From Jim R.

"Tradewinds is in my opinion one of the finest organizations I have ever been associated with.   When I describe the structure of the Club to my friends, (both sailors and non sailors) they feel, as I do, that it is an incredible value. My only concern in this area is that I hope you are making money.   It must be very expensive to rent the slips, perform all of the maintenance etc. If you every need to raise prices (a little!) I am sure most members would understand. 

However, more important is that after taking the classes at Tradewinds I feel like a sailor. I took the same classes at another school about 5 years ago but never learned many of the things that I have at Tradewinds.  Also, I  never got a chance to practice my skills.  When you have to pay $100-$200 every time you take a boat out, you don't want to "waste time"  by practicing docking, anchoring etc. The full membership at Tradewinds, which allows you to go out for an hour or two or all day is great.  In addition, the ability to book on-online, and then go directly to the boat and set sail  (of course after SAFE TO GO AND COOL) without checking in at the office, really makes you feel like you are sailing your own boat. 

Finally, I think any great organization starts with the person at the top.  I think Butch is a saint.  It must drive him nuts to see some of the bonehead moves that people (myself included) make, but he always keeps a positive attitude, and never gets upset.   That attitude is passed down through the whole organization and to the members. 

So, keep up the good work.  I will keep passing along the good word to everyone who will listen and I hope to convince some of my friends to join Tradewinds."