Recent Testimonials (2011-2012)
Grenadines
“There is no better format to truly master the skills to sail away on your own. The instructor’s expertise and personality made this course such a pleasure, and I’ll never forget this journey!”
Dave, Colorado
“The perfect experience for learning to sail. We have bought a boat and I was very concerned about being able to comfortably use it. The instructor made me much more confident about all the steps, terms, systems and overall capability of truly enjoying a new experience. Best week and class-HIGHLY recommend!”
Helen, Georgia
“This was huge for me, and couldn’t have been more perfect! I’ve been all over the world and seen some amazing things, this ranks in the top! I would recommend this to anyone who is up for an adventure and ready to learn.”
Tom, Colorado
“This is the only way to really learn to sail; live on the boat and actually be immersed in the lifestyle and responsibilities that are associated with the sport. I could not recommend a better sailing course to go through!”
Emmy, Virginia
“There could not have been a more caring, knowledgeable and competent instructor to learn from. I am sitting here, still amazed at everything I learned in a week while still enjoying time to see all the places we sailed.”
Chris, Arizona
“I have always wanted to learn how to sail, but never had the time to take evening or weekend classes. A liveaboard course offers a vacation and learning experience. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!”
Rob, Maryland
“This is a trip I’ve been talking about for years! Finally left the office behind and have absolutely no regrets. The instructor was very professional and easy going at the same time. His knowledge and the way he teaches makes the time fly by. I highly recommend putting down the remote control, get your arse off the couch and GO SAILING!”
Bill, Colorado
"Well... we are still telling our sailing story filled with tidbits of conch, tests, caribs, sheets, winches, tangs, floating beaches, etc ... THANK YOU for introducing us to a new chapter in our lives filled (hopefully) with seaworthy adventures! We are proud to be captains and EVER so glad to have had a great teacher."
Torrey & Nick, Colorado
"I was looking for the experience to live-aboard and learn to sail. This course exceeded my expectations. I not only got the experience of sailing; I had a GREAT time doing it. This of course, I owe to the instructor for his patience, great sailing skills and training expertise."
Woody, Maryland
“My twenty year old son and I took this course together. It was great to learn something that we can do together or with friends for the rest of our lives. Can’t wait to do it with my 16 year old next spring!”
Lyle, Colorado
“Great way to experience cruising, learn how to do it and discover if you like it, all at the same time. Recommend couples do it together, as it creates a good team going forward.”
Robin, California
“The trip was a great combination of learning and fun. Unlike inland based sailing instruction, this class spends all its time in real-world conditions. There is no substitute for actual experience in real offshore conditions.”
Fort, California
“Husband got the sail bug - not me. I went along for the ride. Didn’t think I could learn to do it well. However, Tim is such a fantastic and fun instructor, I not only learned how to sail but I had a fabulous time!”
Samantha, Florida
“I’m a workaholic that needed time away. I’ve been interested in a larger boat, so sailing became an interest. Found your course on the internet and said, “This is for me!” Thank you for the insight into a new lifestyle.”
Rick, Florida
"I always had this idea of buying a boat and sailing the South Pacific. Due to a pending divorce, I had decided the time had come. I didn't know the first thing about sailing, so I figured certification would be the place to start. I found Nautilus’ website, that advertised liveaboard sailing certification. I didn't even know something like that existed. I chose the Grenada trip, since I figured the Caribbean would be somewhat comparable to the South Pacific.
Well, I can say that it was worth every penny. Having a tactile learning experience instead of book-only testing course was worth its weight in gold. The instructor held the perfect balance of teacher and coach helping us walk through each task as you would on any coastal cruising trip. As the week progressed it felt as if the crew's skills kicked in, and we started managing the boat without too much need for help. Trimming the sails, navigation, plotting, anchoring, and daily maintenance all became second nature as the week progressed.
