Learn to Sail
Practice Sessions
Intro to Sailing
Competent Crew
Skipper Certification
Bareboat Charter Master
Rank Assessment Lake Travis
Rank Assessment BVI Charter
Introduction to Sailing Experience
Ready to dip your toes into the world of sailing?
This “Introduction to Sailing Experience” is the perfect place to start! Spend 3 fun-filled hours on the water learning the basics of sailing in a relaxed, friendly environment. Whether you’re looking for a new adventure, a unique date idea, or just want to know what all the sailing fuss is about, this package has got you covered.
What to Expect:
- Hands-On Training: No lectures here! You’ll be at the helm and handling the boat right from the get-go. Start building a foundation learning to steer, trim the sails, and master the essential commands under the guidance of your experienced instructor. It’s all about building confidence and having fun!
- Small Group Vibes: I keep the group small (maximum 2 students), so everyone gets plenty of time to practice and receive personalized coaching. Think of it like a mini sailing squad with lots of one-on-one time.
- Safety Basics: You’ll also learn key safety practices, from tying knots to understanding the weather and what to do in an emergency. Safety is always a priority, but we keep it light and engaging.
- Online Learning Component: Your journey doesn’t end when you step off the boat. Enjoy access to NauticEd’s “Intro to Sailing” online course to reinforce what you’ve learned and dive deeper into the world of sailing.
- Fun on the Water: Besides learning the ropes, enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake Travis, soak up the sun, and maybe even spot some local wildlife.
What to Bring:
- Comfy clothes you can move around in (think layers!)
- Non-marking, soft-soled shoes
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle (we’ve got water for refills)
- Optional: auto-inflatable PFD (Personal Flotation Device), light jacket, camera, or notebook for those “aha!” moments
Provided: We’ve got you covered with water, light snacks, and all the good vibes.
Who It’s For: Perfect for anyone new to sailing, those looking to try something different, or anyone just wanting a taste of life on the water.
Why Choose This Package: It’s a low-commitment way to see if sailing is your next passion. You’ll leave with a smile, new skills, and maybe even a tan!
Competent Crew Certification Packages
Dreaming of being a valuable crew member on a sailboat but not quite sure where to start? Our “Competent Crew Course” will turn you into a reliable deckhand who knows their way around a sailboat. This is your chance to learn all the key skills needed to be an essential part of a sailing team – and have a lot of fun while doing it!
- What to Expect:
- Getting Hands-On: This course is all about the practical stuff! Learn how to hoist sails, handle lines, steer the boat, keep watch, and perform essential tasks that every good crew member should know. You’ll be right in the action, learning by doing.
- Crew Duties and Responsibilities: Find out what it really means to be part of a crew, from managing sails and tacking to working as a team and understanding the skipper’s instructions.
- Online Learning Component: Gain access to the NauticEd “Competent Crew” online course to back up your hands-on experience with theory – perfect for those rainy days!
- Friendly Coaching: With our supportive and knowledgeable instructors, you’ll build skills and confidence in a fun, low-pressure environment.
- Practical Sailing Sessions: Over 3-4 in-person sessions, you’ll put your new skills to the test on the water, learning everything from sail handling to knot tying, navigation basics, and safety protocols.
- What to Bring:
- Comfortable, weather-ready clothing (layers work great)
- Closed-toe, non-marking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- A water bottle (refills provided)
- Optional: auto-inflatable PFD (Personal Flotation Device), gloves, and personal sailing gear if you have any
- Provided: We’ll have water, tasty snacks, and all the equipment you need.
- Who It’s For: Anyone wanting to gain the skills to be a valuable crew member, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of experience who want to feel more confident on board.
- Why Choose This Program: This is your chance to learn the ropes and build confidence in a safe, supportive environment – plus, you’ll get to meet others who love adventure as much as you do!
Large Keelboat Skipper Certification Package
- Ready to level up your sailing game? The “Large Keelboat Skipper Certification Package” is for those who want to step up from smaller boats and feel confident handling a larger vessel. Whether you’re eyeing local waters or dreaming of coastal adventures, this course will give you the hands-on experience and knowledge to become a certified skipper.
