Everything You Want to Know
Before You Sail.

No — the NauticEd courses start from zero. The Cruise-and-Learn program is designed for people who have never set foot on a sailing boat. Two free online courses get you oriented before you arrive on the water. You show up, Mike handles the rest.

NauticEd is one of the world's leading sailing education platforms. The SLC (Sailing License and Credentials) licence it issues is recognised by charter companies worldwide — covering the same competencies as ASA 101, 103, and 104 combined, and accepted at charter bases everywhere. Captain Mike is a certified NauticEd affiliate school.

The full Cruise-and-Learn program runs 5–7 days liveaboard. You complete the online NauticEd Bareboat Master coursework at your own pace beforehand — typically 2–4 weeks. The practical week follows. You leave with your NauticEd SLC certification in hand.

Vancouver BC in summer — home waters in the Pacific Northwest, with tidal currents and changing conditions that build real seamanship. La Paz, Baja California Sur in winter — the Sea of Cortez, where clear water and thermal winds develop offshore confidence.

Yes — Captain Mike teaches both monohull and catamaran certification. The NauticEd Catamaran Endorsement can be added alongside the Bareboat Master. Ask about which vessel suits your goals when you get in touch.

Nothing. Mike's fee comes from the charter company — not from you. There is no cost to you for the brokerage service, and no markup on the charter price. You get an experienced broker, personally vetted fleets, and fully handled paperwork at zero extra cost.

For bareboat charters, yes — you need a recognised sailing licence to skipper the boat yourself. Your NauticEd SLC works at charter bases worldwide. For crewed charters, no experience is required at all — a professional captain and crew handle everything while you focus on the experience.

The BVI and Greece are both ideal for first-time charterers. Protected waters, short passages, and spectacular anchorages — you're never far from safety while always feeling like you're somewhere extraordinary. Croatia is an excellent third choice.

Peak season fills early. December to April in the Caribbean and June to September in the Mediterranean both book up 6 to 12 months out. Contact Mike as early as possible — the best boats in the best locations go first.

Captain Mike comes to your marina and works aboard your own vessel. One focused session on whatever is holding you back — docking in tight quarters, passage planning, crew management, anchoring confidence, or offshore readiness. Your boat. Your waters. Real conditions.

Wherever you sail. La Paz, BCS and Vancouver, BC are the home bases where sessions run regularly. Travel is considered for extended engagements — contact Mike to discuss your location and goals.

Session length depends on the goal. Half-day sessions cover focused skills like docking or anchoring. Full-day sessions go deeper into seamanship and judgment. The First Passage Program runs 3–5 days for your first coastal or offshore passage aboard your own vessel.

Yes. Most mentorship clients are certified sailors who want real confidence, not just a piece of paper. Passing a course and trusting yourself in real conditions are two different things. That gap is exactly what on-boat mentorship is built to close.