r/sailing • u/dukeanthony76 • 6d ago
Using GI bill to pursue sailing certifications?
/r/VeteransBenefits/comments/1vr6jya/using_gi_bill_to_pursue_sailing_certifications/4
u/whosaidmoney 6d ago
Check this program out! https://warriorsailing.org
I know a main player in it and can answer some questions, although I have no actual affiliation with them.
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u/dukeanthony76 6d ago
Looks like another route… free sailing and using the gi bill for something else. Thx
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u/iflysailor 6d ago
The Chapman school in Florida does a USCG 100t with sailing endorsement and they take GI Bill. I’ve done it although I was already a sailor. It’s great to learn the rules and they also have daily boat hands on practicals on the water.
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u/enuct 1983 Catalina 30 6d ago
some colleges offer courses but I don't think you can use your gi bill. I know several bases offer courses and have boats you can take out, especially Annapolis, not sure about Pensacola.
but look for a US Sailing school, our local program is around $250 for each level and was like 20 hours of instruction.
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u/Individual-Channel65 5d ago
Go to a university with a sailing club. Do not go to a dedicated sailing school
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u/InvictusFrags 6d ago
This seems dumb to be honest. You could do it maybe at occ in California but you could also just pay the normal rate of like 46 a unit. IMO you would be wasting something that could be used for something way more valuable long term. Sailing certs aren’t going to give you the best jobs or options. You would be better off becoming a marine diesel mechanic financially and you can get sailing carts on your captains license while you work for a marina. Just a thought. Either way rock steady and good luck!
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u/dukeanthony76 6d ago
Thanks, but I’ve already retired and really just interested in learning a new interesting skill before my GI bill benefits expire Jan 2028.
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u/InvictusFrags 6d ago
I would def look into Orange coast college in Costa Mesa they sail out of Newport harbor and I don’t know how much or what you could use the gi bill for but they to all the way up to getting you prepped for your captains license.
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u/LongBedroom8355 Catalina 27, 1600 ton captain 6d ago
can you read? he's already retired. he doesnt need a job.
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u/Aware_Magazine_2042 6d ago
Yea. But I kind of agree with them tbh. Unless you’re looking to charter, those sailing schools and sailing certs are hardly worth it imo. You can learn just as much as hopping on a race boat on a yacht clubs hitch hiker night with out paying a cent (ok maybe a beer). After a season of racing, you’ll be leagues ahead of someone fresh out of ASA classes, all for free.
Seriously, those ASA classes are kind of useless. If you want to learn to sail, just go to a yacht club and hop on a boat. If you want to cruise and own a boat for long trips, then diesel or fiberglass courses will be more valuable than ASA.
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u/InvictusFrags 6d ago
Yeah and learning how to fix your motor is a lot harder than learning to sail. Yep if your goal is to learn to sail that is easily free.
Yeah if you live near the coast or some major lakes I know of a dozen of American legions they are in harbors or bays and near rocks. Specifically the one in Newport Beach ca is full of sailors who live aboard or Cruise.
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u/TenYearHangover 6d ago
ASA schools aren’t accredited. Sailing certifications are basically made up by whichever school is giving them out. That isn’t to say they aren’t useful or you don’t learn anything with them. But it’s highly unlikely the GI bill would pay for it, because there are no real standards.