Cap’n Michael is the owner of East Carolina Sailing and Boat Bumz. He holds a USCG Master’s license with Sailing Endorsement and has been on and around boats all his life. He has spent the last few years sailing the sounds of North Carolina, Chesapeake Bay and the Caribbean. Since October of 2010 he has logged more than 3000 miles and spent more than 80 days at sea. Delivering boats from Maine to Tortola and playing Charter Captain from New Jersey to Key Largo, on sailboats ranging from a 31′ sloop to a 72′ ketch. He is an ASA and US Sailing Certified Instructor and is dedicated to teaching you the art of sail.
In his former life he was the Technology Director for a public school system in North Carolina and has spent 20 years teaching adults. This experience allows him to tailor lessons to each individual student’s needs and his laid back style and patience ensures you will learn how to sail while having a fun and safe time on the water.
When he’s in North Carolina he lives on his boat which is currently in port in New Bern, NC. A cruiser at heart, he is working on plans to extend East Carolina Sailing’s season into the winter by relocating the school to the tropics when it turns cold. Follow his adventures at Boat Bumz.
Jane is the newest edition to our team and is taking over the administration at East Carolina Sailing. She currently has completed her ASA Basic Keelboat Certification (101), her Basic Coastal Cruising Certification (103), and is working towards her Bareboat Certification (104). She looks forward to honing her skills in the art of sailing as it gives her more opportunities on the water to enjoy her hobbies as an avid birdwatcher, kayaker, hiker, wildlife photographer and artist.
Formerly the owner/instructor of her own Shotokan Karate Dojo, she holds a Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt). She craves adventures, challenges and visiting new places and cultures.
Jane has always wanted to live on a boat and embraces the minimalist lifestyle that the cruising life can give. She hopes to one day sail in the winter in a lush and warm tropical paradise. Follow Jane as she learns the ropes to becoming a cruising sailor at Boat Bumz.
Cap’n G was named ASA Instructor of the Year for 2010 and has over 40 years sailing experience. He retired from the United States Coast Guard after 21 years of service. During his Coast Guard career he served two instructor tours. Based on his expertise in the field he was tapped to teach seamanship and boat handling at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, N.J. He also taught law and defensive tactics at the the Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy where he served as a subject matter expert and attained master instructor certification.
He has sailed extensively in the Straits of Florida and the Caribbean as well as the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. He is a patient and caring instructor who makes learning fun.
He and First Mate Irene live in Washington and spend as much time as possible in the Keys and the Islands.
Captain Laurel has over 20 years of experience aboard sailboats and tall ships. Besides her sail instructor certification, she holds a US Coast Guard license for 100-ton Master with Auxiliary Sail endorsement. She grew up aboard a Herreshoff -design ketch, instead of living in a house, and her family sailed the waters off British Columbia and Washington State. Since then, Laurel has sailed, raced, and done charter tours as deckhand, bosun, instructor, mate and captain aboard sailboats and tall ships on several seas. Though happy imparting knowledge of marlinspike seamanship, and telling sailors yarns, what she loves most is sharing her passion for sailing!
