Private Sailing and Powerboat Lessons
One-on-one instruction on your boat, tailored to your goals. No group classes, no strangers — just you, your boat, and a decade of teaching experience.
Former Ferry Captain · US Sailing Cruising Instructor
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Your Boat. Your Goals.
Every lesson happens on your boat, in your slip, on the water you actually sail. No classrooms, no shared boats with strangers. You learn the systems you'll actually use.
I teach you to think through situations, not just follow a checklist. That means you'll handle the unexpected — an engine that won't start, a sudden wind shift, a tight dock under pressure — because you understand what's happening, not just what to do.
Singlehanding is part of every lesson plan. Even if you usually sail with crew, knowing you can handle the boat alone changes everything about your confidence on the water.
Skills Covered
What Students Say
"Brian is the best kind of instructor there is. He quickly observed how I learned and adapted his style for me. He is extremely patient and incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of sailing. The thing I loved the most about taking lessons with Brian is that I felt he had complete confidence in me. He allowed me to make (safe) mistakes and work through what went wrong, which is how I like to learn."
"Brian is an effective teacher, with a style that builds confidence and mastery in his students. Unlike other teachers who tell you too exactly what to do, or don't assist when a student really needs help, Brian knows just how much to guide a student to maximize learning by doing. Brian's students learn to be sailors who think for themselves and sail with confidence with a proper safety mindset."
"Brian is the most patient and skilled teacher I have met in all of my 37 years of any subject both in person and online. He is incredibly organized with his content and has a gift in quickly assessing which teaching methods are most compatible with each individual student's needs. I would highly recommend him for any student seeking sailing instruction."
What's Included
Free Consultation
We'll talk through your experience, goals, and what you want to get out of lessons.
Vessel Inspection
Before your first lesson, I'll look over your boat's safety gear and systems.
Satisfaction Guarantee
If a lesson doesn't meet your expectations, I'll make it right.
Online Resources
Access to reference materials and guides between sessions.
About Your Instructor
Over more than a decade of instructing, hundreds of students have entrusted me to develop their confidence as recreational and professional mariners in the most challenging conditions around. From fundamental sailing skills to long-distance cruising, I specialize in calm, high-quality training tailored to your specific goals.
Your training starts with a free 1-hour planning session and complimentary vessel inspection. Together we'll discuss your goals, go over your vessel, and develop a plan that works for you. You'll leave knowing how to move forward in a practical, actionable way — and you'll know exactly what your boat needs, if anything, to be a safe, functional vessel.
— Brian Cline
Former Ferry Captain · US Sailing Cruising Instructor
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Tell me about your boat and what you'd like to learn. No obligation.
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