It was nice having real-world experience while taking the tests, it burned it into memory. Leaving a lot of time to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean water, and its great people. Walking away from my first sailing trip , I'd have to say that I have 100% faith in my ability to sail a vessel now. I soon look forward to feeling the freedom of open water. "
Damon, Colorado
Sea of Cortez
“There’s really no way to go wrong with Nautilus’ liveaboard sailing courses. You get to have a great time exploring one of the best marine areas on the planet. Take part in everyday activities from fishing to snorkeling to hiking, and of course sailing. The instruction is perfectly tailored to all skill levels and abilities. If you want to learn, at the end of the week you will know how to skipper and crew a 40 foot sailboat.”
Jeff, California
“The trip was wonderful. The marine life, the beautiful water, the fishing, the weather.... But considering my motives of gaining confidence, I would have to say that the highlight of the trip was the instructor and excellent teaching and abundant practice.”
Michael, Ohio
“The liveaboard experience provided a great experiential classroom to learn about sailing. I’ve had some previous small boat experience, and this trip solidified my sailing knowledge to the point where I feel comfortable chartering a boat. Several dinners of fresh caught fish made the experience even better.”
Matt, Massachusetts
“My husband and I did the trip for part of our honeymoon. We enjoyed learning a new skill that opens up a lifetime of travel and adventure off the beaten track!”
Nichole, Wyoming
“I think what really made this trip for me was the instructor. The Sea of Cortez was great and the boat was great. I met and made new friends and saw awesome scenery and marine life. It was a great combination of instruction and fun, but what made it a truly unforgettable experience was the instructor’s ability to teach in such a personal and real way. Awesome trip!”
Al, Colorado
“Excellent instruction on how to start a path in sailing. I had attempted sailing prior with people who were less qualified and it instilled a good amount of doubt in me. After day 2 of the course, my doubt and fear have been washed away, and now I can’t wait to help friends and family experience the joys of cruising.”
James, Washington
“I wasn't very familiar with boating and less with sailing. Learned a lot while still enjoying every minute of it. The Sea of Cortez was an excellent sailing destination.”
G.D., Missouri
“Captain Tim is very well organized. He presents the course material in a very thorough, friendly manner, engaging all participants equally. I am extremely pleased with the course and I very much enjoyed The Sea of Cortez.”
Tim, Minnesota
“Had an amazing trip with Captain Tim. Great weather, amazing fishing and learned a lot about sailing. Oh and the fish tacos were awesome too. I highly recommend the experience and the location.”
Jeffrey, California
“Sailing with Nautilus was the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. All of my stress just drained right out the first time we put up the sail and felt the wind carrying us along the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.”
Bryan, California
Blue Mesa, CO
“We had a GREAT course with Nautilus - fantastic instructor and we learned what we needed to prepare us for our BVI charter this winter!”
“I was a complete novice, first time on a sailboat. The instructor made me feel at ease, instilled confidence and left me feeling comfortable with sailing theory and experience.”
“I wasn’t sure what to expect and did not think I would walk away from one weekend feeling this confident. I can’t wait to take the next class!”
“This is the course you wish everyone could take. It makes the lake, ocean or wherever a safer, more enjoyable experience. Why punish yourself trying to learn on your own? Get a jump start with a course like this.”
“I had done a fair amount of sailing by myself, but never had any formal instruction. I learned so much, and found so many gaps in my understanding. It is a wonderful class for anyone!”
“I was afraid I couldn’t handle the technical side of sailing and the terminology that goes along with it. But, the instructor presented the material in an easy to understand, step by step manner. After 3 days I feel comfortable and ready to put into practice all I’ve learned.”
“I signed up for this class because I wanted to gain some sailing knowledge and experience. The course surpassed my loftiest expectations. The instructor provided the perfect balance of hands-on experience and theory to give us a thorough background and confidence in sailing. “Bravo Zulu” from an old Navy Vet!
“A new sailor can learn a lot! A lot of confidence was gained from this class. Thank you!”
“Nautilus Sailing really added to my sailing ability and did so in a way that was easy, friendly, and made for great learning. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to build their sailing skills.”
“In 3 days I went from not being sure I could actually sail to knowing that I could!”
“After 3 days on the water, I feel very comfortable sailing in a crew or on my own. Nautilus Sailing was professional and helpful every step of the way.”
Grenadines
“There is no better format to truly master the skills to sail away on your own. The instructor’s expertise and personality made this course such a pleasure, and I’ll never forget this journey!”
Dave, Colorado
“The perfect experience for learning to sail. We have bought a boat and I was very concerned about being able to comfortably use it. The instructor made me much more confident about all the steps, terms, systems and overall capability of truly enjoying a new experience. Best week and class-HIGHLY recommend!”
Helen, Georgia
“This was huge for me, and couldn’t have been more perfect! I’ve been all over the world and seen some amazing things, this ranks in the top! I would recommend this to anyone who is up for an adventure and ready to learn.”
Tom, Colorado
“This is the only way to really learn to sail; live on the boat and actually be immersed in the lifestyle and responsibilities that are associated with the sport. I could not recommend a better sailing course to go through!”
Emmy, Virginia
“There could not have been a more caring, knowledgeable and competent instructor to learn from. I am sitting here, still amazed at everything I learned in a week while still enjoying time to see all the places we sailed.”
Chris, Arizona
“I have always wanted to learn how to sail, but never had the time to take evening or weekend classes. A liveaboard course offers a vacation and learning experience. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!”
Rob, Maryland
“This is a trip I’ve been talking about for years! Finally left the office behind and have absolutely no regrets. The instructor was very professional and easy going at the same time. His knowledge and the way he teaches makes the time fly by. I highly recommend putting down the remote control, get your arse off the couch and GO SAILING!”
Bill, Colorado
"Well... we are still telling our sailing story filled with tidbits of conch, tests, caribs, sheets, winches, tangs, floating beaches, etc ... THANK YOU for introducing us to a new chapter in our lives filled (hopefully) with seaworthy adventures! We are proud to be captains and EVER so glad to have had a great teacher."
Torrey & Nick, Colorado
"I was looking for the experience to live-aboard and learn to sail. This course exceeded my expectations. I not only got the experience of sailing; I had a GREAT time doing it. This of course, I owe to the instructor for his patience, great sailing skills and training expertise."
Woody, Maryland
“My twenty year old son and I took this course together. It was great to learn something that we can do together or with friends for the rest of our lives. Can’t wait to do it with my 16 year old next spring!”
Lyle, Colorado
“Great way to experience cruising, learn how to do it and discover if you like it, all at the same time. Recommend couples do it together, as it creates a good team going forward.”
Robin, California
“The trip was a great combination of learning and fun. Unlike inland based sailing instruction, this class spends all its time in real-world conditions. There is no substitute for actual experience in real offshore conditions.”
Fort, California
“Husband got the sail bug - not me. I went along for the ride. Didn’t think I could learn to do it well. However, Tim is such a fantastic and fun instructor, I not only learned how to sail but I had a fabulous time!”
Samantha, Florida
“I’m a workaholic that needed time away. I’ve been interested in a larger boat, so sailing became an interest. Found your course on the internet and said, “This is for me!” Thank you for the insight into a new lifestyle.”
Rick, Florida
"I always had this idea of buying a boat and sailing the South Pacific. Due to a pending divorce, I had decided the time had come. I didn't know the first thing about sailing, so I figured certification would be the place to start. I found Nautilus’ website, that advertised liveaboard sailing certification. I didn't even know something like that existed. I chose the Grenada trip, since I figured the Caribbean would be somewhat comparable to the South Pacific.
Well, I can say that it was worth every penny. Having a tactile learning experience instead of book-only testing course was worth its weight in gold. The instructor held the perfect balance of teacher and coach helping us walk through each task as you would on any coastal cruising trip. As the week progressed it felt as if the crew's skills kicked in, and we started managing the boat without too much need for help. Trimming the sails, navigation, plotting, anchoring, and daily maintenance all became second nature as the week progressed.
