Meet NauticEd Instructor Dave Mortell

“The world is wider from the deck of a boat.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Dreamt of sailing the world since I first cracked open a National Geographic about French Polynesia back in the 70’s. Ever since that moment, it seems I worked toward that goal of sailing the world. Now almost 12,000 nm in, I can say not only did we accomplish the goal of sailing the South Pacific, but we’ve gained so much knowledge and experience. Now I’d like to share it with you. Not only will I teach you to sail a catamaran, I’ll also discuss what cruising the world is like (if it interests you of course).

Favorite Type of Boating?

Sailing.

What’s your “style” of boating?

Adventure (new destinations & experiences).

Favorite “type” of boating?

Deep Blue and Beyond.

What got you into Boating?

While seeing the National Geographic on French Polynesia got me excited about travel, it was reading books like Maiden Voyage and Sailing with Sariphan, that got me excited to sail the world.

Smiling man on a boat holding a note about starting a sailing fund with $200, inside a sunlit cabin.
Smiling man on a boat holding a note about starting a sailing fund with $200, inside a sunlit cabin.
Smiling man on a boat holding a note about starting a sailing fund with $200, inside a sunlit cabin.
Man enjoying a sunset view from a sailboat deck, with ocean horizon and colorful sky in the background.
Man enjoying a sunset view from a sailboat deck, with ocean horizon and colorful sky in the background.
Two friends relaxing and toasting on a sailboat under a sunny sky, enjoying a perfect day at sea.
Two friends relaxing and toasting on a sailboat under a sunny sky, enjoying a perfect day at sea.
Man in a white jacket smiles on a sailboat with solar panels and ocean backdrop.
Man in a white jacket smiles on a sailboat with solar panels and ocean backdrop.
A joyful group enjoying a tropical beach with palm trees and ocean in the background, all wearing matching vibrant necklaces.

What does boating do (or has done) for you?

Boating allows us to see the world in ways you can’t by any other type of travel means. Meeting new cultures. Seeing pristine and unspoiled things.

Most memorable boating experience?

Crossing from Galapagos to the Marquesas. It took us 21 days. It was a perfect sail. And coming into the Marquesas and stepping foot in French Polynesia for the first time felt like we had accomplished a huge goal of mine.

What are a couple of your favorite boating spots?

The Tuamotus, 3 days from Tahiti. Unspoiled., Unique. And zero people. You need to be smart to be able to sail here, as the charts are not perfect.

What’s your favorite part about teaching boating students?

Sharing my passion with others. So many of us have goals that we never achieve. When we start out it feels too big. Too overwhelming. I like to normalize that and show that the student CAN do this. It takes time and patience.

What advice would you give a new student about boating? An experienced boater?

While it is critical to take the right instruction. It is also critical to get time on the water. Instruction gets you out there. Time on the water makes you better.

What is a random fact about yourself?

Retired from corporate life at 51. Not because I was wealthy, but because I wanted to be fulfilled. Sailing gave me far more than any job could have. Teaching is about sharing that passion for sailing and for fulfillment.

What’s on your boating ‘bucket list’?

Sailing the Northwest Passage!

Author

  • Grant Headifen

    My vision for NauticEd is to ensure that families and friends get out on the water not only safely but with true COMPETENCE, confidently savoring every moment of their valuable time.

    Achieving this means being the pinnacle of sailing and boating education—offering comprehensive multi-media theoretical instruction coupled with hands-on, on-the-water training through our global network of American National Standards Instructors. We steadfastly avoid becoming a mere certification mill; our focus is on delivering genuine competence, ensuring our students are well-prepared for enjoyable, real-world boating experiences.

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