Experience the Magic of Pensacola Bay: 8 Memorable Ways to Set Sail
You might get a little jealous when you see those sailboats dotting the horizon, streaming along the bay in almost silence. With your feet dangling over the water, the only noise you hear is the rippling waves and the ruffling of canvas sails as they fill with air — the boat surges forward. It’s the best way to appreciate our pristine bays and waterways.
With its deepwater channels and miles of protected waterways, Pensacola has been a haven for sailing since the Spanish explorers streamed into the bay over 450 years ago. And now that the America’s Cup racing team American Magic calls Pensacola Bay our home base for winter training, sailing truly is in our core.
You want to be a part of that? Well don’t worry, you don’t have to join a yacht club or even own a boat to enjoy the salty sailing life! It’s easy to find sunset sailing charters and even sailing lessons here in Pensacola. And you don’t have to be an expert to experience sailing in the Pensacola Bay area!
Condor Sailing Adventures takes a maximum of six guests for sunset sails aboard Dare II, a 40-foot world-class Condor racing trimaran. Dare II was bred for racing in open ocean — rock-solid and quick in heaving seas. The smooth sailing trimaran (three hulls) is 28-feet wide, and can reach jaw-dropping speeds of 40-plus mph when the wind is just right. Morning and afternoon dolphin cruises, sunset cruises and private charters are available.
On the Jollymon, a custom 27-foot American Mariner sailboat, you can experience a sailing adventure just like the early explorers. Your Captain will be happy to show you the ropes, and even let you steer the boat, or you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The Jollymon is certified for six passengers. Cruises range from 2 to 4 hours and may include snorkeling. Jollyman also is an affiliate for Travelin’ Light sail charters aboard the 37-foot Sapphire.
It just goes to show that sailing excursions, sunset charters and even sailboat and catamaran lessons are plentiful and part of the downtime here in Pensacola. And you don’t have to be an expert. So sail away today, only in Pensacola.
Lightweight Hobie cats are quick and nimble and a breeze to sail in the protected waters of Santa Rosa Sound. Key Sailing has anchored the Boardwalk on Pensacola Beach since 1974, renting and racing Hobie cats. They know their stuff and have late-model Hobie 16’s, Getaways and Waves.
Pensacola Sailing Academy offers sailing lessons for all types of sailing. From the beginner learning the craft to ocean sailing. Other offerings include 2-hour Sunset Sails, History and Ecology Tours, a 1½-hour sail to explore the nature ofPensacola Bay. Learn the fascinating natural history of our beautiful waterways. Get the Let’s Go Sailing, an introductory 3-hour sailing lesson. Boats include 22 and 25-foot Catalina’s and a Beneteau 393.
