Harish Neelakandan

Photo of Harish Neelakandan
Annapolis, Maryland USA
Rated 5/5 by 1 student

Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Qualified Sailing Instructor / Assessor

I first learned to sail in my 20’s on Boston’s Charles River. After a hiatus, I resumed sailing 20 years ago in Baltimore. I fell so completely in love with the sport that I started sailing 4 - 5 times a week. I became a skipper, cruiser and racer at the Downtown Sailing Center (DSC), and enjoy sailing on zippy J-22s, J-80s, Sonars and a fleet of 30–41’ cruising vessels. I earned my US Sailing and ASA instructor certifications and started regular coaching at the DSC, J World Annapolis, Annapolis Sailing School and occasionally at Spinnaker Sailing in San Francisco Bay. I’m an experienced cruiser and racer. I love coaching, and I’ve learned so much after I started teaching. Since I myself learned to sail as an adult, I remember that initial feeling of puzzlement and wonder at so complex and technical a sport. And as it all starts to fall in place and the light bulbs go off, the exhilaration sets in - and I hope to pass on that exhilarating feeling and love of sailing to all my students.

Credentials

NauticEd Credentials

  • Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Qualified Sailing Instructor / Assessor
  • American National Standards Instructor/Assessor
  • SLC Instructor/Assessor - Sail
  • SLC Instructor/Assessor - Power

Other Credentials

* USCG 50-Ton Master License with Sailing and Towing endorsements * US Sailing Instructor: Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Coastal Navigation * ASA Instructor: Keelboat Sailing 1 & 2, Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Coastal Navigation * Regular coach since 2016 at: J World Annapolis, Downtown Sailing Center (Baltimore), Annapolis Sailing School. Visiting coach at Spinnaker Sailing (Redwood City) * Active Chesapeake Bay cruiser * Active racer (one-design & PHRF)  

Associated practical schools

Publications

Read the Expert Articles Harish Neelakandan has written

Location

JPort Annapolis

If you have your own boat, we can absolutely train you on your vessel in your own marina. If not, we're happy to arrange a charter for the day from one of our partner charter venues on one of the following vessels: Monohulls: Harbor 20, J/22, J/80, J/105, J/32, Beneteau 331. Catamarans: Excess 11, Lagoon 42. Charter rates vary based upon location and boat type.
Notes: I'm also available to travel and assist with skippering anywhere in North America. Just contact me.

Training and assessment

International License Training/Assessment

Notes: Monohulls: Harbor 20, J/22, J/80, J/32, J/105, Beneteau 331 Catamarans: Excess 11, Lagoon 42

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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Feedback from previous students

Christopher L., USA, MD, Potomac at 2026, May 30
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Harish was professional, informed, and helpful in achieving my sailing goals. 5 stars across the board!
Showing last 1 review.