Why Getting Started Feels Overwhelming

You've been thinking about this for a while. Maybe you've watched the YouTube videos, read the forums, even looked up charter prices. But there's a voice in the back of your head asking: what if I make the wrong call out there?

That's not inexperience talking. That's your brain doing its job. The problem isn't you — it's that most sailing education doesn't build real confidence. It builds test-takers.

MOS is different. We put you in real conditions, with a real captain, until the decisions feel natural. Because when you're anchored off a remote island with your crew counting on you, "good enough" isn't good enough.

Pain points list:

• Making the wrong decisions on the water

• Handling a boat without real confidence

• Choosing a destination you're not ready for

• Staying safe when conditions change

• Taking your first charter without a plan or support

Steady Instruction. Clear Support. Real Confidence.

I'm Captain Mike. I've logged 10,000+ hours on the water — offshore passages from the Bahamas to Charleston, San Diego to La Paz on both catamaran and monohull, and deep into Mexico's Isla Revillagigados. I've sailed the BVI and USVI, the Aegean in Greece, the Adriatic coast of Italy, the Gulf of Thailand, the coast of San Francisco, and the wild inlets of Beautiful BC. I've crossed oceans, trained sailors across a dozen countries, and been named ASA Instructor of the Year. I'm also an Honored Member of the Killer Whale Clan, Gitga'at First Nation — an honor I carry with deep respect.

I've trained 360+ students. Some charter the Greek islands every summer. Others have left their careers behind and are out there living the cruising lifestyle full-time. Beautiful BC is home base every summer. The Sea of Cortez is where things get interesting.

I'm not here to impress you with sea stories. I'm here to get you sailing — confidently, safely, and on your own terms.

A Simple Path to Confidence

1. Online Theory
Start with NauticEd's online courses — including two free lessons to get you moving right now.

2. Practical Training
Train in Beautiful BC or the Sea of Cortez. Real boats, real conditions, real seamanship.

3. Charter With Guidance
Choose the right destination, season, and boat — with Captain Mike supporting you before, during, and after.

When You Have Clear Guidance, Everything Changes

With steady instruction and the right support, you'll:

• choose a destination that matches your skill and goals

• select a boat that fits your experience level

• make sound decisions in real conditions

• build the kind of confidence that holds up on the water

• travel with clarity - not doubt

Explore the World With Guidance

From the Pacific Northwest to the Mediterranean, the Sea of Cortez to the Seychelles — I help you choose the right destination, understand the conditions, and plan every step of the trip. Support before, during, and aft

• Beautiful BC — quiet inlets, steady conditions, and a coastline worth exploring

• Greece — clear routes and strong culture

• Croatia — national parks and quiet towns

• Sea of Cortez — calm, marine-rich, and close to home

• British Virgin Islands — warm water and simple navigation. Steady winds.

• Tahiti — protected lagoons and steady conditions

• Thailand — warm, scenic, easy exploration

• Italy — coastal cities and historic stops

• Turkey — protected bays and long season

• Australia — Whitsundays and open spaces

• Seychelles — rare landscapes and quiet zones

• 42+ global destinations

When you’re ready, I help you choose the right destination, understand the conditions, and plan every step of the trip.

Plan Your Global Trip — Book a Call

What the MOS Family Says

★★★★★ Real sailors. Real transformations.

"I can charter my own sailboat anywhere in the world"

"Learning to sail can be an intimidating process. I came in with doubts — about whether I could handle it, whether I'd be in over my head, whether I'd actually walk away capable.

Mike removes all of that. He instills confidence throughout the entire journey, not just at the end. By the time I finished, I wasn't just certified — I had the confidence to charter my own sailboat anywhere in the world.

The other thing nobody tells you: Mike becomes a lasting resource. Having someone you can call on who's sailed in dozens of countries around the world — that's a confidence booster that goes way beyond the course itself."

— Conar Flair & Jaymie Friesen

"From afraid of deep water to planning my first bareboat charter"

"I'm a land-loving newbie with no exposure to sailing — and admittedly afraid of deep waters. I really wasn't sure what to hope for going in. What I didn't expect was how much Captain Mike's approach would change that. Nothing felt rushed. There was always time to think clearly and safely through every situation. His teaching combines discovery, common sense, building muscle memory, and reinforcing safety all along the way — and somehow it all clicks.

I left actually confident that I can start bareboat chartering my own adventures and vacations. And I know that if I ever have questions or ambitious sailing ventures down the road, I can always reach out to Mike."

— Amanda Schubert

"Every day blended clear lessons with real experience." Real seamanship through experience — Tracy Sarich

"I left with confidence to take out a boat on my own." A safe space to make mistakes — Beth Nelson

"Navigation, planning, and weather came together simply." Clear, practical explanation of weather and navigation — Sup Johan

"I now feel confident to start planning my own journeys." Confidence built on true seamanship — Amanda Schubert

"Mike is my go-to moving forward." Long-term support that continues — John House

MOS COMMUNITY SECTION

Welcome to the MOS Family — a community of sailors at every stage of the journey.

Whether you're just getting started, planning your first bareboat charter, or already living the cruising lifestyle full-time, you belong here.

This is a place to ask questions, share passages, celebrate wins, and connect with sailors who get it. Captain Mike is in here too — so bring your questions, your sea stories, and your ambitious sailing plans.

Adjust your sails to adventure.

Join the MOS Family on Facebook

Gear for Your Adventure Life

I carry a small collection of gear from a local BC company — simple, practical, and built for real use.

Ready to stop dreaming and start sailing?

Start with two free NauticEd sailing classes — no commitment, no pressure. Just your first step toward sailing independently.