AJ Brannan

Photo of AJ Brannan
Bluffton, South Carolina USA

Level III Bareboat Charter Master Rank Qualified Sailing Instructor / Assessor

Rated 4.76/5 by 45 students
I grew up on a small estuary in South Carolina. I began kayaking at the age of 4, first Jon boat at 6, and continued up to a 30ft offshore powerboat at 14. My love for the ocean compelled me to achieve a degree in Marine Biology (I'm the definition of a shark nut). After graduating I decided to move to the northwest to get a taste of the Pacific Ocean and got sucked into sailing - where I managed sailing schools and clubs in Seattle, Olympia, and Gig Harbor Washington. I love instructing - nothing compares to that little smirk everyone gets when we first heel over, and it just gets better from there!

Credentials

NauticEd Credentials

  • Level III Bareboat Charter Master Rank Qualified Instructor/Assessor
  • American National Standards Instructor/Assessor
  • SLC Instructor/Assessor
  • ICC Preparatory Instructor

Other Credentials

USCG OUPV

Location

Bluffton / Hilton Head Island

I'm available for Private Instruction and certification/licensing assessment on your boat in the Bluffton / Hilton Head / Savannah area.

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

Jillian W., USA at 2018, Sep 04
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
Cpt. Brannan is a skilled facilitator of learning. It is clear he knows how to impart knowledge accommodating various learning styles and has solid understanding of adult learning theory. These strengths accompany his extensive sailing knowledge. I benefited greatly from his ability to challenge me and help me see the simplicity within the complexity. I highly recommend AJ, and his instruction style.
Mateusz S., USA, WA, Redmond at 2018, Sep 04
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
Jane H., USA, WA, Kirkland at 2018, Aug 22
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
AJ covered everything required in the course and I had the opportunity to put all the newly learned skills into practice. I finished the second day of the class feeling more confident than I had expected. Having said that, I definitely need some more time sailing with someone more experienced.
Roy L., USA at 2018, Aug 23
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
We were weathered out a scheduled day. A.J. went out of his way to find a substitute date that would work while we were in the area. Outstanding!
William B., USA, WA, Beaverton at 2018, Aug 13
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
I learned a lot from Alan during the Skipper small keel boat classes, the spinnaker clinics and the several evenings I sailed with him on board Zap. Island sailing is lucky to have him at the helm.
Ximing S., USA at 2018, Aug 09
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
Nicholas B., USA at 2018, Aug 06
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
Kathy R., USA, WA, Sammamish at 2018, Jul 27
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
AJ was great. I need more practice and have eagerly signed up for the next step. I love it!
Jon W., USA at 2018, Jul 11
Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank
AJ had a great approach of teaching us while letting us feel relaxed and learn. Had a great two days!
Alan S., USA, OR, Gresham at 2018, May 25
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Showing 1 - 10 of last 45 reviews.