Jeff 'Vegas' Howard

Photo of Jeff 'Vegas' Howard
Oceanside, California USA

Level V Captain Rank Qualified Sailing Instructor / Assessor

Rated 5/5 by 2 students
Passionate sailor and experienced instructor at your service! I discovered the thrill of sailing at 14, at Boy Scout camp. Mastering Small Boat Sailing, I returned the next summer to teach sailing, and I acquired my first boat, a used El Toro, from that camp, and a few years later a Hobie 16. Many years later, I bought my first boat with a cabin below; a 28' Columbia. I embraced the journey, learning through experiences like my first multi-day open-ocean trip in that boat from Long Beach to San Diego. After a couple of years, I purchased a very fast 24’ Seawind Catamaran. I delivered it to San Diego from Newport Beach before realizing my true passion lies in the joy of cruising, not racing. This insight led me to a 42' Hunter and eventually a 46' Hunter. Sailing vessels are my love, and I enjoy sharing that love with others. I promise to treat each vessel and student with the utmost care and love. Let my passion elevate your sailing experience.

Credentials

NauticEd Credentials

NauticEd System Knowledge Expert NauticEd System Knowledge Expert
Transformational Instructor Course Graduate Transformational Instructor Course Graduate
American National Standards Instructor/Assessor American National Standards Instructor/Assessor
SLC Instructor/Assessor SLC Instructor/Assessor
  • Level V Captain Rank Qualified Instructor/Assessor
  • American National Standards Instructor/Assessor
  • SLC Instructor/Assessor

Other Credentials

USCG 50-ton Master Inland and OUPV Near Coastal with Sailing Endorsement Train the Trainer certified

Publications

Read the Expert Articles Jeff 'Vegas' Howard has written

All Locations

San Diego Harbor (plus Mission Bay)

San Diego, CA USA Map it
I will train you on your sailboat or any catamaran or monohull we rent.

Oceanside

Oceanside, CA USA Map it
I will train you on your sailboat or any catamaran or monohull we rent.

Newport Beach / Newport Harbor

Newport Beach, CA USA Map it
I will train you on your sailboat or any catamaran or monohull we rent.

Dana Point

Dana Point, CA USA Map it
I will train you on your sailboat or any catamaran or monohull we rent.
Notes: I primarily teach in the San Diego area, however I am open to travel all over Southern California, including Newport Beach, Oceanside, Dana Point, Marina Del Rey, Long Beach and more.

Training and assessment

Practical Training Courses

International License Training/Assessment

Notes: I will train you, privately, on your sailboat - up to 50 tons of displacement (approximately 65 feet depending on the vessel)

CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS OR TO SCHEDULE TRAINING

As a bonus "thank you", we'll give you two FREE sailing courses and electronic logbook!
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TopHatAndSails@gmail.com
702-369-6000
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Feedback from previous students

Matthew D., USA, CA, San Diego at 2024, Nov 26
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Very knowledgeable Captain. Lots of yacht delivery experiences to share. Spends over 200 days offshore each year. Makes complex issues simple and backs them up with real-world examples.
Peter D., USA, CA, Escondido at 2024, Aug 14
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Jeff was very professional, knowledgeable, courteous and friendly.
Showing last 2 reviews.