Sailing policies: Unlike our competitors, we will not sail in the rain or heavy winds.  The only thing you will learn in these conditions is how much you hate sailing!  We will not push you into classes you are not ready for. It is our belief that more sailing will make you into a better sailor, not more classes! We limit our basic sailing courses to a maximum of four students per boat to ensure that each student receives ample time behind the wheel or tiller.

 Location:  The area we sail in is superior to any in the Tri State area, and even the Chesapeake.  Sailors such as Gary Jobson (the author of ASA’s text for Basic Keel Boat and Basic Coastal Cruising, Sailing Fundamentals) learned to sail on the Toms River.

 Access to sailboats: Sailing is a practiced endeavor and you need to be able to go sailing after your course.  We will give you access to one of the largest, most impressive and diverse fleet of sailboats on the East coast.  Our competitors say they have practice boats, but are reluctant to tell you they have as few as one maybe two, or even worse, all the same type of boats. Our training boat for the Learn to Sail course, the 23’ Pearson Ensign, is in the Sailing Hall of Fame and is noted for its large & comfortable cockpit, deep keel for stability and racing performance characteristics.  Upon completion of the Learn to Sail course, our large rental fleet of Ensigns, currently at nine and growing, makes availability not an issue.  Also, there is a local racing class of Ensigns if you decide to venture into the exciting world of sailboat racing as some of our previous customers did -- who now are ranked among the top in the nation.

 Facilities:  We are second to none.  Stop by a few sailing schools and see the difference for yourself.  Our competitors sail out of marinas with nervous boat owners watching you. We sail off our private 250’ dock set up for easy access.  Take your exam in our air-conditioned classroom, not sitting in the sun on a boat or outside table after a long day on the water.  We also have showers, picnic facilities, and a private beach with a million dollar view.

 Support after the class:  We specialize in helping novice sailors get the experience they want.  Our dock master is always there to help you in and out of the dock or mooring.  We have four towboats to assist you in moments of need.  VHF radios go out with every boat, so you are able to call in to the sailing center.  We have at least three instructors on the premises every day to answer questions, or go out on hourly lessons. 

 Long-term relationship:  We have a long-term interest in your sailing success that is different than any other sailing school.  Most schools would like to keep you trapped in their limited program.  When we are successful in turning you into a sailor, your options to continue with us are limitless.  You may rent boats for a day, a week, or a season. You might buy a boat and keep it in our marina.

 Awards:  Nelson Sailing Center has been voted the American Sailing Association "Outstanding School of the Year" for 2007.  This honor is given for being ranked in the top 20 out of over 300 active ASA schools.  This ranking is determined from evaluations returned to the ASA by the over 350 students that complete ASA certification with us each year.  We also won the award for 2006 and 2005.  Prior to conception of this award in 2005, NSC was voted "ASA School of the Year" for 2004. 

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