Captain Josie used this awesome device...her wind wheel...to help us learn and understand the points of sail...piece of cake!!!! She is undoubtedly an asset to ASA and should be commended for her contributions and guidance! Captain Josie was great...don't know how she could be any better! Josie was awesome...fun, patient, level-headed and encouraging. If all captains are of her caliber, she should be getting awards every year!
Tamara E June 2007
We thoroughly enjoyed Josie's instruction. She is a very encouraging, supportive instructor who make learning a joy. The four days were filled with organized focused lessons that gave us an understanding of sailing to pass the tests and confidence to actually sail. Josie was great, She was a lot of fun but very encouraging, supportive, organized, focused, knowledgeable. I can't imagine how it could have been better. We enjoyed the experience, passed the tests, and learned how to sail what more could be asked?
Nora R Spring 2007
Captain Josie taught us the importance of clear communication and teamwork. On the water instruction was very thorough. Even after 10 years of sailing on my own, I learned new things. Josie is an exceptional captain with wonderful teaching skills.
Dan & Melissa February 2007
San Francisco, CA
If you have knowledge but lack a certain degree of confidence in what you are doing, if you do wish to learn in a positive feedback atmosphere without yelling or coercion, if you want to develop your skills as a couple in sailing and to really communicate so that both know what is going on then this is the school for you. You will come away with not just knowledge but a wonderful experience where both spouses are enthusiastic. The class went beyond the mere requirements of presenting material and teaching. Captain Josie used a calm demeanor and was patient. That helped to quiet any fears which we may have had. She was innovative in her use of teaching techniques. The use of flash cards for the helmsman to give spur of the moment changes in points of sail helped to simulate ever changing conditions as they actually are on the sea. It is these types of things which she did that made the instruction not just good but relevant. Her calmness, knowledge, innovativeness, insistence on no raised voices is conducive to learning and confidence building.
Dr. Sid & Kathie February 2007Grand Haven, MI
I learned more about sailing in one weekend from Captain Josie than I did in the previous five years trying to learn from friends. Captain Josie was very patient and clear in her instructions, she met and exceeded my expectations!
Earlene R December 2006
One of the best 'life' experiences I've had; I felt so accomplished and empowered! Captain Josie helped me see I had the skills and confidence to sail. It was terrific!! It was better than I expected. Captain Josie's teaching empowered me to learn skills and develop a real desire to sail. I wasn't as prepared as I wanted to be, but Captain Josie made sure I came away with the skills and confidence to sail. So much information to absorb--the guides were invaluable. Captain Josie was patient and thorough in explaining the skills and the thought processes in sailing the vessel.
Cindy P. 2006
The Cruise and Learn class was fantastic and it was an excellent way to immerse yourself in learning how to sail and along the way you learn and experience the cruising lifestyle which is indescribable and the only way is to experience it. Since taking the class in Feb. 2006 we have chartered three times with our family and felt very comfortable.
Marc & Luiza 2006
If you're looking for sailing instruction, look no further. Captain Josie is a competent, professional instructor who makes learning to sail fun. I had plenty of opportunity to perform all functions on our sailboat. I knew I needed a calm, patient instructor and I found one in Captain Josie. She makes sure you know WHAT you're doing and WHY you're doing it. She kept us working to get as much experience as time allowed...and I had a great time ! Captain Josie is professional and competent. She teaches with a relaxed style that makes learning to sail a pleasant experience. Emphasis is placed on getting as much on-the-water experience as possible. Students get as much experience as possible performing all functions.
Kathleen R 2006
Captain Josie is an excellent instructor, she was very patient with us and worked with us until we understood each aspect of sailing. I especially appreciated the fact that we had a female captain and would definitely recommend her to ladies, whether in groups or for mother/daughter teams.
Donna K 2006
I couldn't believe how much I learned in a short week. I went from terror to competence! Thanks to Captain Josie and her great teaching skills.
