Harish Neelakandan

Instructor in Annapolis, Maryland, USA

Rated 5/5 by 2 students

Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Qualified Sailing Instructor / Assessor

Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Qualified Powerboat 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

Peer Assessed

NauticEd System Knowledge Expert

Transformational Instructor Course Graduate

American National Standards Instructor/Assessor

SLC Instructor/Assessor

Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Qualified Sailing Instructor / Assessor
Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Qualified Powerboat 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

Josh Rundle Sailing Education

Publications

Read the Expert Articles Harish Neelakandan has written

Get instant access to 2 free
online sailing courses

Location

JPort Annapolis

213 Eastern Ave Annapolis, MD 21401 USA Map it

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

Sail Practical Training Courses

Power Practical Training Courses

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

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hneelakandan@alum.mit.edu

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Feedback from previous students

Ray R., USA, TN, College Grove at 2026, Aug 12

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank

Teaching Ability

Depth of Knowledge

Friendliness

Condition of Vessel

Professionalism

I recently completed my SLC-p (International Sailing License and Credentials for Powerboats) practical assessment with Captain Harish Neelakandan, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. Scheduling and communication were prompt and professional. The written exam portion of the assessment, and the on-water practical review, were thorough, clear, and genuinely educational. Harish doesn't just evaluate maneuvers; he explains the "why" behind each one and gives honest, constructive feedback that actually improves your skills. He also took the time to walk me through what to expect on an upcoming sailing trip to Croatia, advice that will serve me well both abroad and on my home waters. If you're looking for an instructor who takes boating safety seriously and genuinely invests in your development as a skipper, I can't recommend Captain Harish highly enough.

Christopher L., USA, MD, Potomac at 2026, May 30