Sailing & Boating Education
Embark on an exciting voyage of discovery with Captain Ruddy’s comprehensive range of personalized sailing education.
From private instruction tailored to your skill level to advanced techniques and maneuvers, Ruddy offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise to elevate your sailing experience. Explore specialized courses in docking, anchoring, emergency responses, and passage planning, ensuring you're prepared for every aspect of your maritime journey. Whether you're a novice sailor or an experienced captain seeking to refine your skills, Ruddy's hands-on approach and dedication guarantee an unforgettable learning experience. Take the helm and unlock the endless possibilities that await you on the open seas.
Private Instruction
Advanced Sailing Instruction
Dive deep into advanced techniques and strategies that enhance your abilities on the water.
Single handed sailing
Take command of your vessel with confidence, mastering all aspects of seamanship without relying on external assistance. Learn essential skills to safely control your boat solo, ensuring independence and security on the water.
Docking
Master the art of docking your vessel with ease and confidence. Dive deep into understanding the forces at play in close quarters, with ample hands-on practice to navigate any situation effortlessly.
Advanced Anchoring Methods
Explore the peace of mind that comes with mastering double anchoring techniques. Learn to safely anchor in adverse conditions, ensuring stability and security even in the face of unexpected challenges.
Get Your Crew Ready
Equip your friends and family with the fundamentals of docking and sailing to better support you onboard, creating unforgettable sailing experiences for everyone involved.
Towing another vessel
Learn the art of safe towing maneuvers, whether in open waters or tight quarters. Gain the skills and confidence to assist others or receive assistance when needed, ensuring safety for all involved.
Anchoring and Mooring Bouys
Hone your anchoring skills and discover the art of selecting the perfect anchorage tailored to your vessel's specifications. Practice securing your boat with confidence, whether in serene bays or bustling harbors.
Marine Diesel Engine
Delve into the heart of your vessel with a comprehensive marine diesel engine course. Learn preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and emergency response techniques to keep your engine running smoothly and your voyage uninterrupted.
Docking Under Sail
Master the art of safely docking under sail, Learn essential techniques and maneuvers to navigate your vessel to the dock with confidence and precision, harnessing the power of the wind to ensure a smooth and controlled approach.
Passage Planning
Chart your course for safe and enjoyable voyages with comprehensive passage planning skills. Learn to anticipate and prepare for all aspects of your journey, ensuring smooth sailing from start to finish
Sailing in heavy weather
Develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate stormy seas with assurance and skill, all within a secure instructional environment. Master hands-on depowering techniques, reefing methods, and essential storm coping tactics.
Single Handed Docking
Acquire mastery in docking solo or with limited crew, even in challenging situations. Develop the confidence to maneuver with precision and execute a solid plan, ensuring smooth and stress-free docking experiences.
Emergency response on deck
Be prepared for anything with hands-on emergency response training. From minor mishaps to unexpected crises, learn essential skills to handle emergencies confidently and effectively.
Asymmetric Spinnaker
Master the art of safely flying an asymmetric spinnaker for both cruising and racing purposes. Learn to harness the power of the wind, adding a new dimension of speed and excitement to your sailing adventures.
Going through the Ballard Locks
Practice your first passage through the Ballard Locks in a safe environment, mastering the skills and protocols necessary for successful lock navigation.
Dealing with running aground
Navigate the challenges of running aground with confidence in a safe learning environment. Learn practical skills to safely inspect, prepare, and refloat your vessel, empowering you to handle unexpected situations with ease and competence
Instruments, Communication & Plotting
Unlock the full potential of your vessel's instruments for maximum performance. Master the art of navigation, communication, and plotting to navigate the seas with precision and confidence.
Preparation for Heavy Weather
Gear up with the knowledge and readiness to confront inevitable storms head-on. Receive expert guidance on essential storm preparation strategies, including recommended equipment advice, to ensure you and your vessel are fully equipped to weather challenging conditions with confidence
Advanced Rules of the Road
Dive deep into the intricacies of COLREG to sail safely anywhere in the world. Gain a comprehensive understanding of maritime rules and regulations to navigate with confidence in any waters.
COB recovery & retrieval
Explore comprehensive Crew Over Board recovery maneuvers, weighing the pros and cons of each technique. Explore a range of retrieval techniques, for managing the unique difficulties posed by a non-responsive person in the water.
Docking in heavy weather
Master docking challenges even in heavy weather conditions, with confidence in a controlled setting. Learn to harness wind and current to your advantage, transforming challenging situations into seamless maneuvers with practical techniques
Med Mooring Mastery
Prepare for your Mediterranean adventures by mastering stern-first docking using anchor and stern lines
Advanced Trimming
Explore advanced trimming methods to maximize efficiency in calm seas, while mastering depowering techniques to confidently navigate challenging conditions. Unlock the secrets of advanced trimming for optimal control and efficiency.
Proper uses of a dinghy
Master the art of dinghy handling, from towing to stowing, for seamless transitions during your sailing adventures. Whether for day passages or overnight stays.
Sailing Through the Night
Navigate the mysteries of the night with confidence and skill. Learn everything from navigation and regulatory considerations to managing shifts and ensuring general deck safety during overnight passages, preparing you for unforgettable journeys under the stars.
Learn Your Vessel
Dive deep into the systems of your boat, Discover how to build a preventive maintenance plan to keep your vessel in pristine condition at all times, maximizing your enjoyment on the water.
Advanced line work and springs
Harness the full potential of your vessel's lines with expert instruction on advanced spring and line usage, including heaving lines. Learn techniques to keep your crew safe, ensuring seamless docking without the need to step off a moving vessel to tie up at the dock
Knots, splicing & line work
Delve into the art of knot tying, splicing, and line braiding to prepare top-quality marine lines. Ensure your vessel is equipped with the best, from dock lines to anchor setups, with essential skills for every sailor.
Our Pricing
Our basic fee for private instruction starts at $90 per hour. Please note that this rate is subject to change based on various factors, including the number of students, boat size, class content, travel expenses if applicable, time & date and more.
We're all about transparency and adaptability when it comes to pricing, so please email us with your requirements or any questions you may have. We're here to listen, discuss, and work out something that's just right for you. No hidden fees or surprises, just straightforward, personalized service that puts your needs first.
Looking forward to hearing from you and crafting the perfect sailing experience together!
"Ruddy was an excellent instructor. He has years of experience, but it was his calm & reassuring manner that I really appreciated."