FAIRHOPE — SailTime Alabama stands as the sole sailboat school in Alabama that offers individuals a chance to venture into the Gulf and enjoy the essence of boat ownership without full commitment.

Situated at the Fairhope Docks, SailTime Alabama provides access to a fleet of sailboats, exclusively available to members who seek sailing experience.
"SailTime Alabama offers three experiences on the water," said Christopher Jones, owner of SailTime Alabama. "One is just a charter, to go out and understand what it is like to go sailing. The second is classes. We offer certified classes through the American Sailing Association. The third way to experience water is to become an annual member."

Jones explained that when becoming a member, individuals do not have to worry about the details such as insurance and maintenance that comes with owning a boat.

Membership benefits vary, providing members the flexibility to schedule their outings. Prior to embarking on Gulf adventures, individuals must hold certification and possess an Alabama vessel operator license.

Jones emphasized that an approved "check out ride," overseen by a captain, is mandatory to ensure safety and competence before taking a boat out.

Under the classic membership, members can enjoy seven outings per month. Lite membership holders, on the other hand, can access the boats for three outings each month. However, SailTime Alabama also offers flexibility regarding scheduling.

"You can even borrow some time from last month or pull some time in from other months," Jones said.

Additionally, Jones operates PowerTime Alabama which caters to individuals preferring powerboats over sailboats. PowerTime Alabama extends the same membership opportunities as SailTime Alabama.

For more information, email cjones@sailtime.com.