KEY WEST GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hands-On Sailing in Buttonwood Sound: Take the Tiller with USCG‑Licensed Captains
A focused, two‑hour, ASA‑accredited lesson that puts you at the helm—ideal for beginners who want practical rigging and steering experience under licensed instruction.
Hands-On Sailing in Buttonwood Sound: Take the Tiller with USCG‑Licensed Captains.
Embark on an introductory sailing lesson in picturesque Buttonwood Sound, where U.S. Coast Guard‑licensed captains guide small groups through the fundamentals—tacking, gybing, points of sail and steering—aboard Catalina sailboats from the grounds of the Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on instruction from USCG‑licensed captains
Instructors show the essentials—how to handle lines, take the tiller, and execute tacks and gybes—while you practice at the helm in a compact, supervised setting.
Catalina sailboats for true on‑water learning
Lessons use Catalina 22s for core training; for family groups or larger parties the operator deploys a 25‑foot Catalina, and team‑building sessions may use a 34‑foot Catalina or a catamaran.
Small groups in sheltered waters
Instruction is intentionally intimate—classes are limited to three people—so each student gets direct time on the helm in the protected waters of Buttonwood Sound at the Key Lime Sailing Club grounds.
What the day feels like
What the lesson feels like
Expect a brisk, practical lesson: a short land briefing followed by hands‑on time aboard a Catalina where you’ll learn rigging basics, feel how the boat responds across points of sail, and practice steering, tacking and gybing under the watchful eye of an ASA‑accredited, U.S. Coast Guard‑licensed captain.
THE CLASS
Hands‑on instruction from USCG‑licensed captains
Instructors show the essentials—how to handle lines, take the tiller, and execute tacks and gybes—while you practice at the helm in a compact, supervised setting.
THE FLEET
Catalina sailboats for true on‑water learning
Lessons use Catalina 22s for core training; for family groups or larger parties the operator deploys a 25‑foot Catalina, and team‑building sessions may use a 34‑foot Catalina or a catamaran.
THE SETTING
Small groups in sheltered waters
Instruction is intentionally intimate—classes are limited to three people—so each student gets direct time on the helm in the protected waters of Buttonwood Sound at the Key Lime Sailing Club grounds.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this lesson—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Towels, non‑spray sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snacks and a camera.
The school operates from the grounds of the Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages; follow the driveway to the Tiki Hut by the water (look for the large Adirondack chair and the blue mailbox with a sailboat).
The introductory training class runs two hours and is offered at $195 per person; contact the operator for group discounts and scheduling.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Intro to Sailing class and what does it cost?
The class is two hours in duration and is priced at $195 per person.
Who teaches the lessons?
Lessons are taught by U.S. Coast Guard‑licensed captains at an ASA‑accredited sailing school.
How many students are in a typical lesson?
Standard lessons are limited to three people; larger family groups are accommodated on larger boats.
What type of boats are used for instruction?
Instruction uses Catalina 22 sailboats for core lessons; for groups or families a 25‑foot Catalina is used, and team‑building sessions may use a 34‑foot Catalina or a catamaran.
How do I arrange a group discount or book a corporate session?
Contact Capt. Peter at 305‑896‑5555 to discuss group discounts and to arrange family or team‑building sessions.
Is the school part of a larger facility?
The sailing school operates on the grounds of the Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages; overnight accommodations and packages are available through KeyLimeSailingClub.com.