There are several things to keep in mind when you are choosing a sailing school.
• As stated above, you should make sure that the school is certified by a well-known, reputable organization, such as the ASA or US Sailing. Charter companies worldwide recognize certifications from these organizations.
• You should also consider the type of boat that will be used in the course. The boat will essentially be your classroom, so you want to make sure you will have access to the best possible equipment.
• Check the schedule of the class. Find out how many hours a day the class is held and how much of that time is spent on the water. You want to be sure you get an adequate amount of time on the water so that you will become proficient.
• Make sure the area that the course is being conducted in is free from commercial traffic. Uncrowded waters make for a much more pleasurable learning experience.
• Check the student to instructor ratio. Ideally there should be no more than four students per vessel.
• Make sure you know what is included in the price of your sailing school package. You may need to purchase additional materials such as course materials or a logbook.
• It is convenient if you can also rent boats from the school with which you obtain your certification.