Meet Sailing Instructor Patrick Scollard
“Sailing has shaped my life, my career, and my community—it’s given me everything.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a lifelong sailor who has loved the ocean for as long as I can remember. I was born, raised and still live in Atlanta, GA. I currently serve as Chief Mate of commercial cargo ships through American Maritime Officers Union. I grew up sailing both in Newport, RI and on the lakes in Georgia, racing dinghies throughout high school. I served as the boating director and instructor of a local Boy Scout camp for several summers in high school. For college I attended the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, racing all 4 years on our dinghy team and served as team captain senior year. While there, I got into keelboat racing as well, and had the opportunity to compete in several distance and ocean races.
Since graduation when I am not serving onboard my ship, I have coached for the University of Georgia Sailing Team and regularly run sailing charters/deliveries throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean. I also serve as a Lieutenant in the US Navy Reserve, primarily teaching navigation to and conducting navigation skill workshops with the Navy’s Active Duty Surface Force onboard their vessels.
Favorite Sailboat Type?
Keelboats.
What’s your “style” of sailing?
Adventure (new destinations & experiences).
Favorite “type” of sailing?
Coastal / Excursions.
What got you into Sailing?
I have always been fascinated with boats and the water since I was a young kid. Realizing this my grandfather, who we would visit each summer and lived in Newport, RI, got me sailing lessons at Sail Newport when I was 9. I went the first day, fell in love with it and haven’t looked back since.
What does sailing do (or has done) for you?
The impact that sailing has had on my life is almost immeasurable. After taking my first sailing lessons and starting to race sailboats, I realized that this was something I wanted to do in perpetuity. When I was about 12 or 13 after having those experiences, I told myself I want to drive boats for a living and do it at the highest level. That directly led to me to pursue the maritime industry as a career field and attend the US Merchant Marine Academy.
That has allowed me to get and advance my USCG license to Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage Oceans and Captain Less Than 1600 Tons Oceans, and unlocked countless career options and opportunities on the water. My friend group is filled with people that I have met through the sailing community. People regularly joke that I’ll get done working on a ship and immediately go and get on another boat (though a little more relaxed as those are for pleasure).
Most memorable sailing experience?
The 2015 ICSA College Sailing Nationals was my most memorable experience. It was hosted in Newport, RI, so it was a bit of a homecoming for me. We had an incredible week of sailing, despite the frigid New England conditions that we got at the beginning of June. The final awards ceremony was held at the New York Yacht Club which was an unbelievable venue and privilege for us to have the opportunity to attend.
As is tradition at the NYYC, my teammates and I ended up skidding/tumbling down the grassy hill in our finest outfits! I addition to that core memory, the Merchant Marine Academy allowed us to sail the Academy’s yacht up to Newport and stay onboard instead of staying in a hotel. By far one of the best ways for a sailing team to travel in style!
What are a couple of your favorite sailing spots?
Since I learned how to sail there, Newport, RI, the Sailing Capital of the World, will always hold a special place in my heart as my Homeport. In terms of being unrivaled for island hopping in a sailboat, the BVI and USVI are unmatched. The number of islands, dive spots, stunning beaches, and local beach restaurants and their proximity, especially given the perfect trade winds that you normally enjoy, provide endless options for sailors!
In the Mediterranean, the stunning natural beauty, exquisite food, and hospitality of the people along the Amalfi Coast makes it one of my favorite places to charter and sail!
What’s your favorite part about teaching sailors?
My favorite part about teaching is getting to share this incredible skill and activity by introducing people to the sailing world. It is an activity that has no age limit and you can continue to enjoy your whole life. So seeing the passion and excitement that a new sailor gets for the sport is what I enjoy the most.
What advice would you give a new student about sailing? An experienced sailor?
For a new sailing student, I would say try to learn to sail on a small dinghy. Many people want to learn on big boats, but it is hard to feel and understand all the forces at work. On a dinghy it is easy to see how small adjustments to rigging, boat weight, and sail trim can make a big difference, and you learn how to all of the controls interact and affect each other. No matter the size, sailboats operate on the same forces and principles. So learn the principles on a micro level, and then it is far easier to scale it up to a macro level on a large boat.
For experienced sailors, you should learn something new every day you go out on the water. I know that I do that each time I am out on a vessel. The environment we sail in is inherently dynamic and no day sailing will be identical to any other day. Use the differences and the challenges of that day to grow your skills as a sailor, leader, or person.
What is a random fact about yourself?
In addition to sailing and being a mariner, I attended Professional Baseball Umpire School and umpire ballgames.
What’s on your sailing ‘bucket list’?
I have been incredibly lucky to have already knocked a significant number of items off my sailing bucket list so far. The biggest thing for me is continuing to explore and expand the number of locations I have sailed. I have extensively sailed in the Caribbean and Europe, but would like to be able to do more sailing in the Pacific, specifically in French Polynesia, Indonesia/Singapore, and Thailand.
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