Learn to Sail in Clearwater

Your First Step to Freedom on the Water

Anyone Can Learn to Sail

You can learn to sail with the right guidance. You just need an open mind, a spirit of adventure—and be willing to get wet! At SailFit, we specialize in small-boat sailing, the purest and most effective way to learn.

Why Small Boats?

Small boats are lightweight and responsive, making every change in wind and water an immediate lesson. This sensitivity accelerates your learning curve, teaching you steering, sail trim, and balance in real time. Once you learn in a small boat, the skills transfer to any other boat—even large keelboats.

At SailFit, we use a variety of boats—Hobie Wave, Vanguard 15, Laser-ILCA, and Sunfish—so you can quickly gain confidence and skill.

Experience hands-on learning in responsive boats that accelerate your skill development.

Lindsey practicing the basics on a tight reach in a Laser

Core Skills You'll Master

Fletcher putting it all together – close hulled in a Sunfish

- Safety & Confidence on the Water
- Rigging and Sail Controls
- Launching and Landing
- Steering and Sheeting
- Tacking & Jibing
- Balance, Style & Feel
- Capsize Recovery & Righting
- Understanding Points of Sail

Gain practical expertise in the essential sailing elements.

Sail in Paradise

Learning to sail isn’t just about skills—it’s about the experience. Clearwater Beach, Florida, offers one of the most beautiful and safe places in the world to learn sailing. The water is warm, the conditions are ideal, and dolphins are almost always out exploring alongside us. Come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure… and be ready to get wet!

Safe, scenic, and inspiring—Clearwater Bay is the ideal place to start your sailing journey.

Workshop sailors heading downwind on a run in Clearwater Bay

The SailFit Experience

Coach Kurt Taulbee – 3x U.S. Sailing Team athlete & Level 3 Coach

At SailFit, learning to sail is more than mastering techniques — it’s about gaining confidence, safety, and joy on the water. Our approach makes sailing accessible to anyone, whether it’s your very first time in a boat or you’re looking to refine your skills.

Meet Your Coach

Coach Kurt Taulbee brings over 20 years of teaching and racing experience to every lesson. A 3x U.S. Sailing Team athlete and Level 3 Certified Sailing Instructor, Kurt combines proven coaching techniques with a patient, hands-on style. His passion is helping sailors progress quickly while enjoying every step of the journey.

Every SailFit lesson is built around you. From individual instruction to group workshops, the focus is always on personal growth and fun. Students leave the water with sharper skills, renewed confidence, and unforgettable memories.

With Clearwater Beach as your classroom — warm waters, steady breezes, and dolphins often swimming by — there’s no better place to begin your sailing journey.

What Sailors Are Saying

Truly a Privilege

Having our son coached by Kurt was truly a privilege. His expertise, patience, and ability to create a supportive learning environment made a tremendous impact. In just a few days, we saw real growth, not only in sailing technique but also in confidence and mindset. Kurt’s approach goes beyond skill building. He encourages a focus on progress rather than perfection, instilling a love for learning and improvement. We are incredibly grateful for his guidance and highly recommend SailFit for anyone looking to take their sailing to the next level. We can’t recommend him enough!

Andi

Better Experience

In short, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! I am a beginner laser sailor and Kurt was knowledgeable, empathetic and able to clearly elucidate the things I had to do to improve. We did some theoretical study before going out and he outlined the day’s agenda. He helped to rig the boat and explained important aspects of rigging. He videoed us on the water and we reviewed the results. I am looking forward to going back soon for additional instruction, as Kurt is suited to bring me along to be the best sailor I can be! Thanks Kurt!

Robert Vogel

A Great Teacher

Kurt is a great teacher. With so much knowledge to impart and experience to back him up, he also has a knack for keeping it fun. You can tell he loves what he does and he is doing it for the right reasons. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Sandra Gola

Amazing Coach

Kurt is an amazing coach/instructor. Encouraging and positive. I’m new to the sunfish and he’s given me great confidence.

Andie McCullars

Absolutely Brilliant

Kurt was absolutely brilliant! Was on my ‘list’ for some time – and exceeded all expectations! Sailing in Clearwater is definitely now ranking amongst some of the best experiences anywhere!

Dariusz Sadowski

Are you ready to learn to sail?

Your Path to Sailing Freedom: Let SailFit guide you on an unforgettable adventure into the world of sailing. Start with private lessons for the fastest learning curve. As your confidence grows, join group sessions or a SailFit workshop. No matter your level, you’ll leave with the skills, confidence, and joy to sail on your own.

Custom lesson dates are always available to fit your schedule.

Contact Coach Kurt

View Coaching Calendar