Southern Sailing School 12796 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32256

"The smile says it all! Absolute wonderful time, and the learning experience was priceless. Looking forward to our next class. Captain Al was amazing."

"Overall a great experience! My wife and I took the lessons together and were happy to receive the lessons with Al. He was very patient and a skilled sailor and instructor. He made us feel welcome and safe and still made the lessons fun! Thanks to Donovan for following through with getting the lessons complete in our timeframe. Thanks Southern Sailing! We recommend that you take your sailing lessons with Southern Sailing!"

"A new adventure taken with much trepidation, after much research on sailing schools, I chose Southern Sailing because of the one on one instruction. I much prefer my time be spent on the water with a competent and patient instructor rather than in a classroom setting learning something I could learn on my own. I was not disappointed with my lessons or my instructor and have been able to overcome my water anxieties. My instructor Al, a life long sailor, is extremely skilled. He taught me what I needed to know with great clarity and patience, even when I asked stupid questions. I am a 74 year old woman who never spent any time on the water for my late husband suffered from motion sickness and boats were never any part of our lives. Now I have a new friend who loves to sail and I want to be able to enjoy being on the water with him. Having the skills Southern Sailing is teaching me, I know I can be an active competent participant on the boat and that I can get us safely back to shore in case of an emergency. Thank you Southern Sailing for giving me the courage, the assurance, and the skills I need for this new adventure in my life. You are the greatest!"

"Having bought a sailboat, I needed to learn sailing basics in a hurry. ASA classes provide books, classroom-like setting, more time on the water, and certification recognized by everyone. The cost is reasonably reflected in the curriculum albeit, not cheap. A class was not available where I looked for another month. So, I "gambled" with Southern based on the price and the info on their website (somewhat dated, but still relevant nonetheless despite the eye candy). Scheduling involved emailing/texting with Allen Popescu who ended up being my instructor. Lessons were one-on-one and conducted on his own 26 foot Capri. He was extremely accommodating to my schedule. He wasted no time getting me acquainted with the sailboat and the water. To be honest, I think he provided more time on the water than I was entitled to. In the end, I received a certificate, albeit a computer generated one that I doubt will hold any weight in the sailing world. But the instruction I received was invaluable, especially for the price."

"I took a sailing lesson with sailing instructor Don Shapray. The first thing I was impressed with is the one on one coaching I received. Unlike other teaching venues that teach in a group setting, Southern Sailing follows the success model that private college prep schools use to get their students ready for the top Ivy League Universities. Don is skilled in all levels of sailing instruction from making the novice sailor comfortable and at ease to advanced racing skills. Don Shapray has won numerous racing competitions and is a master teacher and great communicator!"