Sailboat on calm, reflective waters under a clear sky, perfect serene sailing scene.

Meet Sailing Instructor Paul Werbin

“Confidence grows with every lesson, and the best experiences come from learning the hard way.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am retired from the healthcare world and have always had an adventurous side. For 30+ years I was a Part time flight instructor and a clinical instructor for graduate students in University health care programs. I enjoy watching my students progress and grow their skills. I learned a lot about teaching in stressful environments! I raced sailboats for many years in the USA and when I was working I often chartered sailboats in Vacation locations. I bought a cruising sailboat years ago and have spent a 6 winter seasons cruising the Bahamas for 4-7 months, mostly singlehanding the boat with occasional guests on board. I hold a USCG 100 GRT Captain license and have crewed and captained tall ship Schooners for 8 years part time and often as a volunteer.

Additionally I have been working as a Charter Boat Captain and sailing instructor in the Bahamas for the past three years. As Catamarans have become more popular as charter boats I have sailed them and taught Catamaran sailing quite a bit. I enjoy teaching and watching as my students grow confident and skilled in their sailing adventures.

Favorite Sailboat Type?

Keelboats.

What’s your “style” of sailing?

Adventure (new destinations & experiences).

Favorite “type” of sailing?

Coastal / Excursions.

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

I enjoy the adventure of Crossings and meeting new people in destinations.

Most memorable sailing experience?

I have to say t hat my most memorable experiences are the lessons that I learned “the hard way”.

What are a couple of your favorite sailing spots?

Its easy to love the Bahamas as a sailing destination!

What’s your favorite part about teaching sailors?

Watching their confidence grow.

What advice would you give a new student about sailing? An experienced sailor?

For a new sailor: take your time and learn at your own pace. For experienced sailors: We all learn new things as we sail with others.

What is a random fact about yourself?

I worked on a commercial fishing boat when I was 16 years old.

What’s on your sailing ‘bucket list’?

I have a few spots in the Med I would like to sail.

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Contact Paul (and view his instructor information) >

Sailor catches marlin on yacht deck with ocean backdrop, wearing a life vest and cap.

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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