What are your qualifications and experience in teaching boat handling and docking skills to new boat owners?

I am a former British Royal Navy Warship Driving Officer, Yacht Captain and Trainer.  My credentials include:  Ocean Navigation, Specialist Navigation - Qualified, Senior Bridge Watch-keeping Officer, Blind (Radar) Pilotage - Qualified, Docking/Undocking Instructor - Britannia Royal Naval College (UK), Royal Yachting Association - International Yachtmaster - Offshore (power and sail) Captain's License.

 

I train clients how to drive their boats all over the United States with a special emphasis on docking and undocking. I have a proven record of success with my clients obtaining the RESULT of having more confidence & safety on their boat so they go out and have MORE FUN!

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Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients who have successfully completed your coaching program?

Yes, I have worked with many clients around the country including Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, Boston, Virginia and Rhode Island. Please refer to the “testimonials” tab on our home page. 

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What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Thank you for choosing our private boat training services! We are excited to help enhance your boating skills. As a small business, we strive to provide a transparent and convenient payment process. Please review our payment and cancellation policy below:

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Payment:

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your private boat training session. We will send you a secure, encrypted digital invoice via email, which can be conveniently paid using any major credit card or bank account.

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The remaining balance is due upon your arrival at the boat. Please ensure that the final payment is made before the coaching session begins. We accept all major debit/credit cards, cashiers checks, and cash. Unfortunately, personal checks are not accepted.

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Cancellation:

To reschedule your training session for any reason, we kindly request a minimum of 48 hours' notice. With proper notice, our team will make every effort to find a mutually agreed upon date and time for the rescheduled session.

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Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled session will result in the loss of your deposit. However, we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, such as unsafe weather conditions, mechanical issues and just, life!

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PLEASE NOTE:  any additional expenses for flights and hotels incurred by a reschedule for circumstances other than weather will be passed to the client. Every fair effort will be made to take advantage of refunds and promotions to minimize additional cost.

If unsafe weather conditions (forecasting 18 knots or higher) are anticipated within 48 hours of your coaching date, our team will proactively reach out to you. We will work together to reschedule the session to a future date with safer conditions, at no additional cost.

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We value your commitment to our services and appreciate your understanding of our payment and cancellation policy. By adhering to these terms, we can ensure a fair and organized process for all our clients.

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If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding our policy, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you and make your private boat training experience enjoyable and safe.

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Thank you for choosing our services, and we look forward to providing you with exceptional boat training!

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What is your coaching approach and how do you customize the lessons to meet the specific needs and goals of each student?

My coaching approach is based on years of proven experience and results in the Royal Navy and with private coaching clients. Your success is my success. Twin engine or single engine, I take you through a series of skill builders-away from your dock and marina which will progress you to the point where I will take you back to your marina dock to put it all into practice. 

 

What is the duration and frequency of the coaching sessions, and how many sessions are typically required to achieve proficiency?

The session is one full 8-hour day. You will get your RESULT in one session. Many clients get the result in 5-6 hours and may use the remaining time for practice or to cover additional subjects. If you choose the two day course, day two will cover anchoring, collision avoidance, navigation, VHF Radio, Man-overboard, line-handling, operations, resource management and safety.  

 

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What is the cost of the coaching program, and what is included in the price, such as boat rental, fuel costs, or instructional materials?

I charge a flat-rate daily fee for my coaching.  You cover your own costs of fuel, boat rental and any other external costs. The cost of the program is customized to suit each individual person’s training needs. Has anything scary happened yet while docking your boat? Are you anxious knowing that docking is waiting for you at the end of your day?  Let’s get this fixed. Please call (619) 757-4497 for a free consultation. 

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What is your cancellation policy, and how do you handle rescheduling lessons due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances?

Mechanical issues (72-hours notice required), family emergency/illness (24-hours notice required) are grounds for rescheduling to a mutually agreed upon date. Unsafe weather conditions with wind forecasts 18-knots or above, a 48-hours notice prior to the coaching date gives the right to reschedule to a mutually agreed upon date. Rain does not constitute a reason to reschedule. 

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What is your availability for coaching sessions, and how far in advance should I book lessons to ensure availability?

Coaching sessions are scheduled to accommodate your needs!  Coaching sessions should be booked about 2-weeks in advance and book up fast in the summer months. To ensure your spot please give us a call at (619) 757-4497. 

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What type of boat will be used for the coaching sessions, and is it similar to the type of boat that I own or plan to purchase?

Each coaching session will take place on your own boat. If for any reason you don’t have one, you may charter a day boat in which the lessons will take place. 

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What type of equipment or gear should I bring to the coaching sessions, such as life jackets, communication devices, or weather-appropriate clothing?

Please bring weather appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and your own lunch and snack items to last for the day. 

 

Can I bring my family member(s)/crew member(s) to the coaching sessions?

Yes, your crewmember is encouraged to participate to set you up for success.  Safe boating involves everyone on the boat although the ultimate responsibility falls on you, the skipper!

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What are some common mistakes or challenges that new boat owners face when learning to handle and dock their boats, and how do you help students overcome these?

Many of my clients need help managing multiple tasks at once during a stressful situation like docking their boat. These include- steering, adjusting speed/stopping, dealing with fear, managing crewmembers, wanting to avoid disaster. They often feel additional stress with people watching from the dock or other nearby boats. I train you gradually, yet intensively at your own pace. We practice many skill builders throughout the day until you no longer feel stress handling and docking your boat and look cool!