Meet Sailing Instructor Lawrence Galiano
“Cool heads always prevail—train, trust, and sail.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am USCG-licensed captain, Coast Guard veteran and lifelong sailing enthusiast. I am currently employed as a Captain-in-Charge of coastal research vessels conducting hydrographic research along the Atlantic Coast and Hudson River. I also operate a small fishing charter business with my son on the weekends during the summer in the Atlantic City, New Jersey area. I grew up on the water and began surfing, sailing and fishing at a young age. I currently reside on the Delaware River and split my time between the River and Atlantic Ocean sailing and power boating. Most of my spare time is spent with my son maintaining and caring for our boats. I am very happy and proud to pass on the watermen’s legacy to him.
Favorite Sailboat Type?
Keelboats.
What’s your “style” of sailing?
Cruiser (chill),
Favorite “type” of sailing?
Coastal / Excursions.
What does sailing do (or has done) for you?
From a young age it has bolstered my self confidence and self reliance. While attending summer sailing school as a child, we were mostly on our own and were expected to solve problems and overcome challenges by ourselves through resourcefulness and creative thinking. The lessons and experiences I learned from back then have carried on through my life.
Most memorable sailing experience?
My most memorable sailing experience was as a 12 year old when my grandmother’s close friend, Bruce, asked me to serve as the master of a 44-foot schooner in the Boca Ciega Bay in St. Pete Beach, Florida. It was during the first evening of a summer trip to visit my grandmother and the first time I ever stepped foot on the vessel.
What got you into Sailing?
My mother urged me to attending summer sailing school at a local yacht club after seeing an ad in a local newspaper. I was reluctant after first because I thought I was interested in it, but I still remember her saying to me “try something that your father and I never had the opportunity to.” My reluctance quickly disappeared after attending class for the first time and understanding what it was all about. I basically spent almost 7 days a week on the water from that point onward. I am so very grateful for her encouragement throughout my life and reinforcing my adventurous spirit.
What are a couple of your favorite sailing spots?
Gulf of Mexico in the area of Sanibel and Captiva islands in Florida, Newport, Rhode Island and the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Maryland are a few of my favorite sailing locations.
What’s your favorite part about teaching sailors?
Being able to see the big smile on their face when they experience the satisfaction of single-handedly piloting a boat powered only by the wind for the first time is a thrill for me and makes it all worth it.
What advice would you give a new student about sailing? An experienced sailor?
The best advice I can give a new student is to not panic when a problem arises. As with many things in life, cool heads always prevail and if you plan and train for contingencies that training will kick in and you will keep yourself out of danger. Advice I would give experienced sailors is the same.
What is a random fact about yourself?
I am a classic Land Rover enthusiast.
What’s on your sailing ‘bucket list’?
I would love to sail the islands of Italy with my family and visit our ancestral home of Sicily.
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