Sarasota Sailing Squadron

Learning to sail with Julie Forbes, she is an amazing teacher. Just being at Sarasota Sailing Squadron I felt at peace and even though I was learning something completely new it was so peaceful just being on the water! So excited for more lessons and meeting more members!

Donated a great Prindle 19 Cat to them seven years ago, under a handshake agreement that they would make me an honorary member for life and occasionally let me rent a boat for a few hours if ever I wanted to.
It's been seven years and twenty hand surgeries, but I finally wanted to go out and they reneged on the deal altogether. They sold the Prindle (that's fine), kept the money, I never once asked to borrow a boat, and now, seven years later, they are telling me to "buy a membership. "
IMO rather disgustingly ingrateful. Very classless indeed.

Sadly my membership was taken away from COVID-19. NO REFUNDS or CREDIT for over $500.00 paid I got absolutely nothing. Notified SSS of my intent to NOT renew. So I was suspended for not paying. More salt in the wound. Not my kind of people.

Nice place to park up skip some rocks or even walk the grounds plenty of seating and a park nearby. Cute little area

Lovely informal but substantial pavilion to eat under if it rains. Pretty views especially at night of the lights- Ringling bridge, huge homes and condos on Longboat key, and yachts out on the water. Has a sizeable sandbar just a ways out from shore where it's fun to play and fish. And the ever fresh and delicious Old Salty Dog cafe a block up the quiet road. 2 very nice playgrounds for kids. Open field space to play also.

Learn to sail, have a picnic on the bay, visit Mote Marine. It’s all right there. Excellent facilities for the public. Kayaking and windsurfing. And don’t miss the nature trail back in the mangroves.

I pulled up in a power boat to learn more about the Sailing Squadron and pick up some information. While I no longer own a sailboat, I still take out an O'Day day-sailer on occasion from a marina in Cortez. If one doesn't own a sailboat, the Sailing Squadron has small sailboats that can be taken out on Sarasota Bay for a small fee but the Captain needs to be prequalified with sailing skills.

In my personal opinion, I think the membership fee is a little high especially since there is a difference between pricing if you live in Sarasota City or County. I understand why but it seems a bit unfair to be penalized just for your zip code. I also question the new membership versus renewal fee. I guess it's no different than a golf course or gym membership fee to collect more initially up front. It's a significant difference if you're on a fixed income. Last but not least, I question the value of the membership fee since there are more fees for every service imaginable. I actually think a higher membership fee would be better with all services included rather than paying for everything a la carte.

On a more positive note, the facility is in a great location, with very nice outdoor group activity areas, boat dockage, and fantastic access to Sarasota Bay.

Truly the poor mans yacht club. Real down to earth authentic sailors with a pure joie de vivre for sailing. Youth programs and ladies only sailing program. Folk music on Fridays in season. Great group of people!