Celia 2006
I think that for two fifty plus people who had no experience of sailing and no real idea what we were taking on we found the best possible instructor in the best possible environment. We were left with a desire to learn more and do more, and for two jaded city dwellers this was the greatest thing about the whole adventure. We are already booked for the ASA event in Antigua and we can't wait to get back to Gulfport next year to learn more. What else can we say?
John & Jane
London, England (7 Day C&L 2006)
The best part of the class was the way Captain Josie explained why things were done the way they were, and her tricks for remembering things. These were insights I couldn't have gained from any book! As an educator myself, I recognize Captain Josie's skill in helping us learn a ton of information and techniques in a short time. There is so much material in such a short time, the study guides were really useful in focusing on the key points. I thought the on-the-water instruction was great. I learned how to do even more than I had hoped and I feel like my money was very well spent!
Prof. Marta
Gainesville, FL (5 Day Cruise & Learn 7/05)
Captain Josie teaches good habits, respectful behavior, and critical skills - and all with good cheer and steely nerves. Don't you wish everyone did?
Hal
Boston, MA (5 Day Cruise & Learn 4/05)
Captain did a thorough job of explaining and giving us the opportunity to practice, practice, practice. I believe an instructor that loves what they do is a much better teacher. Very evident that our instructor loves sailing. I did not realize the intensity of the course, which is more an issue of not being completely involved in the discussions with the school.
Mary
Loveland, CO (7 Day Cruise & Learn 4/05)
We are long-time power boaters (yes, we even own a personal watercraft), but we've been thinking sailing for a while and this was a great experience. Josie was very patient and had a great sense of humor with us as we struggled to learn the information and the skills. It was a great experience for us as a couple. And, the weather and conditions were perfect. This was a perfect way to learn, especially since our daughter lives in the area and so we can look forward to some sailing in her backyard. We look forward to doing a lot of sailing this summer on our lake in Colorado. We added a day (maybe two) in order to give us enough time to complete the 3 certifications. I think, for us, that was even rushed, and we might have benefited by splitting it up into two sessions. I found the amount of information to be absorbed surprising given the years of boating I've done, but there was a bunch to learn over or differently. Just a side note - we have a great marriage, but this was a great experience together. Perhaps one of the real benefits is that my wife could see me struggle to learn and remember new things, and saw me make a lot of mistakes as well. We came back even closer together. It was most rewarding and fun to learn the art of sailing. It was also probably the hardest work, both mentally and physically, that we've been through for a long time. The weather and winds could not have been better.
Rob
Loveland, CO (7 Day Cruise & Learn 4/05)
Captain Josie was fantastic. Easy going and accommodating, the on-the-water sailing was absolutely fantastic!
Aleks,
Royal Oak, MI (4 Day 101 & 103 3/05)
The class surpassed my expectations. In addition to needing the overall education, I had a specific issue and Captain Josie took the time to assist me with it. The on the water training was great, as the class was very small and providing study guides in advance allowed us time to work on the areas which were most important to us in addition to the basic skills.
Cindy J
Apollo Beach, FL (2 Day 101 9/04)
I made a 2 day sail with friends in Finland shortly after my first course at ACSS and found I was well prepared even for quite strong winds and had a good sense of the boat and the sailing itself. I was excited to test my new skills and even more pleased that I was able to manage the sails and helm so successfully. Captain Josie was fun and easy to interact with , I thoroughly enjoyed our two days together!
Prof Colette S
Gainesville, FL (2 Day 101 9/04)
Captain Josie has the patience of a saint, it was most rewarding, made me feel confident and in control
Kat L
Ruskin, FL (2 Day 101 4/04)
We did it!!!! At the end of this course, we gave each other "high 5's" for all of the wonderful adventures we shared in a short time. This is the course to take, whether you are new to sailing and want to learn the basics, or if you are already a "sea dog" and want to refresh or improve your skills. Highly recommend both the course and Captain Josie. Captain Josie takes the time to ensure that students know their stuff before they move on to the next subject. It is a great course that is oriented toward the experience and goals of the students.
