All our instructors are USCG licensed, and ASA Instructor certified
Home of SIX ASA Outstanding Instructors!
(Mike R., Arthur V., Mike C., Stephen L., John M., and Steve K.)
Home of SIX ASA Outstanding Instructors!
(Mike R., Arthur V., Mike C., Stephen L., John M., and Steve K.)
PSSI Instructor's & STAFF BIOS & the ASA Classes they teach
Matthew B Owner & Instructor 101, 103 |
Mike R Founder & Instructor 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, 114, 118 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 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. |
Mike C Lead instructor 101, 103, 104 3-Time ASA Outstanding Instructor of the Year (2021,2022,2023) A retired Army Officer, Mike started sailing as a teen. He’s sailed wherever his career has found him – from Europe, the Northeast, the Midwest, and the Northwest. In the Northwest he’s particularly enjoyed participating in various races throughout Puget Sound. With an extensive background teaching in classrooms and outdoor settings, Mike enjoys sharing his passion for sailing. Especially rewarding is that moment theory and practice come together on the water for a smiling and confident sailor. When he’s not sailing, Mike enjoys teaching cross country skiing, cycling, hiking, and fly fishing. Joined PSSI 2020 |
Arthur V INSTRUCTOR 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 2-Time ASA Outstanding Instructor of the Year (2013 & 2016) Sailing and cruising are his foremost passions. Arthur and his wife, Audrey, enjoy cruising on their Catalina 36 throughout the Puget Sound and British Columbia. Arthur has also sailed in several local races including the Oregon Offshore, Swiftsure, Vic-Maui (return), Mexorc, and the Baja Ha Ha. Joined PSSI 2013 |
Ross C instructor 101, 103, 104, 118 Lifelong sailor, instructor, and avid racer. A Chicagoland native, began sailing in dinghies on Lake Michigan as a youngster. Has cruised the Great Lakes, Desolation Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, British Virgin Islands, California offshore. Sailed in 6 Swiftsure races and many local regattas. Retired Naval Aviator and Airline Captain, holds a USCG 50-ton Master Captain’s License. Instructing with PSSI since 2017. Leads the popular PSSI Introduction to Racing course. Enjoys hosting family and team building excursions on his Jeanneau 37 “Work Release” https://www.pugetsoundsailing.com/excursions.html When not on the water enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and playing with the grandkids. Joined PSSI 2017 |
Steve F instructor 101, 103, 104, 105, 118 Retired Airline and FAA Pilot USCG 50 Ton Masters 2012 Began Sailing in 1994, Center for Wooden Boats (dingy and small boat sailing) My Tartan 37 Ørn is currently moored in Des Moines, having sailed her home from the Sea of Cortez, completing a three-year journey to Mexico and back. She is now available for private instruction, skippered charters, and excursions Any time on a boat is a good time! Joined PSSI 2013 |
Stephen L instructor 101, 103, 104, 105 ASA Outstanding Instructor of the Year (2022) Former Pilot Learned to sail with dinghies and keel-boats. He is familiar with- and recognized for- single-handed and shorthanded sailing on a number of different sized vessels. Loves to share his passion for sailing with beginning sailors, and LOVES to build confidence through the relaxed, patient, and encouraging style of instruction he is well-known for. In addition to his focus on safety, Stephen strives to make class a fun and informative experience for his students. Joined PSSI 2020 |
David G instructor 101, 103, 104 Sailing Adventurer – Instructor - Racer. A Seattle native, I began sailing at five on a hand-built Yachting World Cadet in Muskoka, Canada. Grew up cruising Puget Sound and San Juan islands on Catalina 30’s. For five years (including four freezing winters), lived aboard and restored a Morgan 41 Out Island Ketch in Mystic, CT while cruising New England. So grateful for the opportunities to sail 57,000+ adventurous miles including 4 Pacific Ocean crossings and a visit by a USCG helicopter when our Jeanneau 43 sailboat sprang a leak 200 miles offshore during a ferocious gale. Committed to continuous learning and sharing experiences. US Sailing, and Yachtmaster Ocean certs and 2017 USCG Licensed Master Maritime Captain (50 Ton, Nearshore). Winning keelboat racer with CYC Seattle, CYC Tacoma, and Royal Van (Canada). Now with PSSI since 2022. I’m dedicated to sharing my passion for sailing, helping others restore their mental and physical well-being, create community on the water, and improve the health of our planet…one sailor at a time! Joined PSSI 2022 |
