EMPOWERING SAILORS FOR COASTAL & OFFSHORE ADVENTURES
Welcome To Our Academy
Bluewater Academy is your trusted partner in building real-world sailing skills — from weekend cruising to liveaboard life and full bluewater passagemaking. Our instructors are certified professionals and lifelong sailors, passionate about mentoring the next generation of confident skippers.
We combine immersive, hands-on training with a proven curriculum developed in partnership with U.S. Sailing and other global leaders in maritime education.
Basic Keelboat
US Sailing 101
Learn the essentials of sailing with U.S. Sailing 101 at Bluewater Academy—a hands-on introduction designed to build confidence, skills, and sea sense from day one.
Basic Cruising
US Sailing 103
Advance your skills with U.S. Sailing 103 at Bluewater Academy, where you’ll master coastal cruising techniques, boat systems, and navigation essentials.
Bareboat Cruising
US Sailing 104
Gain the confidence to charter and cruise with U.S. Sailing 104 at Bluewater Academy, focusing on bareboat cruising skills, anchoring, seamanship, and multi-day voyage planning.
More Courses
Combo Courses
Maximize your learning and time on the water with Bluewater Academy’s U.S. Sailing combo courses, combining certifications like 101, 103, 104 and 114 into an immersive, fast-track experience.
The Bluewater Academy is committed to delivering US Sailing-certified instruction rooted in the dynamic maritime environment of Southwest Florida. Our mission is to cultivate skilled, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious sailors through a structured, academic approach that emphasizes seamanship, navigation, and international sailing competence. Our programs are designed to prepare students for confident, independent voyaging beyond U.S. waters.
WHY TRAIN WITH US?
Sail Smarter. Go Further.
Our progressive training program is designed to take you from crew to confident skipper, with real-world experience every step of the way.
01
U.S. Sailing Certified & Experienced Instructors
Our instructors are certified professionals with real cruising and offshore experience, dedicated to helping you become a confident, capable sailor.
02
Liveaboard-Style Immersion
Spend nights aboard, learn to manage onboard systems, and gain the confidence to cruise independently. It's the closest experience to what cruising life is really like — because it is.
03
Small Class Sizes for Personalized Learning
With no more than 2–4 students per instructor, you’ll get hands-on practice, direct feedback, and personal coaching tailored to your learning pace and goals.
ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE
Intro to Sailing
Never sailed before? Learn the basics on calm coastal waters.
Cruising Essentials
Master docking, navigation, safety, and anchoring on a 2–3 day liveaboard course.
Bluewater Certification
Train offshore and earn credentials recognized worldwide.