About Puget Sound Sailing Institute
Meet Our Expert Sailing Instructors
At Puget Sound Sailing Institute, we’re more than just a sailing school—we’re a community of expert sailors dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of mariners. Our goal is to make sailing accessible, enjoyable, and safe for all skill levels.
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Bio coming soon.
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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.
ASA Outstanding Instructor of the Year (2021,2022,2023)
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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.ASA Outstanding Instructor of the Year (2022)
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Sailing and cruising are Arthur’s greatest passions, shaping both his personal adventures and professional expertise. With his wife, Audrey, he enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest aboard their Catalina 36, cruising through Puget Sound and British Columbia. Arthur has also tested his skills in competitive races, including the Oregon Offshore, Swiftsure, and Vic-Maui (return), as well as international events like Mexorc and the Baja Ha Ha. Whether racing or cruising, his deep knowledge and enthusiasm make him a dedicated and experienced mariner.
ASA Outstanding Instructor of the Year (2013, 2016)
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Ross is a lifelong sailor, racer, and instructor with a USCG 50-ton Master Captain’s License. A Chicagoland native, he started sailing on Lake Michigan and has since cruised the Great Lakes, Desolation Sound, the British Virgin Islands, and the California coast. He has competed in six Swiftsure races and numerous local regattas. A retired Naval Aviator and Airline Captain, Ross has been instructing with PSSI since 2017, leading the popular Introduction to Racing course. He also hosts team-building excursions aboard his Jeanneau 37, Work Release. Off the water, he enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and time with his grandkids.
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Steve, a retired airline and FAA pilot, earned his USCG 50-Ton Master’s License in 2012 and has been sailing since 1994, starting with dinghies and small boats at the Center for Wooden Boats. Over the years, he has developed a deep passion for offshore cruising and seamanship. His Tartan 37, Ørn, is now moored in Des Moines after an incredible three-year journey sailing to Mexico and back from the Sea of Cortez. Now offering private instruction, skippered charters, and excursions aboard Ørn, Steve enjoys sharing his love of sailing and adventure with others. For him, any time on a boat is a good time!
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David is a lifelong sailor with a deep passion for cruising and racing. Growing up on the water, he has explored the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and beyond. An experienced keelboat racer, he has competed in numerous regattas and offshore passages. Holding a USCG Master Captain’s License and ASA Instructor certifications, David is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and helping sailors of all levels build confidence on the water. Whether teaching advanced navigation or coaching race strategy, he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to every course.
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Robert is an experienced sailor and instructor with a passion for both cruising and racing. He has sailed extensively in the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and beyond, participating in numerous regattas and local races. As a USCG Master Captain and ASA-certified instructor, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teaching. He is dedicated to helping sailors of all levels build confidence, refine their skills, and develop a deeper love for sailing. Whether cruising the waters or racing, Robert’s enthusiasm for the sport is contagious, making him an inspiring instructor for all.
Liz Kumin
Sailing Instructor
101
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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.
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Tom is a retired Naval Flight Officer and course instructor who began his sailing journey in 1986 with the Navy Sailing Club in San Diego, CA. After years of sailing and racing OPBs, he transitioned into a career as a sailing instructor, sharing his passion for the water with others. Tom now enjoys cruising the Pacific Northwest on his Catalina 42 “Avanti,” exploring the beauty of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea with his wife. His deep knowledge and love for sailing make him an enthusiastic and dedicated instructor, helping others embrace the joys of the water.
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Gordon, a retired art teacher with 35 years of experience, began sailing at the age of eight and progressed to small keelboats in his teens. He worked for North Sails starting in 1981, gaining valuable knowledge about sail shape and performance, which expanded his opportunities to sail both cruising and racing boats. Over the years, Gordon has crewed and helmed boats in local and international races. Before retiring in June 2022, he spent 26 years teaching high school art and six years at the middle school level.
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Lon is a retired airline pilot and instructor with over 35 years of experience in aviation. His passion for teaching extends into the world of sailing, which he was introduced to in 1978 by his now-wife. Together, they have owned and raced an Olson 30 and currently race a J-24. In addition to racing, Lon enjoys cruising on their Aloha 32, which is berthed in Port Townsend. His cruising adventures have taken him from the San Juans to Desolation Sound, and he has also chartered and delivered sailboats in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the South Pacific.
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Mike Johnston grew up in Hawaii, where he developed a deep love for the ocean. He became Open Water Scuba certified at the age of 14 and spent his teenage years crewing on a boat from 15 to 18 years old. Mike is a co-owner, along with Chouchan, of the Beneteau 435 "Passion." His passion for sailing continues as he enjoys exploring the open waters and fostering connections with others who share his love for the sea.
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No bio available yet.
Chris Dorsey
Sailing Instructor
101
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Chris developed a passion for sailing after reading the stories of Joshua Slocum and Bernard Moitessier. With 30 years of experience under his belt, he has sailed the Puget Sound, chartered in tropical waters, and raced offshore. His enthusiasm for sailing is matched by his desire to share the adventure with others. Chris joined Puget Sound Sailing Institute in 2020, where he teaches students the skills and confidence needed to sail independently and enjoy the experience with family and friends.
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Bio coming soon.
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Karl is a former Air Force officer and retired Healthcare Executive and Consultant. He 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.
Darren C.
Director of Operations
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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.
Stephanie Arnold
Sailing Instructor
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Stephanie’s love for the water began early, growing up in a family that spent time fishing, crabbing, water-skiing, and enjoying life at a lakeside home. She discovered sailing 28 years ago while living in England and was immediately drawn to its tranquility and sense of freedom. That passion soon grew into a commitment to teach others—both sailing and powerboating.
Her first sailboat, a Columbia 26 named Second Wind, marked a new chapter. Stephanie began teaching women, and over time expanded her instruction to youth, including middle and high school students. She actively races her J/70 and J/112e in the Salish Sea and always welcomes new crew to join the adventure.
Stephanie is certified to teach ASA courses from Basic Keelboat through Coastal Cruising. She also holds a US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification, Safe Sport certification, Teaching and Coaching Fundamentals, Judge-in-Training status, and a USCG Masters 25T license. Whether day sailing, cruising, or racing, Stephanie brings deep expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every learning experience.
“Thank you Steve L. and Chris for a wonderful ASA 101 (and Darren)! Such a great experience with patient and encouraging instructors and staff. If you are considering sailing lessons this is definitely the place to do it.”
-Megan G.
American Sailing Association Instructor of the Year | 10 Years
1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2021
The Outstanding Instructor of the Year is given to twenty-five outstanding instructors out of over 3000 licensed by the American Sailing Association (ASA). The top twenty-five represent twenty-four cities, across ten states and three 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.
Meet Our Founder, Mike Rice
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!
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 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!
From The News Tribune:
Passion for Sailing Guides Award-Winning Puget Sound Sailing Institute Director
From The Sailing Magazine:
The Country’s Top Sailing Instructors Share What Makes a Good Teacher
From South Sound Talk: