Instructors Archive - American Sailing

John Spiddle

Senior Marine Specialist at Garmin International helping boaters master marine electronics, chartplotters, navigation technology, and onboard systems.

Bob Figular

Founder of Mariners Learning System helping mariners earn captain’s licenses through practical seamanship and Coast Guard-approved training.

Steve Hunt

Three-time world champion sailor and legendary coach specializing in racing strategy, sail trim, and competitive sailing performance.

Harley Hunt

USCG captain and founder of How to Boating, teaching docking, boat handling, vessel systems, and new boat owner skills.

Nick Olson

PredictWind sailing specialist and software developer helping sailors use weather routing, forecasting, and offshore planning tools.

Curtis McKeon

Marine insurance specialist helping boat owners, sailing schools, and charter operators understand yacht insurance and risk management.

Jimmy Cornell

Legendary offshore sailor, bestselling author, and founder of the ARC rally with unmatched expertise in world cruising and ocean passagemaking.

Carolyn Shearlock

Founder of The Boat Galley and longtime liveaboard cruiser sharing practical advice for provisioning, cruising, and everyday life aboard.

Dimitris Bampakos

Former Greek Navy captain, ASA Instructor Evaluator, and sailing school owner specializing in navigation, offshore sailing, and radar.

Chris Rundlett & Chrystal Young

Founders of LTD Sailing “Living The Dream!” sharing real-world offshore cruising, Caribbean sailing, and heavy weather experience.

Elbert Ashbaugh

American Sailing Director of Field Operations with decades of sailing instruction and expertise in navigation, seamanship, and sailing education.

Aaron Bandstra

Accredited marine surveyor and owner of Marine Consultants, LLC specializing in boat inspections, marine systems, and vessel maintenance.

Kim Walther

Award-winning ASA Instructor of the Year with more than 30 years of experience teaching cruising, navigation, docking, and offshore sailing.

Tibor Van Den Wildenbergh

Owner of Victoria Sailing School specializing in diesel engine maintenance, marine systems, and offshore sailing education.

Nicolas Authier

Offshore sailor, former Canadian Air Force pilot, and Paradigme 2.0 founder teaching ocean passagemaking, navigation, and bluewater cruising.

John Neal

Ocean sailing expert with over 400,000 offshore miles teaching passagemaking, bluewater cruising, and offshore sail training worldwide.

Chris Bedford

Certified Consulting Meteorologist and founder of Marine Weather University teaching marine weather forecasting, routing, and offshore weather strateg…

Jamie & Behan Gifford

Full-time circumnavigators and Sailing Totem founders sharing practical offshore cruising, family voyaging, and bluewater sailing expertise.