Ben Stickney

Photo of Ben Stickney

Instructor in Chapin, South Carolina, USA

Rated 4.9/5 by 2 students

Level V Captain Rank Chief Sailing Instructor / Assessor

Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Chief Powerboat Instructor / Assessor

Master Captain Ben Stickney, a Naval Academy graduate, combat fighter pilot, and seasoned professional sailor, has taught students worldwide some of the most challenging skills to master. With experience piloting everything from nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to large yachts and ocean-going sailing vessels, Ben brings unparalleled expertise to the water. Based on Lake Murray, South Carolina, he runs PilotCoveVentures.com, offering powerboat lessons, sailing lessons, charters, and tours tailored to any experience level. Holding both a 100 Ton Coast Guard Master License and a US Navy Offshore Sailing Skipper qualification, Ben ensures his students HAVE FUN while gaining the skills and confidence needed to excel on the water!

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
Catamaran Catamaran
  • Level V Captain Rank Chief Sailing Instructor / Assessor
  • Level V Bareboat Charter Master Rank Chief Powerboat Instructor / Assessor
  • American National Standards Instructor/Assessor
  • SLC Instructor/Assessor - Sail
  • SLC Instructor/Assessor - Power
  • Catamaran Instructor/Assessor

Other Credentials

USCG Master 100T Near Coastal with Sail/Tow USN Offshore Sailing Skipper Qualification

Associated practical schools

Publications

Read the Expert Articles Ben Stickney has written

All Locations

Lake Murray

Columbia, SC 29212 USA Map it

Penobscot Bay

Bangor, ME USA Map it

Charleston

Charleston, SC 29492 USA Map it

Boston

Withrop, MA 02152 USA Map it
Available monthly for SLC and SLC(p) training during the season.
Notes: Flexible to travel and help with SLC instruction and skippering anywhere globally. All skill levels welcome! Just contact me!

Training and assessment

Sail Practical Training Courses

Power Practical Training Courses

International License Training/Assessment

Notes: Maxum 41, Catalina 30, Sportsman Heritage 241

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

Ivan Y., USA, TN, Lenoir City at 2026, May 12
Practical Competence of Skipper Small Sailboat Rank
Ben was great to work with – very knowledgeable and patient. Lake Murray teaching location was ideal as well. Thanks again, Ben!
Jerry C., USA, GA, Atlanta at 2026, Mar 25
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Ben was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable! His methodology of teaching was excellent. I recently returned from a 4-month sailing trip and used many of Ben's tips and advice! I would highly recommend him !!! "4" on the boat, but it was not his boat.
Showing last 2 reviews.