Welcome

Discover My Passion for Boating Education

Who I am

Dedicated Sailor and Powerboater Since 1987

At Capital Boater, I have empowered hundreds of boating enthusiasts with safe and effective sailing and powerboat instruction. My commitment to quality education ensures my clients develop practical skills for a lifetime of enjoyment on the water.

With decades of expertise, I provide exceptional instruction and certification, tailored for various skill levels, in some of the most scenic waterways in the country on both power and sail boats.

Teaching Certifications

American Sailing- 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 114, 118, 119, 120

American Boating- 101, 102, 103

US Sailing- Basic and Performance Keelboat

US Powerboating- Safe Powerboat Handling, Cruising Powerboat

Journey Through the Waves

Instructing since 1987, Captain Steven of Capital Boater started out teaching for a DC sailing school. Over the years, his passion for boating has paved the way for a flourishing instructional enterprise, known for its dedication and expertise.

From humble beginnings, he has grown into a premier boating education provider, inspiring safe and confident boating on the water. His instructor qualifications in both power and sail allow him to teach all the way up to cruising and bareboat chartering levels including catamaran and docking endorsements.

My Mission

To deliver comprehensive and engaging sailing and powerboat instruction, fostering a safe and enjoyable learning environment for all skill levels, while promoting a lifelong love for boating.

My Vision

To be the leading provider of boating education, inspiring individuals to explore the waterways with confidence, safety, and a profound appreciation for the boating lifestyle.

Milestones in the Journey

Key Events Shaping My Path

Growing up in Kenya, I learned to sail and competed for my High School. Once in college I got my first teaching job on Flying Scot’s and Sunfish. After four years of sunny and warm Washington DC sailing I took a hiatus from teaching to get my career as an airline pilot started. Sailing and boating in general never left me and I ultimately returned to the familiar waters of the nation’s capital, to teach once more for the same school. I now freelance to schools nationwide.

Year 1982

Foundation laid

I learned to sail and competed on Laser sailboats- a nimble and fast one- or two-person racer.

Year 1987

The first job

Tired of digging ditches for a sprinkler company in the heat of the summer, I found out that a nearby sailing school was looking for instructors. The rest is history as they say.

Year 1990

First flying job

I literally took a demotion in grade when I left the DC area to go and fly commercially. My first job as a Flight Engineer took me back to Africa and then the Middle East for the first Gulf War.

Year 1991

Meeting my wife

Her Bio said she liked sailing, which sounded a lot better than knitting. I used this angle to get a first date with the future Mrs. Captain Steven.

Year 1993

Moving away

We got married and moved to North Carolina to start a family. The new town/location was not conducive to sailing or power boating and life took me in other directions.

Year 2019

Out of the blue

In the summer of 2019 I got a strange message on LinkedIn asking if I was the same Steven that taught back in the late 80’s at the local marina. Responding in the affirmative, the old co-worker from the day invited me to a 25th anniversary celebration of her ownership of the school. A reconnection was made.

Year 2022

Back in town

Settling back in the metro DC area, a quick text was sent asking to use a boat. The resulting answer was “Sure, wanna teach as well?”

Year 2023

Back in the groove

Having done a few ad-hoc lessons in the summer of 2022, I took on a more regular role by taking over the Big Boat summer camp program. The development of which has been exceptional for the summer campers who now fill every offering.

Years 2023-Now

New certifications

In addition to getting a Keelboat instructor certification, I became a Licensed US Coast Guard Master Mariner. I advanced my offerings to students by attending powerboat instructor courses. A performance sailing endorsement was added as well as the full suite of larger cruising boat instructor ratings in both sail and powerboat categories.

Join Me Today

Start Your water Adventure with Capital Boater

Contact me today to learn which course is right for you and set sail towards mastering the waters.

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