CJ & Wes
Manassas, VA (5 Day Cruise & Learn 4/04)
35'
I wanted to thank you again for a very good learning experience--I can't imagine how hard it is to teach complete beginners!
Diane D
Portland, ME (2 Day 101 2/04)
I was certified through another ASA school in Basic Sailing, Basic Coastal Cruising, and Bareboat Charter, in the fall of 2002. I thoroughly enjoyed my course. When it came time to get my wife and son certified we chose to go with Adventure Cruising and Sailing School because my wife preferred learning from another woman. In retrospect this was a fortuitous decision because we came to learn that Josie is a very gifted instructor. This instruction was facilitated by the numerous study aids that Josie has developed which certainly make mastering the course material much easier and enjoyable, especially for a young student. The learning environment with ACSS was much more relaxed and low key than the course that I took. This is exactly what my wife was looking for and has a much better chance of success and a positive experience for the younger student. I think choosing ACSS to take your ASA certified sailing instruction is a wise choice if for no other reason than the additional study aids. With the added plus of a gifted teacher, like Josie, as an instructor the decision becomes easy.
Melissa, David & Peck
North Carolina (5 Day Cruise & Learn 3/04)
19' ComPac
After researching a lot of the available sailing schools in S.W. Florida, we chose ACSS sailing school based on the female captain and her sailing experience. We also specifically wanted a smaller boat and the live aboard experience for the duration of our training. Captain Josie Longo met and exceeded our expectations. What we missed in weather, Captain Josie made up for in her hospitality and our educational experience. We would be pleased to share our experience with anybody. Our captain was supportive, persistent, articulate, patient and thorough.
Brian & Lynn
Manitoba, Canada (5 Day Cruise & Learn 2/04)
Purchased their cruising boat and last heard were heading for the Caribbean 2007
Can't thank you enough for the time you spent with us on our 38 foot Erwin. You helped us feel confident that at our ages (late 50's) we will actually be able to sail this boat on our own and realize our dream. Although you worked us very hard we were delighted with you patience, skill and knowledge. Our boat is very comfortable and safe to sail now thanks to your input regarding proper equipment selection. We also feel more confident about navigation - you made the charts make sense. The total experience with you was fun, enlightening and rewarding. Thanks again.
Joanne and Vikki
Saskatchewan, Canada. (11/03 & 1/04)
38' Irwin
Thanks for your note concerning our satisfaction with the ASA training we experienced this week in Florida. In a nutshell; the staff, equipment, facilities, and program are top notch. [The training] provided Barbara and I with unforgettable experiences. We learned a tremendous amount in five days thanks to Captain Josie Longo’s professional attitude, friendly manner, and energy. Likewise all the tools necessary to do the job right were provided. Our love of sailing and our confidence has been raised to new heights through Josie’s ability to coach us without “grabbing the wheel."
Happy Sailing - Frank & Barb
Seneca Falls, NY (5 Day 101-104 10/03)
Bruce and I were both delighted with the instruction we received from one of your instructor’s, Captain Josie Longo in September when we spent 5 days with your Sailing School. While we were both eager learners, we had little or no experience, so Josie had her work cut out for her. Throughout the 5 days we found her instruction to be thorough, patient, and embellished with good humor, entertaining stories, and her terrific experience as a captain. My husband, Bruce, is endlessly inquisitive always wanting to know great detail about why something is done, alternate approaches, and a range of eventualities. Josie listened hard and responded with knowledge and wisdom. I lacked confidence in many facets of sailing, and Josie sensed when I needed extra practice or affirmation. She caused us to work together well as a team, and we ended the week more enthused than ever about sailing. Thanks for arranging to have Josie teach us; I’m sure she is an asset to your venture and would do well in any work she decided to pursue.
Lennie H, (previous HS Principle)
Kentucky (5 Day 101-104 9/03)
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