Alan Somervell – Sailing Instructor

NauticEd Credentials

Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor/Assessor

American National Standards Instructor/Assessor

SLC Instructor/Assessor

ICC Preparatory Instructor

Sailing Resume

Rated 4.78/5 by 91 students

Other Credentials

NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master Qualified Instructor USCG 50 Ton since 1998 Certified Instructor

Contact

Email: alan@islandsailingclub.com,
Phone: 503 285-7765

My Personal Comment and Commitment to You

Growing up in a “water family” on the Chesapeake Bay, his Dad, a Champion Snipe sailor, and his Grandfather, a waterman, instilled into Alan a love of the water and boats. He placed second in his first sailboat race at the age of 8. He has sailed extensively back East on the Bay and the Sounds of North Carolina. “The creeks and bays were my backyard, my playground … my teachers”. Alan started working on our boats part time in 1993. He started teaching full time for ISC in 1997. He is a USCG licensed captain, a Certified Instructor, and is First Aid First Response Trained. He has trained hundreds of sailors some of whom have sailed the oceans, and a few who have gone on to become instructors. He is always willing to share his wit and wisdom with his fellow sailors and beams with pride when one of his pupils sets sails on their own.

Juice up your Sailing Certificate. Take an online sailing course from NauticEd and get professional practical sailing instruction from Alan Somervell

Feedback from Previous Students

Sheena S., , at 2019, Sep 24

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Benjamin G., USA, WA North Boneville at 2019, Sep 16

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Grant W., USA, OR Tigard at 2019, Sep 16

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Michelle J., USA, at 2019, Sep 16

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The motor on the sailboat died a couple times during the course, including during docking and maneuvering, which led to some tense moments on the boat that could have been handled more professionally, but may have led to some unintended teachable moments. There were some additional tense moments and at some point each of the students was treated a little unprofessionally for making learning mistakes that didn't jeopardize the safety of the crew (e.g., confusing the direction of the tiller handle, grabbing the wrong line, or adjusting the wrong sail). Finding alternative ways to describe a task when students are confused by new terminology would be helpful in these situations and may prevent escalating the situation. That being said, Alan's knowledge base is exceptional and after some of the more tense moments were stabilized he was very approachable for questions. His passion for sailing is also apparent and he is great at encouraging students to try things out of their comfort zone

Malakai S., USA, OR Bend at 2019, Sep 04

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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He is a all around great guy. Really friendly and know a bunch about sail boats.

Bret M., , at 2019, Sep 02

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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The training was intense and my fellow students were of little help in making the instruction easy. I feel I could take a sailboat out with anyone of any level of skill and operate it with one sail. Adding the jib sail, I would need another competent sailor to assist the voyage.

Steven K., USA, OR Lake Oswego at 2019, Aug 05

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan did an excellent job teaching us all aspects of sailing a small sailboat. His knowledge and tips truly helped build our confidence and ability over the course.

stacey S., USA, WA Vancouver at 2019, Jul 23

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William B., USA, WA Beaverton at 2019, Jul 16

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan did a great job and went above and beyond. Taught us to really understand what the boat is doing. Great class, great instructor.

Marcel J., USA, OR west linn at 2019, Jun 10

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Clarity S., USA, at 2019, Jun 11

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Jake S., USA, OR Lake Oswego at 2019, Jun 10

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Definitely not confident I could do it solo, but with an extra hand or two then I'd feel great! Thanks for a great class.

Mark N., USA, OR PORTLAND at 2019, Jun 22

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Drew D., USA, OR Portland at 2019, May 27

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Thank you Alan!!

JonAlan P., USA, WA La Center at 2019, Apr 29

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Roger A., USA, OR Portland at 2019, Apr 29

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan has tremendous knowledge and capability; stays focused on teaching from morning to night; and shows incredible forbearance with his students.

Julie D., USA, OR Portland at 2019, Apr 02

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Steven G., USA, WA WOODINVILLE at 2019, Mar 25

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Excellent coach and instructor. Alan gave me multiple new tips that I will use with my future cruising adventures. His depth and knowledge on the water is invaluable and enjoyed my time we spent. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to advance themselves in their nautical skills. I felt we were thoroughly checked out, from the sea cocks, on up through the galley, anchoring, electrical, engine mechanics, navigation, and of course sailing. Thank you for a non-stop educational weekend with knowledge I have taken away.