It was nice having real-world experience while taking the tests, it burned it into memory. Leaving a lot of time to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean water, and its great people. Walking away from my first sailing trip , I'd have to say that I have 100% faith in my ability to sail a vessel now. I soon look forward to feeling the freedom of open water. "
Damon, Colorado
Sea of Cortez
“There’s really no way to go wrong with Nautilus’ liveaboard sailing courses. You get to have a great time exploring one of the best marine areas on the planet. Take part in everyday activities from fishing to snorkeling to hiking, and of course sailing. The instruction is perfectly tailored to all skill levels and abilities. If you want to learn, at the end of the week you will know how to skipper and crew a 40 foot sailboat.”
Jeff, California
“The trip was wonderful. The marine life, the beautiful water, the fishing, the weather.... But considering my motives of gaining confidence, I would have to say that the highlight of the trip was the instructor and excellent teaching and abundant practice.”
Michael, Ohio
“The liveaboard experience provided a great experiential classroom to learn about sailing. I’ve had some previous small boat experience, and this trip solidified my sailing knowledge to the point where I feel comfortable chartering a boat. Several dinners of fresh caught fish made the experience even better.”
Matt, Massachusetts
“My husband and I did the trip for part of our honeymoon. We enjoyed learning a new skill that opens up a lifetime of travel and adventure off the beaten track!”
Nichole, Wyoming
“I think what really made this trip for me was the instructor. The Sea of Cortez was great and the boat was great. I met and made new friends and saw awesome scenery and marine life. It was a great combination of instruction and fun, but what made it a truly unforgettable experience was the instructor’s ability to teach in such a personal and real way. Awesome trip!”
Al, Colorado
“Excellent instruction on how to start a path in sailing. I had attempted sailing prior with people who were less qualified and it instilled a good amount of doubt in me. After day 2 of the course, my doubt and fear have been washed away, and now I can’t wait to help friends and family experience the joys of cruising.”
James, Washington
“I wasn't very familiar with boating and less with sailing. Learned a lot while still enjoying every minute of it. The Sea of Cortez was an excellent sailing destination.”
G.D., Missouri
“Captain Tim is very well organized. He presents the course material in a very thorough, friendly manner, engaging all participants equally. I am extremely pleased with the course and I very much enjoyed The Sea of Cortez.”
Tim, Minnesota
“Had an amazing trip with Captain Tim. Great weather, amazing fishing and learned a lot about sailing. Oh and the fish tacos were awesome too. I highly recommend the experience and the location.”
Jeffrey, California
“Sailing with Nautilus was the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. All of my stress just drained right out the first time we put up the sail and felt the wind carrying us along the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.”
Bryan, California
Blue Mesa, CO
“We had a GREAT course with Nautilus - fantastic instructor and we learned what we needed to prepare us for our BVI charter this winter!”
“I was a complete novice, first time on a sailboat. The instructor made me feel at ease, instilled confidence and left me feeling comfortable with sailing theory and experience.”
“I wasn’t sure what to expect and did not think I would walk away from one weekend feeling this confident. I can’t wait to take the next class!”
“This is the course you wish everyone could take. It makes the lake, ocean or wherever a safer, more enjoyable experience. Why punish yourself trying to learn on your own? Get a jump start with a course like this.”
“I had done a fair amount of sailing by myself, but never had any formal instruction. I learned so much, and found so many gaps in my understanding. It is a wonderful class for anyone!”
“I was afraid I couldn’t handle the technical side of sailing and the terminology that goes along with it. But, the instructor presented the material in an easy to understand, step by step manner. After 3 days I feel comfortable and ready to put into practice all I’ve learned.”
“I signed up for this class because I wanted to gain some sailing knowledge and experience. The course surpassed my loftiest expectations. The instructor provided the perfect balance of hands-on experience and theory to give us a thorough background and confidence in sailing. “Bravo Zulu” from an old Navy Vet!
“A new sailor can learn a lot! A lot of confidence was gained from this class. Thank you!”
“Nautilus Sailing really added to my sailing ability and did so in a way that was easy, friendly, and made for great learning. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to build their sailing skills.”
“In 3 days I went from not being sure I could actually sail to knowing that I could!”
“After 3 days on the water, I feel very comfortable sailing in a crew or on my own. Nautilus Sailing was professional and helpful every step of the way.”