PODCAST | Steve & Doris Colgate: A Lifetime of Sailing and Teaching
In this special Ahoy! podcast episode, recorded live at the Annapolis Sailboat Show, we sit down with two icons of modern sailing—Steve and Doris Colgate, co-founders of Offshore Sailing School and inductees into the National Sailing Hall of Fame.
For more than six decades, the Colgates have been at the forefront of sailing education, shaping the skills, confidence, and adventurous spirit of more than 160,000 graduates. From humble beginnings with two boats and two instructors, Offshore Sailing School has grown into a world-class program with multiple locations, an unmatched faculty, and a curriculum that’s even recognized for continuing education credit by the American Council on Education.
In this warm and wide-ranging conversation, Steve and Doris share what drew them each to the water, how they built their school from the ground up, and the philosophy that’s helped thousands of new sailors take the helm with confidence. They reflect on unforgettable voyages—from the Caribbean and Pacific Northwest to the French Riviera and Cape Horn—as well as the thrill of competitive racing aboard ocean thoroughbreds like Sleuth and Nirvana.
But the Colgates’ legacy isn’t just in miles logged or students taught. They’ve given back to countless communities, supporting causes from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to programs for at-risk youth. Their story is one of passion, partnership, and a lifelong belief that the skills learned at sea—self-reliance, teamwork, adaptability—can chart a better course in life.
Whether you’re hoisting your first sail, dreaming of a charter vacation, or looking to refine your racing tactics, this episode offers timeless lessons from two sailors who have dedicated their lives to teaching others the joy of life under sail.
Listen in, and discover how the Colgates have helped generations of sailors find not just their sea legs—but their place in the world.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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