Robert H Instructor 101, 103, 105, 120 From my earliest memories at just 5 years old, my family of six would embark on adventures from downtown Olympia, cruising to Point Defiance for saltwater taffy. These outings sparked my passion for the water. By the age of 14, I ventured into commercial fishing in Alaska for six seasons, an experience that shaped my connection to maritime life. Despite later pursuing a career in healthcare and starting a family, my affinity for coastal regions never waned. I’ve been sailing for 20 years and in addition to being an ASA instructor and a 100-ton C.G. Masters license, my wife Jenni and I enjoy sailing our Catalina 42, "Intention," throughout the Salish Sea. I am grateful for the opportunity to live a life centered around the water and to have the chance to impart my passion and expertise to others. It brings me immense satisfaction to assist students in making connections and learning in an enjoyable manner, enabling them to achieve their boating aspirations. Joined PSSI 2019 |
Rod M instructor 101, 103, 104, 114, 118 A Chilean native Got into sailing by racing in San Francisco. Enjoys cruising San Juan Islands, Canada, Puget Sound and Alaska on 'Puelche 2’, his 46' Jeanneau. Joined PSSI 2014 |
Liz K instructor 101 Born and raised in Alaska, Liz spent her summers on sailboats out of Seward, Alaska. She explored the Kenai Fjords, Kodiak Island, Prince William Sound, and the Inside Passage with her sea-crazed parents. Liz graduated from rail meat, to crew, to winning skipper in the local yacht club’s annual women’s race, the Rum Doodle Cup. She now sails Giiwedin, an Olson 911s, upon which she plans to continue the grand tradition of children “building character” by hauling the excess weight off the boat on race days and cleaning the bilge with toothbrushes. Joined PSSI 2022 |
Mike J instructor 101, 103, 104, 105, 118 Grew up in Hawaii Open Water Scuba Certified at age 14 Crewed on a boat from 15-18 years old Co-owner with Mike Rice of 'Passion', Beneteau 435 Joined PSSI 2013 |
Lon V instructor 101, 103, 104 Retired airline pilot/instructor I have a passion for teaching, having taught in the aviation world for over 35 years. I was introduced to sailing in 1978 by my girlfriend, now wife. We have owned and raced an Olson 30. We currently own and race a J-24., and also own an Aloha 32 cruising boat berthed in port Townsend. I enjoy cruising from the San Juans to Desolation Sound. I have chartered and delivered sailboats in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the South Pacific Joined PSSI 2023 |
Tom J INSTRUCTOR 101, 103 Retired Naval Flight Office and course instructor. He started sailing in 1986 with the Navy Sailing Club in San Diego, CA and sailed and raced OPBs for many years. Tom is currently enjoying his retirement career as a sailing instructor and cruising his Catalina 42 “Avanti” with his lovely wife throughout Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. Joined PSSI 2023 |
Teri W instructor 101, 103, 104 Joined PSSI 2023 |
Gordon K INSTRUCTOR 101, 103 I am a retired art teacher having taught for 35 years. I taught drawing, printmaking, glassblowing, and pottery as an adjunct instructor at Southern Connecticut and Central Connecticut State Universities over a 3 year period before moving west. I taught middle school art for 6 years and at the high school level for 26 years before retiring in June of 2022. I began sailing on dinghies when I was 8 and progressed to small keelboats in my mid teens. I started out as rail weight for cruising and as skills were gained became racing crew. I started working for North Sails in 1981, while I was in college and learned a great deal about sail shape and performance and gained greater opportunities for sailing a broader range of sailboats both racing and cruising. Since then I have crewed and helmed boats in both local and international venues. Joined PSSI 2023 |
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Kirk S instructor 101, 103 Joined PSSI 2023 |
Chris D INSTRUCTOR 101 Ever since reading stories of the sailing adventures of Joshua Slocum and Bernard Moitessier, I have had the urge to sail. I have sailed the Puget Sound, Chartered in tropical waters and raced off shore. I have 30 years under my keel now, and still get excited to share the joy of sailing with friends and students. I want to teach you the necessary skills and build your confidence so you can get out on your own and share the adventure of sailing with your own friends and family. Joined PSSI 2024 |
Stephanie A Instructor 101 Joined PSSI 2024 |
Kark K instructor & FLEET MAINTENANCE 101, 103, 104 Former Air Force officer and retired Healthcare Executive and Consultant. Karl has trained adults for over 35 years in various industries. Karl has been sailing since 1997, mostly Puget Sound with a few excursions in the Great Lakes and Caribbean and has crewed in several local races. As an instructor for PSSI, Karl gets to live his dream retirement job by bringing together his two great passions: sailing and teaching. Joined PSSI 2020 |
