Took our Learn to Sail course in 1978/79
Couldn't be happier every time I'm on the water . . .
Emails from a graduate who learned with Offshore 32 years ago!
Hi, Steve & Doris Colgate:
In 1978/79 I took your "new to sailing" course in City Island, NY on the Solings you used to have at that time. Two years later, I felt good enough that I bought my first sailboat, a 25 ft. Cape Dory sloop, which I sailed often in Long Island Sound. In 1983 I moved to Flor
ida, and brought the boat down with me. In 1997 I sold it and got a Cape Dory 33 which I still have and sail all over Biscayne Bay, the Keys, etc.
I never forgot the wonderful two summers when I took your courses in City Island. I mostly singlehand my Cape Dory and couldn't be happier every time I'm on the water.
Thanks to you I still enjoy the beauty of nature at its best.
Zeida Cecilia-Mendez
S/V Bandolera II
Key Biscayne, FL
The best sail training I could possibly want . . .
When Doris Colgate sent her a thank you and asked if we could use her photos and quote from her email, here's what she wrote. . .
I was THRIL
LED to see your personal reply to my email. I will never forget you as you came into our classroom in City Island all those years ago and identified yourself. It was the first time I ever saw a real woman sailor and not just beginners or wanna-bees... you were my inspiration.
Of course you can use the photo of my sailboat wherever and whenever you want. "Bandolera II" is my pride and joy. I learned to sail with you guys and ever since then I knew I had the best sail training I could possibly want.
I have rented sailboats in the Grenadines and wherever I say I learned to sail and had my certificate from OFFSHORE SAILING SCHOOL, those rental places are fine with me.
That I am able to enjoy the extraordinary wonderful pleasure of sailing my own boat through all these years is because of you.
God bless you.
Zeida Cecilia-Mendez
Editor's note: Zeida is shown above in the header single-handing her Cape Dory 33. In the copy you'll find her on her first Cape Dory and out sailing today with her favorite "mate."