Our Latest Sailing News

We have converted our 30’ Catalina Obsession to electric propulsion and what an awesome experience this has been. So quite, just like sailing. No sound, no smoke, no oil to check, no fuel to buy, no fuel filter to clean, no sea strainer to clean, no alternator belt to adjust or replace, just the quiet hum of the brushless electric motor pushing the boat at the same speed. This is the future of sailing! It is so efficient and environmentally safe.

This gives our students a first hand look at what’s coming and prepares them for this new alternative to fossil fuels.The diesel engine I replaced was a 25 hp universal still running good after 32 yrs in this Catalina. That says a lot for that motor. It did it’s job many times over and will continue to in its new home.

So now, I have a little joy stick for a throttle and when you push down and then forward the boat starts to move forward and it’s totally silent. There is a read out next to the joy stick that tells you how many KWs your using and what the total amount of power is remaining. I chose to go with AGM batteries due to the very high cost of Lithium at this time and the are working great so far.

Docking the boat is so much easier for some reason I’m not sure of but it seems much easier to control at lower speeds. It has reverse as well and the prop walk and prop wash are the same but more sensitive to control. I can’t wait to show you my new all Electric Sail Boat while you’re here learning to sail. This will make you a better sailor for sure due to the fact that you only have so much run time and you must use it wisely. My system is from Electric Yacht. They have a web sight. Their product is very good and there service is the best. I bugged them a lot during my install and they were there every step of the way.

Thanks Mike and Scott!

Once you experience this system you’re going to get one. No muss, no fuss, just silent power.

Let me know if you have a question.

Thanks for reading this Happy Sailing!

Captain Brad

Southern most sailing school in key west

Southernmostsailingschool.com

Captain Brad Lockwood305-407-4141

All the way from Wyoming

John did a great job taking 104 and 118 and testing out of 105 over 6 days.  He did a GREAT job and passed all with scores in the 90's!  "CONGRATULATIONS" John, come back and "Bare Boat" anytime.

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Nick Sets the Bar High!

Nick Sets the Bar High!

This young man is from California and has been sailing for a while with his Dad. He is a Corman in the US Navy and will be going to sea for 6 months soon.  This bright guy gets 10 days of leave and drives from North Carolina to take 4 classes in 7 days and passes them...

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Pushing the Envelope

Pushing the Envelope

Linda and Ed took the 101 keel boat class this week and the conditions were windy, 15 and 17 kts. This really pushes your ability to handle the boat to the max but they handled her well. Next were on to 103 coastal cruising over the next two days. CONGRATULATIONS to...

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What a crew!

What a crew!

Oana and Derek along with Greg Kelly did a fantastic job on the 103 class, all getting high scores. We snorkeled, watched wild dolphins and had a great time. These three really gelled together to form a great crew. CONGRATULATIONS to you all!      ...

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Back for 103

Back for 103

Sergio and Gitiono returned for their 103 coastal cruising class. They added an extra day so we did an over night to Boca Grande Key and took the dingy. We had a great time and the weather was perfect. Snorkeling at Catrell reef they saw string rays, sea turtles and...

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Richard & Jennifer

These two were fun and did a great job navigating around Key West. Coming down from Alberta to visit Key West and complete their 103 Coastal Cruising class and they did just that with above average scores. CONGRATULATIONS and I hope to sail with you again.  ...

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Kristin and Brian both attain Bare Boat

Kristin and Brian both attain Bare Boat

Since January we have been sailing together taking the 3 classes and finally these two completed the final exam yesterday, both getting high marks and now Bare Boat Certified. A weather issue made a return trip necessary from Pittsburg to complete their training....

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BFF’s Mike Bob and Jack

BFF’s Mike Bob and Jack

Best friends Mike, Bob and Jack took both the 101 keel boat class and the 103 Coastal Cruising Class over the last 5 days and they did really good. We had all kinds of weather from high wind to no wind and from rain to sunny skies. These 3 were college room mates....

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Greg knocks it out of the park!

Greg knocks it out of the park!

Greg, who is a local, did a super job and had a great time taking the challenge of the 101 basic Keel boat class and he Aced it!!! CONGRATULATIONS to him and he has already signed up for 103 Coastal Cruising.            ...

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A shed full of knowledge it was

A shed full of knowledge it was

Jonathan, from south of London, made a great show of seaman ship as he Aced the basic Keel boat exam. CONGRATULATIONS to him and his lovely wife, Alisha, who also had high marks. They plan to sail near south Whales and will return next year for 103 Coastal Cruising....

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