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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