Student Feedback

"Rob has been my instructor for the Sail Canada Basic and Intermediate Cruising courses.  Currently we are working on improving my proficiency on the previous courses.  On my first course it was a thrill that Rob was willing to let me learn by doing and shared a lifetime of sailing information and experience that was never delivered as a lecture. I booked a charter boat and hired Rob as a private instructor for both levels. This allowed my skills to jump ahead as I was at the helm or moving about the boat and never had to share the tasks with other students. 

I find him to be patient and passionate about his love for sailing and sharing that knowledge with those of us that are new to the sport.  I recall on the first course feeling over whelmed with the terminology and while I was at the helm in a light breeze Rob would quiz me on parts of the boat.  I was delighted and surprised that I had indeed learned most of the course material in those few days out.  On our second course he patiently let me comb through the boat looking for the information that I was expected to learn by seeing and doing.  With Rob as my instructor my skills continue to improve and most importantly my interest in becoming a competent sailor continues to grow.

 I am over sixty and this is a solo exploration. My objective in starting to sail was to make life long learning a habit. My mind is learning a new sailing language and navigation, my body is learning how to move on an uneven surface and I am having fun! 

 Regardless of your objectives I am confident you will not be disappointed with a sailing experience with Rob."

"Our dream had been to sail the world but where to start the journey? We met Rob four years ago when we attended a Basic Sailing Class at Cooper Boating. 

Rob engaged with us right away and put together a plan. Pretty soon we had gained the confidence to buy our own boat. Rob was very helpful in guiding us with that as well. He not only visited the boat, but also attended the survey, the haul out, and the sea trial. We definitely had an excellent purchase as a result. 

We sailed with Rob all winter in 2020-2021. He was very patient with us, taught us all the right sailing skills, eg, docking, helming, sail trimming, MOB, maintenance, rigging, rope slicing, weather forecast, navigating, heavy weather sailing and how to hook onto a mooring ball.  We became comfortable enough to handle our boat during the 4-month of learning from Rob. 

He then wrote a recommendation letter to our insurance provider and gave us the boot, encouraging us to go and enjoy the our sailboat. Our first solo sailing destination was Indian Arm. Later that summer we found our way up to Desolation Sound. Rob kept tracking of us and gave and recommendations on how to sail on the way back due to heavy weather.

Since then we have sailed up to Alaska and circumnavigated Vancouver Island. Our next trip is Hawaii! Thanks Rob for holding our hands and bringing us into this amazing sailing world! We couldn’t have done that without Rob."

"With only 10 days of sailing experience, I knew I was hooked. I signed up for a five-day cruising course with Rob. I was anxious going in, not really sure what to expect or if I could even pass the course. Right from the start Rob put my nerves at ease. His in-depth knowledge, and teaching style gave me full confidence in his ability to teach and in my ability to learn and to gain the experience I was hoping for. 

Within a month of completing the course, I put an offer on a 40-foot sailboat and launched the next chapter of my life. Three years later, and 6,000 nautical miles of sailing in the Pacific Northwest, I’m so thankful for Rob and the confidence, experience, and guidance he’s shown me. Not only during the course, but as we’ve stayed in touch over the years. He’s one of those influential people who can have a major impact on your life, and I’m so grateful he was part of mine."