), Matecumbe Bight, and Cotton Key (Bayside). Passage under the Channel 5 fixed bridge and through the Snake Creek Bascule Bridge. Thanks for a great trip!

~ Capt. Jeff

Deb steers and checks the GPS chartplotter while Tom does some "fish on."

ASA Live Aboard Couples sailing classes in FL and the FL Keys

The Snake Creek bascule bridge closes after Indian Summer II passes safely through.

ASA Live Aboard Couples sailing classes in FL and the FL Keys

Deb and Tom sharing the helm. ASA couples course Florida Keys sailing.

ASA Live Aboard Couples sailing classes in FL and the FL Keys

Checking the trim of the jib. Telltales are streaming nicely!

ASA Live Aboard Couples sailing classes in FL and the FL Keys

"Jeff -

You are an amazing individual and an awesome instructor. You're patient, your [PowerPoint] slides were very clear, and your attitude about learning to sail is the best - just to relax, enjoy it, and trust your instincts."

~ Deb & Tom Taylor, Portland, Oregon

Couples ASA 101-103 Five-day Sailing Adventure!

Shannon trimming the main.

Mike, grinning and happy at the helm of Selah.


Shannon at the wheel. Winds were 20-25 knots. Her comments "I love lots of wind and white water!"

Our first morning out, we saw about 15 dolphins frolicking around the boat. It was surreal!


Night 1: working on tying some knots for ASA 101.


Out in the cockpit after sunset, dedicated Mike studying hard.


The stars and headlamps helped to light the books.
Couples sailing classes in Florida and the Florida Keys/ASA certifications

Snorkeling on day two. Water 75 degrees. We had a surprise squall at 2 PM that added to the adventure.


Drying out after the squall winds and rains let up.
Couples sailing classes in Florida and the Florida Keys/ASA certifications

Rainbow appears and life is good.
Couples sailing classes in Florida and the Florida Keys/ASA certifications

Back at anchor about to enjoy a spicy pasta dinner.
Couples sailing classes in Florida and the Florida Keys/ASA certifications

Shannon calculating GPS depth readings and anchor rode scope.
Couples sailing classes in Florida and the Florida Keys/ASA certifications

Shannon and Mike run a successful aquarium business - Northside Aquatics. On day four, we got lucky and had another snorkel trip to see the fish again!


Couples sailing classes in Florida and the Florida Keys/ASA certificationsCouples sailing classes in Florida and the Florida Keys/ASA certificationsAnother great sunset on night four.


Heading back to home port to finish the written exam.
Couples sailing classes in Florida and the Florida Keys/ASA certifications

Successful completion of ASA 103 back at the Tiki Hut!

Ann and Bob,

Thank you so much for an amazing week! Your hospitality made us feel completely at home. From the time we got out of the car at the marina we were attended to with utmost care and concern for our enjoyment on the trip. Both of you were excellent teachers and we learned at a rate that exceeded both our expectations. In a matter of a few days we went from complete novices to confident beginning sailors.

Your commitment to working together to run your business effectively and efficiently is an inspiration to both of us who hope to one day take a similar path in life.

We will gladly sail again with you guys if we are ever back this way. We wish you both the best! Thanks for helping us to add more "cowbell" to our lives! ;o)

Shannon and Mike

P.S. Food was awesome!

5 day live aboard couple's sailing and cruising course/ASA 101-103 certifications

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

We had all kinds of weather this week including sunshine, lots of wind and record low temperatures. Ted and BJ experienced sailing in steady 30 knts of wind gusting to 35. It was great sailing. A little chilly for a couple of days as the cold front came thru but they did great. We did get some warm enough weather to chase lobsters, snorkel and play. Here are the pictures of their 5 day live aboard couple's sailing course/ASA certifications. Enjoy!

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

Couples sailing and cruising class in FL and the FL Keys/ASA certifications

5 day couples sailing lessons/ ASA103-104 certifications

Sailing in the Keys aboard S/V Cour Volant

Going thru Snake Creek, FL Keys

ASA couples sailing lessons in the Florida Keys

Capt Edana just happy there is more than an inch of water under her keel:)

Andrea chilling at sunset during a couples sailing class in the Florida Keys

Sunset at anchor in the FL Keys

Andrea studying her ASA textbooks during a couples live aboard sailing class in FL Keys

Fishing at anchor in FL Keys

Couples sailing class in FL Keys

Sailing in FL Keys

Andrea and David sailing away:)

Couples sailing class in FL and the Keys

Capt Edana chilling in her cockpit

Andrea sailing, good job Andrea!

David and Andrea snorkeling at a reef in Tavernier, FL Keys

Snorkeling in the Keys/ASA couples lessons in FL

David sailing and smiling. Great job pirate!

Calm evening at anchor in the Keys

Cour Volant at a calm anchorage/ASA couples sailing lessons in FL Keys

Toys, toys and more toys. Life is good!

Look Ma. No hands!

Pictures of pirates from Indian Summer II. They came over for dinner and take over our cookies

Capt Jenn and her pirates.

Sunset in Florida Keys

Getting ready for a beautiful meal

We like eating:)

Dear Edana,

We had a great week aboard the Cour Volant! Thank you for teaching us the art of sailing. Your patience and excitement added to our experience as well as your fishing and cooking skills! Luckily Whin Dixie provided the Mahi-Mahi, but you made us the best fish tacos and Tahi Tofu! Hopefully next time we meet we wil have our own nautical stories to share! Fondly, Andrea Russin and David Newman Princeton, NJ