Tom Helm

Photo of Tom Helm
Houston, Texas USA

Level V Captain Rank Qualified Sailing Instructor / Assessor

Rated 4.75/5 by 8 students
The ability to sail a boat well is one of the most satisfying skills you will ever learn. My approach is to help each student individually rediscover the natural forces of wind and water, and then guide them through the concepts of using the sails and rudder to attain the skills of successful (and safe) sailboat handling. During the teaching process I provide constant feedback and positive reinforcement, and at the same time explaining the "why", and not just the "how" things are done. My goal is for every student to have a positive experience, and learn to love this sport and lifestyle.

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 Master 25 Ton Inland Waters. Decades of sailboat, powerboat, and paddlecraft experience. Professional geoscientist, river guide, certified lifeguard, and PADI open water diver.

All Locations

Houston Sailing

800 Mariner's Drive Kemah, TX 77565 USA Map it
Monohull sailing and training aboard a Hunter 336, "Opus". We sail all year round in Galveston Bay and Clear Lake, and are available 7 days a week.

Yachtcations

555 Bradford Ave. Pier A Kemah, TX 77565 USA Map it
training on a Lagoon 450 catamaran, "Brie".

Training and assessment

Practical Training Courses

International License Training/Assessment

Notes: Monohull training through Houston Sailing, aboard Hunter 336 monohull, "Opus". Catamaran training through Yachtcations, aboard a Lagoon 450 catamaran, "Brie"

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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tom_helm@live.com
713-817-6175

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Feedback from previous students

Deneen T., USA, TX, Seabrook at 2024, Mar 19
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Tom was winderful to work with. Excellent instructor, friendly and great sailing advise.
David B., USA, TX, Spring at 2023, Sep 23
Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank
Amy H., USA, TX, Savannah at 2023, Jul 10
Practical Competence of Qualified Crew Member Rank
Tom was an excellent instructor. He took the time to explain things when we had questions—I learned some great tips and tricks from a seasoned sailor!
Trent T., USA, TX, Houston at 2023, Apr 11
Practical Competence of Skipper Rank
Thomas S., USA, TX, Crosby at 2022, Nov 17
Practical Competence of Skipper Rank
Tom Helm is an excellent instructor and very well versed in explaining and demonstrating the theory and mechanics of sailing. It's obvious from the very first lesson that he has years of knowledge to validate his teachings and makes for a thorough learning opportunity. Thomas
Marshall G., USA, TX, Houston at 2022, Nov 11
Practical Competence of Skipper Rank
Sarah G., USA, TX, Houston at 2022, Nov 11
Practical Competence of Skipper Rank
Juan S., USA, TX, Spring at 2022, Sep 19
Practical Competence of Skipper Rank
Tom did a great job completing the training sessions. He is very knowledgeable and very patient as well. I really enjoyed sailing with him. Tom placed a lot of emphasis on the weather and safety aspect of the training, which I believe are the most important. It was also very clear that he has plenty sailing experience. We did all the sessions in the Opus sailing vessels, which is a great boat, but definitely requires some TLC, as few systems are not operating properly.
Showing last 8 reviews.