The fundamentals for successful boating instruction comprise the location, the vessel and an experienced, congenial and patient instructor  - and good weather never hurts!

Based in Annapolis, Maryland, we offer all the benefits of this world-renowned cruising area; protected waters, charming waterfront towns, scenic shores, and easy access from all parts of the country through Washington National, Dulles, and Baltimore/Washington International airports.

We have 2 instruction boats available; a new Integrity 346 ES trawler, and a new Nordic Tug 32. Each is equipped with a single diesel engine with electronic single lever transmission and throttle controls, diesel generator, a separate electric or VaccuFlush head and shower, bowthruster, electric windlass with foredeck and pilothouse controls, full Raymarine instrumentation including GPS, chartplotter, auto-pilot & VHF radio, 2-zone reverse-cycle marine heating & air-conditioning and all State and Federally-mandated safety equipment. Each vessel has a forward stateroom with an island berth, extra storage including a hanging locker and a storage cabinet, a fully equipped galley/salon including a 2-burner propane stove, broiler and oven, combined refrigerator/freezer, solid surface countertops, sink, a dining table and an L-shaped settee, which easily and quickly converts into a double bed. In addition to an inside steering station the Integrity 346 ES also has a fully equipped flybridge. Their manageable size, 360° visibility, walk-around decks, large aft cockpits and overall design and equipment inventory make each vessel an exceptional instructional platform, an ideal introduction to the trawler/tug boating lifestyle, perfect for a couple or for a weekend cruise for four.

My instruction philosophy is to create for my customers a relaxed and friendly environment that allows easy acquisition of the skills, confidence and  experience necessary for safe and enjoyable piloting of their own boat, or one of the many fine vessels available for charter throughout the US and the Caribbean. My many years of instruction experience, predominantly working with couples and small groups, include certification by the nationally recognised authorities of Great Britain, South Africa and the United States.

While there are certain fundamentals that must be addressed to insure competent boat-handling, my firmly-held opinion is that adherence to a strict or rigid training program is not the most effective.  No one is born “knowing this stuff” and we each have our own individual strengths and weaknesses.  Therefore, we begin the course by reviewing your boating experience and then use the remainder of our time together to build on your strengths and focus on those areas in which skills need enhancing.  In this way, the program will be flexible enough to match each customers’ learning abilities.

Competent and confident boat-handling requires the following skills; docking, line handling, close-quarters maneuvering, anchoring, pilotage & navigation, VHF radio communications, interpretation of weather forecasts and the Rules of the Road.  I also include other necessary skills, such as trouble-shooting blocked fuel filters, monitoring the main engine and generator fluids, fan-belt checks, battery maintenance, and the operation of fresh water, head and air-conditioning systems.  We will also spend time on a frequently contentious area - good Captain/First Mate communications! Central to the learning environment is the rule that there be NO YELLING. EVER. BY ANYONE!  Learning is always easier and more effective when provided in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.  If it isn’t fun and enjoyable, then why do it?

If you are new to boating and are considering bareboat chartering, time-share or outright purchase, and you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the various options available – don’t despair! You are not alone, and this is a scenario with which I have a great deal of experience. While I cannot, and would not, tell you what to do or buy, I am sure to be able to get you to start asking the appropriate questions and undertake the necessary independent research to help you make an informed decision.

Perhaps you are among the ever-increasing number of sailboat owners now thinking about moving to a tug, trawler or semi- displacement motoryacht? If so, I can certainly ease your transition to The Dark Side with experienced guidance on the differences in  docking techniques and close-quarters maneuvering skills.

Please call or email me, as I am very confident that between us we can devise a suitable instruction program, based on your current experience, onboard our Integrity trawler or Nordic Tug, or your own boat, or by using any of the trawlers and tugs now available for charter in the US or the Caribbean. References and contact information for all of my many recent instruction customers are readily available on request.

I look forward to hearing from you, and to working with you.

Capt. Jeremy Hopkins.