About Pelican Bay Sailing School
Our story, values, and commitment to the Southwest Florida community
Our Story
Pelican Bay Sailing School Inc. was founded in 2023 by a group of passionate sailors and educators who recognized a significant gap in accessible maritime education in Southwest Florida. While the Gulf Coast offers some of the finest sailing waters in the United States, many local families lacked access to formal sailing instruction due to cost, lack of awareness, or physical barriers.
What began as a small summer camp with two borrowed boats and a handful of dedicated volunteers has grown into a comprehensive sailing education organization serving hundreds of students annually across Collier and Lee Counties.
Our headquarters at 4971 Bonita Bay Blvd in Bonita Springs provides easy access to the calm, protected waters of the Imperial River and the open Gulf of Mexico, offering ideal conditions for sailors of all skill levels.
As a registered 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 92-3488213), every resource we have is reinvested into our programs, equipment, and community initiatives. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operated by a small but dedicated staff of US Sailing certified instructors.
Our Timeline
Key milestones in our journey to bring sailing to everyone.
Organization Founded
Pelican Bay Sailing School Inc. is incorporated in the State of Florida (Entity ID: N23000003302) by founding board members committed to accessible maritime education.
IRS 501(c)(3) Determination
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Pelican Bay Sailing School Inc. as a 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN assigned: 92-3488213.
First Youth Summer Camp
Launch of our inaugural Youth Sailing Academy summer camp with 24 students, 4 volunteer instructors, and 2 donated Optimist dinghies.
Adaptive Sailing Program Launch
Partnership with the VA Healthcare System and local disability advocates to launch accessible sailing for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Fleet Expansion
Acquisition of 6 additional boats through community grants and private support, including 420s, Sunfish, and an adaptive-accessible Martin 16.
Community Partnership Growth
Formal partnerships established with Collier County Public Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Florida, and the Bonita Springs Recreation Center.
Racing Team Formation
Launch of the Pelican Bay Racing Team, competing in local regattas and providing advanced training for competitive youth sailors.
Our Core Values
These principles guide every decision we make and every program we offer.
🌎 Accessibility
We believe the water belongs to everyone. No student is ever turned away due to financial hardship. Our community fund supports qualifying families.
🛡 Safety
Every instructor holds current US Sailing certification and CPR/First Aid credentials. We maintain a rigorous safety culture with a perfect incident-free record since founding.
🌱 Stewardship
Our curriculum includes marine ecology, clean water practices, and coastal conservation. We teach sailors to be protectors of the environment they enjoy.
🤝 Community
Sailing is a team sport and a community builder. We foster mentorship, volunteerism, and cross-generational learning that strengthens the social fabric of our region.
🏆 Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of instruction, governance, and transparency. Our students deserve nothing less than the best sailing education available.
⚡ Innovation
We continuously seek new ways to make sailing more accessible, engaging, and relevant. From adaptive equipment to STEM-integrated curricula, we embrace creative solutions.
Legal & Governance Information
Transparency is essential to our mission and required for public trust.
⚖ Corporate & Tax Information
- Legal Name:
- Pelican Bay Sailing School Inc.
- Federal EIN:
- 92-3488213
- IRS Status:
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- State of Incorporation:
- Florida
- Florida Entity ID:
- N23000003302
- Year Founded:
- 2023
- Physical Address:
- 4971 Bonita Bay Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, United States
- Principal Email:
- admin@pelicanbaysailingschoolinc.sbs
- Website:
- pelicanbaysailingschoolinc.sbs