Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

[Skegemog]

Hi all, will be down in this area Thursday through Sunday visiting my wife's friends who mostly play golf and shop. Neither of these activities do a lot for me but I would love to go for a sail while there. Does anyone know somewhere I could rent a proper sailboat for half a day? Something like an ODay daysailor would be perfect but realize that is unlikely; a beach catamaran, sunfish or even a windsurfer would work. Looking online all I see are pontoon boats or bowriders or jetskis. Also, good places to sail? thanks for any and all suggestions

[johngsandusky]

Re: Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

I don't know. I have had some success in other locations walking the beach, asking kayak rentals, finding opportunities with skippers that give lessons.
Good luck, I've suffered the pain of looking over warm water without a chance to sail.

[timo4352]

Re: Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

Sanibel or Captiva islands may have some options... Tween Waters Inn may be best to get a little sailboat.
The hurricane may have squashed that idea though.

[Garret]

Re: Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

Sanibel or Captiva islands may have some options... Tween Waters Inn may be best to get a little sailboat.
The hurricane may have squashed that idea though.

They've done a lot of work out there - the lighthouse is back in operation on Sanibel & I believe the sailing school (Colgate IIRC) on Captiva is back in operation.

[Skegemog]

Re: Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

Thanks for these ideas, Maybe someone at Colgate will have a lead. Looks like they have a bustling sail training operation, I'll give them a call.

Web searches are disheartening, not expecting the livery dock at Mystic but this place looks like a desert to any sailor, not to mention a traditional wooden boat enthusiast.

[Garret]

Re: Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

Thanks for these ideas, Maybe someone at Colgate will have a lead. Looks like they have a bustling sail training operation, I'll give them a call.

Web searches are disheartening, not expecting the livery dock at Mystic but this place looks like a desert to any sailor, not to mention a traditional wooden boat enthusiast.

Yeah - forget wood. Powerboats rule in the area & there is a lot of skinny water. Hope Colgate can help you out!

[AJBTC]

Re: Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

When I was at Ft Myers Beach 2 years ago (pre Hurricane) there were several rental Hobie Cats on the beach. Other than that I had previously looked for a small boat rental and found nothing.

[Skegemog]

Re: Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

Just spent another 30 mins googling, nothing, not even Hobies (which I did manage to find last trip down there about 12 years ago) Year round sun and sea and not a sail to be hired. And I though the Jersey shore was bad....never thought I would be part of such an anachronism

[Breakaway]

Re: Sailing Opportunities in South Florida? Bonita Springs area

Check luxury hotels. They may have rental sailboats.

As an aside, red tide is thick there right now. Maybe not the greatest time for watery fun anyway.

Kevin