Jerry F., , at 2019, Mar 11

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Mark B., USA, OR Beaverton at 2018, Oct 27

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan has been great all through the process

Ximing S., USA, at 2018, Nov 16

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Great learning experience

Tom F., USA, at 2018, Oct 16

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Lot of information perhaps another day would be helpful

Russell K., USA, OR Troutdale at 2018, Aug 21

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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The class was great. Alan did an amazing job getting us all to not just perform sailing tasks but think about why we were doing them. Learning about sailing is my first goal, not just getting a certificate. Alan made that happen.

Anita M., USA, WA Camas at 2018, Aug 22

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Great instructor. Very patient and willing to help me learn at my pace

Jacob R., USA, OR Portland at 2018, Aug 24

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan threw all kinds of interesting scenarios at us!

Thomas H., USA, OR Lake Oswego at 2019, Jul 21

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Maneuvering in nearby "exclusive" marina under sail with light variable winds avoiding expensive yachts while touch and go landing was a challange

Christopher B., USA, OR Portland at 2018, Aug 20

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Tammie K., USA, OR Portland at 2018, Oct 01

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is an excellent sailor. Great course.

Karen H., USA, OR Bend at 2018, Jun 11

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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I have had many instructors of numerous topics, including various sports, over many years (50+). While I feel I learned a great deal in this 2 day course with the pre-course online instruction as well as during the course, I have to honestly say I don't think I have ever had such a poor instructor. He was unable to speak in full sentences. He was unable to clearly and briefly explain to the students what we were about to do and how it was to be executed. He was unable to call his 4 students by name even by the end of Day 2 when giving commands making it difficult to tell who was suppose to do what. While we had calm winds and were never in a threatening situation, each of us was yelled at by this instructor numerous times during the 2 day course. I have sailed and raced a single laser, years ago. I have sailed 2-person small keel boats with another crew member and know that when racing, the skipper may 'shout out' a command to the crew member to enhance the racing experience, but n

Mike L., USA, OR Sublimity at 2018, Jun 24

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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We were fortunate in that the others in our group didn’t show up. Alan really gave us serious practical instruction/experience that I feel I can use successfully. Great teacher and I’d recommend him for anyone learning how to sail.

Kyle B., USA, at 2018, May 03

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Mark N., USA, OR Portland at 2018, May 04

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Vitas W., USA, OR Portland at 2019, Feb 03

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Mark N., USA, OR Portland at 2018, Mar 16

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Richard M., USA, WA Battle Ground at 2018, May 04

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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I had very little previous sailing knowledge before the class with Alan Somervell but thanks to his instruction now feel that I am on my way to becoming more comfortable and accomplished in sailing a small boat. I have a long way to go, but thanks to Alan Somervell’s vast knowledge, patient teaching style, and kind encouragement, I learned a lot and plan to continue to pursue my dream of owning my own boat and competently being able to sail it with family and friends.

Wayne M., USA, at 2018, Mar 15

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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This was a great class. I feel confident in sailing on our own in at least basic conditions. Alan took the time that was needed to make sure we understood each facet of the class, and also stayed afterward to offer advice for our specific questions and situation.

Christopher D., USA, WA Vancouver at 2018, Jun 11

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan did a fabulous job. Very thorough, and explains content well. I've recommended a number of others to him since those classes. (I would have given him 25 stars out of 25 but that would have left no room for improvement).

Calden C., USA, OR Portland at 2018, Feb 12

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is great fun in the boat and full of handy hints to make sailing easier, safer and more fun (less re-coiling of lines!). Thanks!

Arthur "Dow" W., USA, OR Portland at 2018, Feb 13

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan was a great instructor. The only reason I marked somewhat competent is that I need to practice more so it becomes more natural.

Justin R., USA, WA Vancouver at 2017, Nov 13

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is a fantastic teacher with wide knowledge and a willingness to share.

Jeffrey B., USA, OR Scappoose at 2017, Nov 16

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Keep up the great work Alan.

David C., USA, OR Portland at 2017, Oct 23

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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A truly dedicated sailor! Thank you Alan!

Lisa L., USA, OR Portland at 2018, Aug 23

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Appreciate your class. Learned a lot.

Jacob L., , at 2017, Sep 19

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Alice M., USA, OR Portland at 2017, Sep 04

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Jim S., USA, OR Portland at 2018, Jun 11

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Alan was great until we ran aground. This happened 3 times during out 2 days of lessons. In stead of remaining calm and leading us out of this non-emergent problem he resorted to unhelpful yelling at us, providing us with poor direction, and basically creating chaos. No one died. I was with my wife and 2 grown children. The four of us debriefed about this during and immediately after the incidents and at the end of each day. I liked Alan and the classes. I would take another class from him despite this most unpleasant and disturbing encounter.

Colin B., USA, OR Salem at 2017, Aug 14

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is a great resource for the sailing community and he is a fantastic instructor. I had a great time in class and I feel like I learned a great deal.

Jeffrey W., USA, OR Portland at 2018, May 07

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I personally need more experience but I'm working on that now and joined Island sailing club this spring. Alan's great!

Timothy D., USA, OR Bend at 2017, Aug 19

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Alan was a great instructor who's clearly very knowledgeable about sailing. He was able to adjust his teaching style to best suit each of the four people on our boat, not an easy task. I'll take another class from him anytime.

Larry S., USA, OR Portland at 2017, Jul 11

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Great instructor. Very experienced and will challenge you to think and make decisions instead of just running through the routines. Great learning experience overall with emphasis on practical sailing skills....

Brian C., USA, OR Portland at 2017, Jul 10

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More time discussing the specifics of a maneuver or exercise would help alleviate moments of confusion and distress...even going over some of the terminology/slang used to make commands would help ensure that the entire crew is on the same page. Overall, Alan is amazingly knowledgeable and confident and we were able to push out learning and practical experience. Alan made time to review and revisit concepts and practicals with each student, which was supremely helpful. We relied heavily on auditory learning, which is not my natural learning style, more hands on or visual before actually having to perform on the vessel would be nice. I hope to have more instruction time with Alan in the future. Clearly he is an invaluable resource!

Jonathon P., USA, WA Tacoma at 2017, Jul 10

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Dale C., USA, OR Portland at 2017, Jul 10

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JOHN B., USA, OR PORTLAND at 2017, Jun 12

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Carisa B., USA, at 2017, May 16

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Alan, you did a great job teaching us as a group, and I felt like I got a lot of individual instruction, too. Thank you!

Michael M., USA, OR Portland at 2017, Nov 02

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Kenneth T., USA, at 2017, May 18

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Rosemary M., USA, OR Beaverton at 2018, Jul 16

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Diana H., USA, WA La Center at 2017, Jun 08

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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I had a great time learning to sail with Island Sailing. I feel able to to sail in many situations because the conditions of my learning were difficult. After all was said and done, sailing in other places will be easy. My goal is "Crew" and I will stick with that.

Debra B., USA, OR Portland at 2017, May 16

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan has an amazing amount of sailing experience which he shared freely. I learned a lot, now I just need to get out there! One thing that was difficult, but related to teaching 4 people on a boat, was when one person is given instruction, the others often do not get the same info because we would be on different parts of the boat. This is not a fault, just something to think about.

Bruce F., USA, at 2018, Feb 13

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Top drawer instructor. Island Sailing should be very proud to have him representing them and NauticEd as well

Jim T., USA, OR Portland at 2017, Apr 17

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Alan is a good instructor who could be great if he paid a bit more attention to clear (non-mistakable words/colloquialisms)commands. He's a great sailing resource and has an infectious joy of the sport.

Brian P., USA, OR Lafayette at 2017, May 05

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Calm, patient with new to sailing crowd, a pleasure to work with

Dan G., USA, OR Bend at 2016, Nov 26

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is awesome.

Terri L., USA, OR Tigard at 2016, Oct 31

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Alan really knows his craft and has learned from a multi generations of sailors. He seems to know all the tips and tricks to make your class instruction and practical interesting and very enjoyable. He's smart, funny and just an all around great instructor. I would highly recommend Alan to anyone wanting to learn how to sail.

Teresa C., USA, WA Washougal at 2016, Oct 31

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James B., USA, PA Pittsburgh at 2016, Nov 23

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Really enjoyed having Alan as an instructor.

Kevin R., USA, OR Portland at 2016, Nov 02

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is a very good instructor, and has incredible depth of knowledge.

Nathaniel P., USA, OR Portland at 2016, Nov 28

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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While I've learned a great deal in the courses I've taken from Alan it must be said that I continue to learn every time I'm lucky enough to spend time with him. From sail trim to systems troubleshooting and maintenance his knowledge in boating is staggering and his passion for sharing this is very much appreciated.

John D., USA, WA North Plains at 2016, Nov 23

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Lisa B., USA, WA Vancouver at 2016, Oct 25

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Travis E., USA, Portland at 2017, Jul 01

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Sometimes I have difficulty understanding the concepts but it they become clearer after I had an opportunity to practice them. Thanks for your patients and sharing your knowledge.

John B., USA, WA Vancouver at 2016, Oct 24

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Cathy H., USA, at 2016, Oct 03

Practical Competence of Skipper (small keelboat) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan was a great teacher.

William B., USA, OR Portland at 2017, Feb 08

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Really enjoyed the class. Alan did a great job, I thought, of getting the crew involved and was very patient. I would recommend the class to anybody who is looking for more advanced boat training.

Joe M., USA, OR Sandy at 2016, Sep 30

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Carlo N., USA, at 2016, Sep 28

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Anders H., USA, WA Olympia at 2017, May 25

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan does a great job as an instructor. He did his utmost to make the class fun and informative, even while fighting a bad cold. I learned a lot and had a good time.

Timothy M., USA, OR Portland at 2016, Sep 29

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Instructor Alan Somervell was friendly and professional, and displayed a high degree of sailing knowledge.

George C., USA, WA Kirkland at 2016, Sep 12

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Great time and learned a bunch! Thanks Alan!!

Mark T., USA, WA Bothell at 2016, Sep 12

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is an amazing sailing instructor. I learned more from him in the past two days than I have ever learned in weekend or week for that matter. Seriously, ever moment was a learning experience. Everything he said was relevant, clearly stated, and practical. His is truly the best of the best, and I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation. He is without a doubt a master at his trade.

Richard H., USA, WA Mill Creek at 2016, Sep 12

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is an exceptional instructure. I learned more practical skills with him in 2 days than I had in months of sailing.

Philippe T., USA, MO O Fallon at 2016, Oct 07

Practical Competence of Skipper Small Keelboat (24ft, 7m) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Birgit K., USA, OR Portland at 2016, Sep 17

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan enjoys teaching and has an incredible knowledge base. He set a good pace and a good tone-- "let's just try this and see what happens." We spent a couple of hours docking in a tight marina with 12 knots of wind in the marina. He had the patience to let me try multiple approaches when trying to dock sideways upwind, and exuded confidence that we can do it. No vessels or egos were harmed in the attempt. And now I feel very confident that I can handle a bareboat charter.

Tamsin L., USA, OR Beaverton at 2018, Sep 25

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Tony S., USA, at 2016, May 31

Practical Competence of Skipper Small Keelboat (24ft, 7m) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Allen was a great instructor. He had patience and was very knowledgeable about the boat the area everything. He is also a brave man being out there with some rookies and he got us all back safe. Thanks island sailing

Steven P., USA, at 2016, May 31

Practical Competence of Skipper Small Keelboat (24ft, 7m) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan Somervell was an excellent instructor that was able to break down difficult concepts for beginners like myself. He was patient and taught us what we needed to learn to be safe on the water. I am confident to go out on my own.

JOHN B., USA, OR PORTLAND at 2016, Sep 28

Practical Competence of Skipper Small Keelboat (24ft, 7m) Rank - by Island Sailing

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Re teaching ability, I have sailing experience, and didn't have any trouble following his directions. I think my wife, in the same class and without prior experience, found that his instruction sometimes wasn't basic enough, especially in how to handle the tiller.

Joshua J., USA, WA Seattle at 2018, Jan 28

Practical Competence of Skipper Rank - by Island Sailing

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aj B., USA, WA Auburn at 2016, Sep 30

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Alan is by far the most experienced sailor I've ever met. He's always ready and willing to answer any questions you may have.

John H., USA, OR Aurora at 2015, Jun 29

Practical Competence of Bareboat Charter Master Rank - by Island Sailing

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Allan is an excellent instructor, and very knowledgeable. Training was fun and interesting.

Alan Somervell: Sailing Instructor

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