Gain the confidence to sail your boat safely and swiftly.
If you've ever had a "rough time" before-
we can instruct you to be a better, more skilled and confident, sailor,
for your safety and the security of your family and friends.
If you desire to be "in the race" instead of following the fleet- we can show you how.
- Small boat sailing
- Multi-hull / Catamarans (beach launched)
- Basic Keelboat
- Coastal Cruising
- Bareboat Chartering
:
On your boat (19'-44') you can LEARN TO:
- properly prepare your boat for a sail
- leave (and return) a mooring under sail power
- leave (and return) a mooring under motor power
- leave (and return) a dock or slip under power
- tack smoothly
- jibe safely
- adjust the sail controls for optimum stability and speed
- learn when and how to reduce sail quickly to respond to changing weather
- "read" weather - including important tips on avoiding thunder/ lightning storms!!
- improve your anchoring techniques
- become confident with how to deal with a "Man overboard" situation
- understand the different systems on your boat (engine /fuel, electrical, plumbing, rigging)
- understand navigation charts and navigation techniques.
Private lessons on your boat-
(19'-44' )
$75 per hour (1or 2 students) $35 per hr. for 3rd student.
{Travel charges may be added}
We love smaller sailboats too!
Experienced in sailing, rigging, trailing, launching and repairs on Catamarans, day-sailors, dinghies,
Off the beach or off the trailer- Learn how to-
- rig your boat
- raise the mast
- hoist the sails
- rig the rudder
- get the boat launched safely off the beach or trailer
- tack smoothly
- gibe under control
- position skipper and crew for stability and speed
- avoid capsize
- techniques for righting your boat after a capsize
- return to shore in all wind directions (on-shore or off-shore)
- haul your boat out
- lower mast
- proper loading on the trailer
25+ years' experience teaching people how to sail on Lake Champlain.
Rates for sailboats up to 18'
$70 per hour (1 or 2 students), $25 per hour for 3rd student.
{Travel charges may be added}
Special lessons for- spinnaker flying - even on catamarans. Race techniques too!
"I sailed in small boats as a kid, and did a lot of windsurfing as an adult. When I bought a larger boat keelboat, I took a series of lessons with John to help me make the transition. His lessons gave me the confidence and skills I needed to handle the larger boat. More recently I went back for a 3 hour session with him and benefited from a constant stream of great advice, know-how and very useful tips."
Peter - Middlebury, VT
Photo Gallery of Happy sailors!
The smile of a first successful sail!!!!
"I CAN do this!"
"Sailing with my daughter on my own boat is a dream come true"!
"Thank you for all your help with sailing this summer. I learned a lot and really appreciated that you make the extra effort that is so helpful"
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