Welcome Aboard!

Located in Fairhope on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, SailTime Alabama was founded in 2020 to provide high quality sailing instruction and to offer sailing experiences along the Alabama Gulf Coast.  On most days the weather on Mobile Bay consists of steady wind and moderate waves, perfect for learning to sail.  Classes depart from the Fairhope Docks, located on the north side of Fly Creek, across the water from the Fairhope Yacht Club and Fly Creek Marina.  There is much to experience in Mobile Bay, whether sailing past the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, circling Middle Bay light, exploring Dauphin Island, or venturing into Dog River just south of Mobile.

The first ASA school in Alabama, SailTime Alabama is excited to teach you not only the fundamentals but also the finer points of sailing.  Regardless of experience, there is always more to learn!  While there is some discussion at the dock, most of the class is spent on the water with a line in your hand and wind in your face.

How do you prefer to learn?  Knot On Line!  Introductory sailing and ASA 101 are taught on Knot On Line, a Colgate 26, which was designed by Steve Colgate with a large cockpit to provide plenty of space for students and an instructor. Because of its design and functionality, it was selected by the US Naval Academy for sailing instruction

What’s better than social distancing?  Coastal Distancing!  More advanced classes, some of which involve spending the night at anchor, are mostly taught on Coastal Distancing, a 2021 Beneteau Oceanis 30.1.  Other boats – including your own boat – may be used depending on the number of students, course objectives and preferred destinations.  Some advanced classes involve offshore passage toward Pensacola and Destin or toward the Mississippi Gulf Coast and New Orleans.

Our instructors have a wide range of sailing and boating experience in the Gulf of Mexico and inland waterways as well as in the Pacific and Atlantic.  They are excited to tell tall tales from the high seas and share their love of sailing. Having years of experience, they will help you reach your goals – whether to race in a local regatta or to cruise in the British Virgin Islands!

We offer both private and group lessons. Regardless, a strong sense of community develops between students in their brief time together on the water.  Even if you depart the dock with strangers, you will return with friends. Don’t miss the boat!