Two exciting programs are on the horizon for adventurous women. At Offshore Sailing School, May 1-7, 2005 at Fort Myers Beach and August 14-20, 2005 in the Florida Keys are set aside for women only. On their quest for more challenging experiences, active women have created a significant tide of adventure travel. And sailing is a perfect antidote.

In its 15th year of You Can Sail Escapes for Women, Offshore Sailing School has added new programs and venues for women. 3Women1s Escapes are about empowerment, skill and fun,2 explains Doris Colgate, CEO of Offshore Sailing School and founder of the National Women1s Sailing Association. 3These extraordinary programs allow women to try something different, gain more confidence, and achieve that special sense of accomplishment in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.2

Studies have shown that women tend to learn best in a group, especially an all women1s group where they are not the minority as is often the case in a co-ed learning environment. In an all women environment, women are not intimidated and are comfortable asking questions and participating in discussions. Women tend to support each other and by doing so gain confidence and skill. They learn best in a group where they can share and openly have discussions, while developing friends within the group. For women, sharing and discussing a problem is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with others.

Experienced women sailors can move up a few notches, too. They often seek better sailing skills to become more knowledgeable with their sailing husbands or partners. 3As a woman, you really have to be able to prove yourself worthy to get a spot on a racing boat,2 said A.J. Curran of Palatine, IL. 3In the Performance Sailing course, I added another dimension to my passion for sailing by getting more invitations for big boat racing,2 she said, after completing a recent Women1s Escape Week.

Participants learn at a sun-drenched tropical resort surrounded by warm turquoise water. Certified women instructors coach an intense, fun-filled week. Special seminars, happy hours, and a gala graduation party adds to the fun. Free time in the evenings provides for other pleasurable activities, such as a game of tennis or visit to the spa.

All Escapes include tuition, textbooks, accommodations, special workshops in the evenings, a graduation practice sail without the instructor aboard, and US SAILING certification. US SAILING is the most respected and valued certification available today with standards far above any other certification system in the United States.

For 41 years, more than 100,000 men and women have graduated from Offshore Sailing School and have gone on to enjoy a lifetime of sailing. Ranked #1 by Practical Sailor in both instructors and curriculum, it is the only sailing school recognized by the American Council on Education for credit at the college level.

For information, contact Offshore Sailing School at 800-221-4326 or visitwww.offshore-sailing.com.