Instructional Services
Personalized instruction on your cruising sailboat
Helping you build the skills to safely and confidently handle your boat, whether you are day sailing or cruising on the Bay, or preparing for longer coastal passages. Training areas can include sail handling, seamanship, weather, navigation, docking, anchoring, cruise planning, managing big ship encounters, overnight sailing, and more.

Captain services when required by your insurance
Depending on your experience and the size of your boat, your insurance company may specify using a licensed captain for an initial period, while you demonstrate the skills necessary for safe operation on the water.

Delivery assistance or cruising mentor
You may want an experienced captain on board to help you take delivery of your boat, move your boat to a desired sailing location, or take a short cruise to build your confidence.

I primarily serve boat owners on the Middle and Upper Chesapeake Bay.  Service in locations more than a 90-minute drive from Annapolis and delivery assistance to or from more distant ports may involve travel expenses. Instructional deliveries can be to or from anywhere on the Chesapeake; talk to me about locations beyond the Bay.

Number of participants
In addition to the owner, up to three other participants (spouse, partner, family members, regular crew members) may be on board. Younger family members must be able to actively participate and follow instructions.

Rates
Full day of instruction:  $450

Ask about pricing for multiple-day bookings. Additional days of instruction can be helpful to reinforce knowledge, practice techniques, and experience different weather conditions.

Hourly services: $75 per hour (three hour minimum)

My service model is built around teaching boat owners who are motivated to be better and safer boaters. All services, including delivery assistance, are performed with the owner on board.

The approach to personalized instruction on your own boat is built around your experience and training goals. We’ll tailor the day to emphasize the areas you want to focus on. Depending on your goals, training topics can include those shown below, or others that you are interested in learning more about.

At the end of the day I will give you a written report of recommended equipment and maintenance items for your boat, as well as a recommendation for next steps to acheive your sailing goals.

What to Expect

Before leaving the dock

Boat systems familiarization
Pre-departure inspection
Required safety equipment
Recommended equipment
Weather, tides, currents

On the water

Maneuvering out of the slip
Your boat’s handling characteristics
under power
Sail handling and trim
Using your electronics (chart plotter,
AIS, apps, etc.)
Reefing
Applying the rules of the road
Crew-overboard recovery
Anchoring
VHF radio procedures
Thunderstorm and severe weather
monitoring and avoidance
Docking

Back at the dock

Review of the day’s experiences
What’s next in your learning plan?
My favorite navigation, weather, and
safety apps