Learn to Sail in Paradise: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini
June 28 – July 5, 2025 July 5 – 12, 2025
Starts & Ends at Loggerhead Marina, Fort Lauderdale
Ready to build your sailing skills and cruise turquoise waters? Join us for a one-week, liveaboard sailing course that blends hands-on training with a once-in-a-lifetime voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini.
This immersive course is designed for aspiring cruisers who want real-world experience in offshore navigation, anchoring, docking, and liveaboard life—all while exploring the stunning Bahamian islands.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation
Arrive at Loggerhead Marina from 3PM. Get settled onboard, meet your crew, and go over the week’s plan. After provisioning and a group dinner onshore, we’ll turn in early to prepare for tomorrow’s Gulf Stream crossing.
Day 2 – Gulf Stream Crossing to Alice Town, Bimini
Depart Loggerhead Marina and cross to Alice Town, Bimini. Clear customs and immigration, then explore the island by foot or golf cart and soak up the laid-back island vibes.
Day 3 – Beach Day & Sailing Practice
Sail to the north end of North Bimini. After anchoring off a beautiful beach, enjoy a picnic lunch and swimming. The afternoon will focus on navigation and maneuvering practice under sail.
Day 4 – Snorkeling the Sapona Wreck + Docking Drills
Head south to snorkel around the Sapona, a sunken WWI-era freighter. Afterward, practice docking and precise navigation as we head into Bimini Sands Marina.
Day 5 – Docking & Sailing Skills
Spend the morning honing your docking and maneuvering techniques. In the afternoon, work on refining your sailing skills before anchoring off the west side of South Bimini.
Day 6 – Honeymoon Harbor & MOB Drills
Sail toward Honeymoon Harbor with man-overboard (MOB) practice along the way. Spend the afternoon feeding rays and nurse sharks in the shallow, crystal-clear waters.
Day 7 – Return Passage to Fort Lauderdale
Depart before sunrise and cross the Gulf Stream back to Fort Lauderdale, arriving by lunchtime to clear customs and immigration.
Day 8 – Departure Day
After breakfast, clean up, pack your gear, and disembark by 10AM.
Course Details
Our South Florida Catamaran Guru sailing school is one of a very small handful of sailing instruction facilities that offers the globally recognized RYA sailing courses and ICC Certification which we compared to ASA courses for you. RYA certifications are internationally recognized and are best for sailors who plan to explore international waters. And, our hands-on sailing instruction is offered aboard state of the art catamarans ensuring the boat systems and electronics you learn on are state-of-the-art and similar to what most of our new boat owners will be buying and sailing.
What You’ll Learn
- Coastal & offshore navigation
- Anchoring & docking techniques
- Sail trim, maneuvering, and MOB drills
- Liveaboard provisioning and planning
- Real-world international cruising procedures
About the Course
- Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
- Start/End Location: Loggerhead Marina, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Destination: Bimini, Bahamas
- Certification: RYA/ASA practical experience (depending on school structure)
- Group Size: Small group, hands-on instruction
Why Bimini?
Bimini is an ideal destination for earning your RYA or ASA sailing certification thanks to its perfect blend of real-world sailing conditions and tropical beauty. Just 50 miles from Fort Lauderdale, the Gulf Stream crossing offers an unforgettable offshore experience that challenges and builds confidence in navigation, passage planning, and seamanship. Once in Bimini, sailors benefit from calm, clear waters perfect for practicing anchoring, docking, and sailing techniques—plus unique opportunities like snorkeling the historic Sapona wreck and navigating between islands. With vibrant island culture, shallow reef-filled harbors, and a balance of open water and protected bays, Bimini provides a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that’s both educational and inspiring.
What to Expect
Have fun while learning in paradise! Whether you’re an aspiring cruiser, a couple planning to sail full-time, or simply looking to level up your skills in a stunning setting, this course is your launchpad to confident, competent sailing.
CATAMARAN GURU SAILING ACADEMY LOCATION
The Catamaran Guru base is in Loggerhead Marina, 1400 Marina Drive, Hollywood, FL 33109. We are about 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Arrival Arrangements: Boarding is at 3pm on your start date. The Sailing School catamaran is called “Akani” a Bali 4.2 on slip 401. If you have luggage to be stowed, you are welcome to leave it at our office while the boat is being cleaned and prepared for your school.
ONBOARD PROVISIONING
All meals provided from Sunday morning to Friday lunch. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated. Note that as part of your education, you will do the cooking. Catamaran Guru provisions the boat; you will stow it away. Adult beverages are not included. Please supply your own. No cocktails before the anchor goes down!
Reserve Your Spot Now
Spaces are limited for both weeks—don’t miss this unique opportunity to sail, train, and explore with experienced instructors and fellow adventurers.
Pricing
Single occupancy: $4,900 | Double occupancy: $6,200
