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BOAT INSTRUCTION

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PERSONALIZED BOATING INSTRUCTION

Captain Marks utilizes her 25 years of experience with both motor yachts and sailboats to assist you toward your goal of operating your vessel confidently and safely. Her instruction always proceeds at your own pace in a comfortable and relaxed manner.

Courses are designed for any level or scenario:

Is your yacht not located in San Diego? Captain Debra can travel to you.

You are competent at handling the yacht, but would like to have your wife, first mate, or significant other also become an operator. This is extremely important in an emergency!

You just bought your first boat. The insurance company insists on instruction. Now what do we do?

Thinking of buying a boat and need help deciding which one to buy?

You'd like to feel comfortable protecting your loved ones and protecting your new asset.

Need assistance understanding your array of electronics?

Your insurance company requires you to take Boating Instruction for coverage or for a discount in
your premiums.

You were comfortable with your last boat, but your new one is much larger and more complex.

You are familiar with cruising locally, but need some advice you can trust to take the cruise of your dreams.

INSTRUCTION COVERS: Docking – Line-handling, knots, fenders Pre-Departure Checklist Controls & Maneuvering in All Conditions Safety & Emergency Procedures Navigation Rules Tools & Spare Parts Basic Chart Plotting Electrical Systems Engine Maintenance Electronics Fog/Nightime Navigation Fuel Management Communications Anchoring And….How to Have the Most Fun with Your Boat! Certificate of Completion is available for your insurance company (or to frame!)

Captain Debra has been racing sailboats since 1992. As a past Direction of the Women’s
Yacht Racing Fleet, she was involved in the 1992 & 1995 America's Cups; has raced
at Antiqua Race Week three years in a row; campaigned a Schock 35 in the So. Calif.
Circuit for two years as foredeck/bow. She has raced aboard everything from a Capri 22
to a 72' Andrews, including racing on the IACC America's Cup yacht, Stars & Stripes.

"I wanted to express our gratitude for your continued guidance and support. Under your tutelage my husband and I have made huge gains toward our goal, to handle the Sophia ourselves. Within a few short months you have instructed two novices not only how to navigate and maneuver, but also how to run critical systems and provide crucial maintenance to our 46 foot motor yacht. Your vast knowledge has been repeatedly demonstrated in regard to all aspects of the boating industry, either sail or power. I have and will continue to unequivocally recommend you as a Captain, instructor, and/or a crew manager to any boat owner or prospective boat owner. We look forward to our continuing lessons with you and, in time, sharing aspects of our future individual adventures with you."                                                               

Bob and Renee Young

“Debra Marks is an outstanding person both personally and professionally. Her skills as a yacht captain are extraordinary. Debra oriented us in handling our 65 foot motor yacht. After a minimum of instructions, we were able to cast off and dock even in adverse conditions. Debra is skilled both in boat handling and teaching. She is patient and thorough. Her experience and competence is exemplary. We highly recommend her services. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require more information.”                                         

Wayne & Marin Foster, Wayne Foster Entertainment

“I would like to tell you about my stroke of good luck… I had the good fortune of meeting Captain Debra Marks in January 2003. Not only is Captain Debra thoroughly knowledgeable and skilled in sailing, but she is a patient & gentle teacher as well. Captain Debra taught me some very helpful tricks for sailing maneuvers and shared with me her expertise gleaned from 20+ years of boating experience. She helped me to become comfortable with the boat and with the sea. Captain Debra calmly endured my mistakes and expertly helped me turn them into learning experiences. As I grew in confidence, she encouraged me to assume more control of the sailboat until I was able to proficiently captain the boat myself. My learning experiences with Captain Debra have enabled me to not only enjoy sailing more, but also to grow in skill and confidence. I have actually gained a “feel” for the sailboat and the wind and the sea. My sailing with Captain Debra Marks has been one of the best experiences of my life and I will remain indebted to her. I would recommend her highly to anyone wishing to learn to sail and to gain a love and appreciation of the sea.

CeCe Morrison
San Diego & Highgate Center, Vermont