Matt R fleet maintenance Joined PSSI 2022 |
Jon D FLEET MAINTENANCE Retired Air Force MSgt Starting sailing while stationed in Texas. Crewed in a few races in the Corpus Christi Navy Regatta. Upon moving to the PNW-fell in love with being out on the Puget Sound with views of Mt. Rainier while taking his ASA 101 and 103 courses. Joined PSSI 2018 |
Darren C director of operations After years of being a hyper-growth manager, Darren, just off a five-year stint in Real Estate with Keller Williams as a Productivity Coach and DOO of a leading team, has decided to follow his bliss into and on the water with PSSI. Born in Reno, NV, Darren spent ample time on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake but now being a Pacific Northwesterner for the past 24 years, he loves the Puget Sound even more. Looking forward to sailing frequently with his wife and family, Darren is having a blast meeting all the PSSI members and looks forward to building an even more incredible community or 'Tribe' as he likes to say. Joined PSSI 2021 |
WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY:
"Thank you Bob for a wonderful learning experience and an unforgettable, life-changing moment! This was amazing!" 101 Student Adam Z
Mike Johnston was amazing! He showed me my strengths & strengthened my weaknesses! 103 Student Angee B
Mike R did a wonderful & perfect job meeting our skills where we are at and taking us the rest of the way. Excellent class! Thank You!!!! 118 Student Bob H
"Our Instructor, Arthur was the BEST possible instructor! Very clear, understandable, patient and he made the class fun and enjoyable" - 101 Student
'We found that Mike J communicates the material very well and does so in a tone and manner that is both calming and encouraging at the same time. I believe Mike possesses that rather rare ability to both teach and gently encourage and motivate his students at the same time. ' - 103 Student
"Rod was amazing. Great instructor, great hospitality and a wealth of experience. Made me more confident with sailing. Highly recommend" - 104 Student
'Steve K was an excellent teacher - great combination of patience and sense of when to step-in and instruct. Very knowledgeable which instilled confidence and a sense of safety and fun throughout the course!' - 101 Student
'The team there has been amazing and always helpful. All the instructors have been great to learn from and work with.
I recently took the ASA 103 class with Mike Rice, and at one point we had taken a break and the students were talking about our experiences. The common theme with all of our experiences was that in working with Mike Rice we all felt as though we were learning from a living legend. Enough can’t be said about how at ease Mike makes you feel as you learn the beautiful world of sailing. ' -101/103 student and proud new owner of 'Duck-Catalina 27'
"Thank you Bob for a wonderful learning experience and an unforgettable, life-changing moment! This was amazing!" 101 Student Adam Z
Mike Johnston was amazing! He showed me my strengths & strengthened my weaknesses! 103 Student Angee B
Mike R did a wonderful & perfect job meeting our skills where we are at and taking us the rest of the way. Excellent class! Thank You!!!! 118 Student Bob H
"Our Instructor, Arthur was the BEST possible instructor! Very clear, understandable, patient and he made the class fun and enjoyable" - 101 Student
'We found that Mike J communicates the material very well and does so in a tone and manner that is both calming and encouraging at the same time. I believe Mike possesses that rather rare ability to both teach and gently encourage and motivate his students at the same time. ' - 103 Student
"Rod was amazing. Great instructor, great hospitality and a wealth of experience. Made me more confident with sailing. Highly recommend" - 104 Student
'Steve K was an excellent teacher - great combination of patience and sense of when to step-in and instruct. Very knowledgeable which instilled confidence and a sense of safety and fun throughout the course!' - 101 Student
'The team there has been amazing and always helpful. All the instructors have been great to learn from and work with.
I recently took the ASA 103 class with Mike Rice, and at one point we had taken a break and the students were talking about our experiences. The common theme with all of our experiences was that in working with Mike Rice we all felt as though we were learning from a living legend. Enough can’t be said about how at ease Mike makes you feel as you learn the beautiful world of sailing. ' -101/103 student and proud new owner of 'Duck-Catalina 27'