The founder and President of Ocean Masters Sailing Academy, Dan Parrott was also a principal in the operation of one of the largest and most successful sailing schools, The International School of Sailing. Started more than twenty years ago, ISS grew to more than twenty full time vessels and a staff of more than sixty personnel. ISS merged with Sailboats South and between the charter fleet and the school the business had grown to four main offices covering the East coast, Gulf coast and the Caribbean. In the 1980's the business was sold to an European business group and after a few years began to falter. ISS and Sailboats South finally closed its door a few years later. ISS pioneered the idea of teaching sailing on 35 to 48 foot fully equipped vessels. Up till that time the only sail instruction available was on smaller keel boats and daysailers.
October 1992 Dan Parrott decided that the market could once again use a school that taught on larger fully equipped cruising vessels and Ocean Masters Sailing Academy was born. In 1993 the school move to its facilities near Cooley's Landing on the New River and then in 1995 the school moved its offices into the Lauderdale Marina complex on the ICW just minutes from the open ocean.
January 1996 the day to day operation was taken over by the instructors. Ocean Masters Sailing Academy is one of the few schools being operated by the instructors. This has brought about a number of changes, smaller class sizes, more flexibility in presentation of material. Certificates now reflects the evaluation of the instructor which is a United States Coast Guard Licensed Master.
In the past year we have instituted a number of other changes in an effort to offer the best value in instruction. The cost of all courses are all inclusive, covering provisions, port fees, instructor fees, dockage, fuel and laundry. Each student or couple are assigned to their own cabin; we recognized that having a modicum of privacy and being able to get a good nights sleep is conducive to a good overall learning experience. We have negotiated corporate discounts at a couple of the better local hotels, which we pass along to our students. All vessels are equipped with snorkel gear at no extra charge to the students. We have a courtesy vehicle that picks the students up at the airport and will also provide transportation from the vessel to the hotel or the airport upon completion of the course.
It is all these items and more that makes Ocean Masters Sailing Academy stand out from all the other sailing schools. 28% of all our bookings are repeat clients; we must be doing something right. Let us show you how we care for our customers.
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