- What to Expect:
- On-Water Practice: Over 4-6 sessions, you’ll practice essential skills like docking, anchoring, sail trim, and crew management. Think of it as a boot camp for sailing, but way more fun!
- Navigation and Safety Skills: Master the ins and outs of navigation, chart plotting, and safety drills. From man-overboard procedures to reading weather, you’ll learn to handle whatever the sea throws at you.
- Online Learning Component: Reinforce your on-water training with NauticEd’s “Skipper Large Keelboat” online course. Dive into the theory behind the practice to fully round out your skills.
- Personal Coaching: Enjoy tailored feedback from our instructors, helping you focus on areas that need a little extra work.
- Certification Assessment: At the end of the course, you’ll take the assessment to earn your Large Keelboat Skipper certification – opening up a world of bigger boat opportunities.
- What to Bring:
- Layered clothing for all weather
- Non-marking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle (refills available)
- Optional: auto-inflatable PFD (Personal Flotation Device), gloves, notepad, and any personal sailing gear
- Provided: We’ve got the water, snacks, and all necessary safety equipment covered.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring skippers, intermediate sailors, or anyone looking to skipper larger sailboats and sail more independently.
- Why Choose This Package: Perfect for gaining the skills, confidence, and credentials to handle larger boats and enjoy sailing on a bigger scale.
Hands-On Bareboat Charter Master Certification Package
- Picture yourself cruising the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or your favorite coastal hideaway, confidently in charge of your own chartered yacht. Our “Bareboat Charter Master Certification Package” will turn that dream into a reality, giving you all the tools and know-how to skipper a yacht anywhere in the world.
- What to Expect:
- On-Water Training: Over 4 or 8 sessions, dive deep into all aspects of bareboat chartering – from advanced sailing techniques to navigation, weather assessment, anchoring, and passage planning.
- Real-World Practice: Learn how to handle real-life situations like night sailing, docking in tight spaces, or provisioning for extended trips. Our practice charters simulate real conditions, so you’re ready for anything.
- Online Course Component: Complement your hands-on practice with NauticEd’s “Bareboat Charter Master” online course, covering everything from advanced navigation to safety procedures.
- Personalized Guidance: Receive coaching tailored to your needs, whether it’s advanced maneuvers or crew management, to help you become a confident and capable charter master.
- Certification Exam: Wrap it all up with a certification exam that earns you a globally recognized Bareboat Charter Master certificate.
- What to Bring:
- Weather-appropriate sailing attire
- Soft-soled, non-marking shoes
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
- A water bottle for refills
- Optional: auto-inflatable PFD (Personal Flotation Device), sailing gloves, chart tools, or personal gear
- Provided: We’ve got water, snacks, safety gear, and learning materials ready for you.
- Who It’s For: Ideal for intermediate to advanced sailors looking to charter independently, families planning a sailing adventure, or anyone looking to take their skills to a professional level.
- Why Choose This Package: It’s the ultimate preparation for bareboat chartering, equipping you with all the skills and confidence needed to sail anywhere in the world.
Customized Practice Sessions
Perfect for sailors who want to sharpen specific skills without pursuing a full certification course. Whether you’re looking to perfect your docking, nail your sail trim, or practice man-overboard drills, these customized sessions are tailored to your needs.
- What to Expect:
- Flexible Scheduling: Book a single, 4 or 8 hands-on sailing sessions tailored to the skills you want to improve, such as advanced maneuvers, race tactics, emergency procedures, or navigation techniques.
- Targeted Learning: Focus on the areas where you want to improve, with one-on-one guidance from experienced instructors.
- No Certification Required: These sessions are purely for practice and personal development; there are no exams or certifications.
- Who It’s For: Sailors of all levels who want to practice specific skills, refresh their knowledge, or gain confidence in certain areas without the pressure of certification.
- Why Choose This Package: Perfect your skills with targeted, flexible sessions designed around your unique learning goals.
Book a single sailing session or save with a package of sessions that you can schedule at your own pace
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.