MIKE RICE, OWNER & DIRECTOR

Mike’s enthusiasm, dedication to students and clear subject presentation are inherent traits of a well-seasoned instructor.  He is Coast Guard licensed and a certified instructor with the American Sailing Association.  Along with his concise presentation of nautical skills, he always includes a boat load of exciting sea stories!

Check out write-ups on mike

 Gig Harbor Gateway 'Passion for Sailing Guides Award...'

Check out Mike's feature in Sailing Magazine's article 'Head of the Class'

South Sound Talk 'Learn How to Sail...'

Past student's blog, Stuart Scadron-Wattles 'Pass the old salt please' 

9-TIME ASA OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

EXCELLENCE

Mike has been awarded the prestigious American Sailing Association Instructor of the Year award an unprecedented TEN times, in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2021! The Outstanding Instructor of the Year is given to 25 outstanding instructors out of over 3000 licensed by the American Sailing Association (ASA). The top 25 represent 24 cities, across 10 states and 3 countries.
The process by which the Outstanding Instructors were determined is algorithmic, derived by the number of surveys sent (one survey for each class taught), the number of surveys completed and submitted by students, and the Instructor Average Rating across all submitted surveys with 4.00 as the highest possible Average Rating. The 2021 group represent the top 1.1% of all ASA Instructors.

EXPERIENCE​

Mike has logged over 100,000 nautical miles at sea and has instructed over 10,000 students. He has crewed in the Los Angeles to Tahiti Race. From there he cruised the South Pacific, returning to Los Angeles by way of Hawaii - a three month, 10,000 nautical mile voyage. His sailing background also includes two Honolulu Transpac Races, cruises and offshore classes from Hawaii to the West Coast, races to Mexico, plus numerous Southern California and Puget Sound races and cruises.

​10,000 STUDENTS & 100,000 NAUTICAL MILES

APPOINTED TO THE ASA STANDARDS COMMITTEE

SAILING STANDARDS

Mike was one of ten chosen back in 2007 to join the Standards Committee by ASA Director, Charlie Noble. ASA started this committee to evaluate the standards and professionalism of their sailing programs. The committee meets bi-monthly in a conference call. Together they have helped ASA re-write their textbooks, tests, curriculum, teaching standards and even the new ASA logbook! 

Feel Free to Shoot Mike an E-mail