Learn to Sail in Austin, on Lake Travis
Introduction to Sailing - $299
Ready to dip your toes in the water? This 3-hour experience is the perfect, no-pressure way to try sailing and learn the absolute basics in a fun, relaxed environment.
All you need to bring is your curiosity and a pair of soft-soled shoes! I’ve got everything else covered to make sure you have a comfortable and safe experience. We’ll have plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen on board, and I provide a comfortable, lightweight auto-inflate PFD for you to wear. Your only job is to relax and have a great time.
Competent Crew Program (Self-Paced) $1,250
Want to be a confident and reliable member of any sailing crew?
This program is designed for genuine, self-paced learning—not a “zero-to-hero” cram course. True skill is built with practice and time, allowing concepts to sink in and build lasting confidence.
The package includes three discounted, 6-hour practice sessions that you can schedule anytime over the next year. Upon purchase, you’ll get access to my online calendar to easily book dates at your convenience.
To help you focus completely on your skills, I provide all the essentials you’ll need on the water:
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A full lunch, plus snacks and water
- Sunscreen for that Texas sun
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A comfortable, auto-inflate PFD for your safety
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To get the most out of our time together, this level of instruction pairs perfectly with the NauticEd Qualified Crew Online Theory course, allowing you to combine in-depth knowledge with practical, on-the-water experience.
Hands-On Instructional Practice Sessions
I believe true sailing competence isn’t just learned—it’s forged through hands-on experience. With your hands on the lines and the tiller, you build the muscle memory and confidence that books alone can’t provide. These private, on-the-water sessions are built entirely around that principle, offering personalized coaching tailored to your specific goals.
This is the perfect option for sailors who want dedicated instruction without the goal of achieving a formal certification. It’s also a great way to add extra practice days to any of our other programs, allowing you to sharpen a specific technique—from docking to sail trim—or simply get more time at the helm with expert guidance.
Flexible Booking Options: You can book sessions individually by the day, or purchase a discounted package of sessions to schedule as needed. This allows you to learn on your own terms and at your own pace. All sessions include the use of the boat and necessary safety equipment.
Skipper & Charter Certification Programs
Ready to take the helm and lead the adventure? These programs are for sailors who want to become certified skippers, capable of handling larger boats and chartering anywhere in the world.
As we dive into these hands-on sessions, I want you to be able to focus completely on your new skills.
Bareboat Charter Master Certification Program $3,075 (Self-Paced)
Have you dreamed of captaining your own yacht in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or beyond?
Earning a Bareboat Charter certification requires true mastery, and this program is designed to build it step-by-step. I’ve replaced the rigid “cram course” model with a flexible system that pairs self-paced online learning with on-demand practical instruction, allowing you to build skills on your own schedule.
How the Self-Paced Program Works: As you progress through the required NauticEd online theory, you have four days of private, advanced on-water instruction to schedule whenever you need them.
You can space your instructional days out to match your studies or complete them back-to-back. This program is built around you.
The Final Assessment: After completing the online theory and your instructional sessions, you will schedule the two-day official on-water assessment to demonstrate your competence and earn the prestigious Bareboat Charter Master rank.
What This Program Includes:
- Four (4) flexible, private days of advanced on-water instruction.
- Two (2) day official on-water assessment.
- All essentials for every session: lunch, snacks, water, sunscreen, and an auto-inflate PFD.
Required for Certification: The NauticEd online Bareboat Charter Master theory course is purchased separately and is required to complete your certification.
Skipper Certification Program $2,150 (Self-Paced)
Are you ready to lead the crew?
This program redefines how you learn to sail by blending self-paced online theory with flexible, on-the-water practice. Forget rigid schedules or “cram-it-all-in” weekends. Here, you learn at your own pace, booking private instructional time when you need it to turn online knowledge into practical, hands-on skill.
How the Self-Paced Program Works: As you work through the required NauticEd online theory course, you have three days of private, on-water instruction to use whenever you like.
Use your instructional days one-by-one as you study, or group them together for a more intensive experience right before your final assessment. The program adapts to your personal learning style.
The Final Assessment: Once you’ve completed the online coursework and used your instructional days, the final step is the one-day practical assessment to earn your official NauticEd Skipper Certification.
What This Program Includes:
- Three (3) flexible, private days of on-water instruction.
- One (1) day official on-water assessment.
- All essentials for every session: lunch, snacks, water, sunscreen, and an auto-inflate PFD.
Required for Certification: The NauticEd Online Skipper theory course is purchased separately and is required to complete your certification.
Confidentiality and Trust
I get that stepping onto a sailboat for the first time can feel a little daunting. That’s why I put confidentiality and trust front and center. What’s shared on board stays on board — I’m all about creating a safe space where everyone feels comfortable to ask questions, make mistakes, and celebrate those “aha!” moments. This is your place to learn and grow, knowing you’re surrounded by a crew that’s got your back, no judgment here, just support and enjoying the wind in our sails.
Collaborative Relationship
When it comes to learning to sail, I know this is a personal journey. That’s why my approach offers one-on-one instruction opportunities, where I can tailor each lesson to your unique goals and pace. Think of it as a true partnership — you and me, side-by-side on deck, working through challenges and celebrating victories together. Whether you’re mastering the basics or fine-tuning advanced skills, we’ll dive into what you want to focus on, ensuring every moment on the water feels valuable and fun. It’s more than just a lesson; it’s a conversation, a collaboration, and a shared adventure.
Emotional Exploration and Support
Learning to sail is as much about heart as it is about hands-on skills. Together, we embrace every emotion that comes with it — the thrill of catching the perfect gust, the frustration of tangled lines, and everything in between. Our sailing instruction time together is a judgment-free zone where you can feel whatever you need to feel. I’m here to support your whole journey, both on the water and within yourself, turning challenges into confidence boosters and shared laughs into lifelong memories.