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 boating. While there are certain fundamentals that must be addressed to ensure 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. We begin by reviewing your boating experience and then use the remainder of our time together to build on your strengths as well as focus on those areas in which skills need enhancing. In this way,the program will be flexible enough to match each customer’s learning abilities.
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?
Our personalized instruction is available year-round on board your own boat, or at the following locations:
Chesapeake BayCruise north or south out of Annapolis, MD and enjoy the protected waters of the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, widely and rightly recognized as one of the world’s finest cruising regions.
2009 Integrity 346 Euro Sedan “Wild Rose” based in Annapolis, MD. Details.
2003 Albin 36 Express Cruiser “Sojourner” based in Annapolis, MD. Details.
1990 Grand Banks 42 classic trawler “Liberator” based in Grasonville, MD. Details.
Long Island Sound
We offer a training experience involving the salt water and tidal conditions in Long Island Sound on board “Tuatara”, a 1984 Grand Banks 36 TS classic trawler based in Stamford, CT. Details.
Outer Banks
Customers who would like to incorporate a cruise along the North and South Carolina coastal sections of the ICW, or in the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds may do so on board “Water Lily”, a 2005 Mariner 38’ trunk trawler based in Oriental, NC. A “Mini-Loop”, incorporating an instructional ICW circular cruise via the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Chesapeake & Albemarle Canal is one of many options. Details.
Florida Gulf Coast
For training cruises along the delightful Gulf Coast between Tampa Bay, Ft Myers and Naples to the Florida Keys, we offer Grand Banks trawlers from 32 to 49 feet, a PDQ MV32 PowerCat, and a Nordic Tug 42 (with flybridge), all based in Sarasota.
2002 PDQ MV32 PowerCat Wizzcat. Details.
1988 Grand Banks 32 classic trawler Holly. Details.
1988 Grand Banks 36 classic trawler Outta Here. Details.
1995 Grand Banks 36 motoryacht Sandpiper. Details.
1983 Grand Banks 42 classic trawler Pyewacket. Details.
1983 Grand Banks 42 motoryacht Paper Moon. Details.
2003 Nordic Tug 42 Sea Gypsy. Details.
Perhaps you are among the ever-increasing number of sailboat owners now thinking about moving to a tug, trawler or semi-displacement motor-yacht? 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, to best meet your specific needs. Testimonials and references are readily available.
I look forward to hearing from you, and to working with you.
Capt. Jeremy Hopkins.
