Congratulations To Our Newest Certified Staff Members:

Windsong is the only school that requires an 3-6 month instructor apprenticeship for new staff candidates. The apprenticeship is a demanding period in which experienced sailors must learn and master instructional, coaching and time management techniques that ensure their efforts to develop our students meet the quality standards our customers have grown to expect.  Depending on everyone's availability, business and personal schedules, each candidate progresses at different rates and complete their apprenticeships at varying times.  As a part of their apprenticeship, each candidate must attend and complete an A. S. A. instructor evaluation and certification clinic, which is quite demanding in stamina, abilities and knowledge as a sailor and instructor. 

The certification clinic consist of several 8 hour days of drills and exams to develop and assess each candidates sailing knowledge and ability to coach and train others.  Although the clinics require a great deal of research, study and practice before hand, it also provides an opportunity to share ideas and techniques as professional trainers.  This training requires the investment of substantial time and financial resources to complete and reflects everyone's commitment to their desire to become a Windsong instructor.   Recently two candidates have earned the right to attend the instructor certification clinic and were successful in earning their A. S. A. Instructor Certifications. 

Windsong candidates have a history of finishing at the top of their class at the clinics and were rated superlatively as compared to candidates from other competing schools.  These high ratings continue to ensure that our students benefit from the finest collection of professional instructors who are the product of a thorough formal selection, evaluation and training program which is unique to Windsong.  Please take a moment to congratulate the two following candidates the next time you work with them as they have earned the right and distinction of becoming American Sailing Association's newest certified instructors.

Jim Chambers
Tom Broome

Additionally the following staff completed the rigorous 5-day Colgate 26 Performance Sailing and Tuning program conducted in the bay and offshore near Captiva Island this summer.

Tom Broome
Sterling Chavis
Patti Price

T-SHIRTS ARE IN !!!!!!!
The first opportunity to buy one
will be this Saturday's Social 6-9 pm.

Be the first to get your 2004 TEAM WINDSONG T-Shirt! 
Only three dozen have been ordered and we sorta feel these will go FAST
so don't delay, buy TODAY!

The white T-Shirts have the prestigious Windsong logo on the front
and the full color artwork on the back.

a $15 donation is requested.

All proceeds go toward equipment and other
special subsidized programs such as the monthly socials.

Windsong HATS ARE IN TOO!!!!!!!

These superior quality white embroidered caps will be collectors items.  Not only are they extremely comfortable and easily adjustable, they are breathable and offer an extended bill to protect your face from the sun.  A good sailing hat IS hard to find and these will fit the bill for a number of seasons.

A $15 donation is requested.

All proceeds go toward equipment and other
special subsidized programs such as the monthly socials.

 

The July monthly social was a real delight.  The Storm Sailing video and subsequent lengthy discussion was a value to everyone.  There was new and controversial material presented that is still debated in the industry but much evidence exists to substantiate the merit of deployment.  Thousands of miles of ocean seaway practical application have proven that some prevalent tactics for safe and comfortable passage making likely are based upon invalid assumptions or technology that has evolved to the point that new approaches are required. 

If you weren't there, you missed yet another excellent presentation and social highlight of the summer punctuated once again by shrimp and other excellent refreshments contributed by those who attended.

National Vessel Examination Q & A Page

HOW SAFE IS YOUR BOAT?
Once again, Windsong is busy conducting U.S. Coast Guard approved and U.S. Sail and Power Squadron sponsored Vessel Safety Examinations (VSE) at Aqualand Marina and Holiday Marinas.  Safety inspections are free and cover all the Federal and State requirements for your size vessel (Sail or Power) in addition to general overall suggestions appropriate for safe and informed boating.  We do not issue citations nor report you to authorities for noncompliance.  Our intent is to inspect and educate. So far this season, we've inspected brand new boats that have failed, and have surprised seasoned boaters who learned that they were merely one DNR (law enforcing agency on Lanier) stop away from a hefty fine for violations.  One boat in particular had an inoperably crushed ventilation hose and another had cracks in the refueling hose leading to the fuel tank. If you or someone you know owns a boat, call us and we'll make arrangements for you to receive a courtesy inspection.

WARNING To Returning Students:
If you don't already have outings booked thru December you should seriously consider doing so NOW.

We presently have the following sailing openings.

Date

Time

Spots Available

8/15

 11:00

1

8/21

  3:00

1

8/25

  6:30

3

8/28

11:00

1

 

  1:00

1

 

  3:00

1

We presently have the following ground school openings.

  • Advanced Coastal Cruising    (8/16 & 8/18)
  • Marine Meteorology               (8/29 & 7/22)
  • Basic Keelboat Sailing           (8/30 & 9/01)

FOR SALE!  GOT SOMETHING TO SELL?  Try Our New For Sale Site Free.
Although we intend to limit items for sale to our student members, we will consider items submitted from the general public as well.  We'll play it by ear to see how it goes.  Just remember to let us know when the item is sold so that we can keep our web site current.  So here's the link Items For Sale.

SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH SOMEONE NEW!
Ughm, don't get ahead of me here.  Pay attention!  During July, if you bring a paying guest who has never sailed with Windsong before, you get to sail for half price!  Bring two or three folks and you might qualify for your own private outing at half price!

The love for sailing is something to be shared.  Remember, friends don't let their friends go through life without experiencing sailing!

Invite someone to join you today and you benefit, too!

GOT A BUSINESS YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE?
As a suggestion from one of our students, we're starting a Student Business Links web page. If you work for, own or are a principle in a business or have a hobby that you'd like to include on this free links page, send us your web address and a brief description about your business and services. Any special discounts extended to fellow students should be mentioned as well.  Students would certainly like to do business with one, so let us know about your business, service or hobby.

PLEASE, REACH OUT AND TOUCH US,

                We're listening!!

Many times students' suggestions are implemented on the spot!  We pride ourselves in our customer service and attention to the needs of our students. If you have thoughts or ideas, drop us a line or give us a call.  All things are possible; you simply need to ask. 

Thanks!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our students for their loyal support through the season(s) and encourage everyone to bring one new friend along each year as you sail.  As we grow and expand our operation, we want to make our products and services available to all who may be interested, but some one has to make the introduction.  Share the love of your sport with those who may be interested in our unique collection of programs. You'll be glad you did and so will they!