Personalized Boat Handling Instruction

Mon, October 7, 2013

Jeremy

We wanted to take just a minute and let you know that both Chris and I wish to thank you so much for your excellent instruction and an excellent experience. You made our training both informative and fun. As we joked while on board - "you don't know what you don't know", and that holds especially true for handling a 36 ft, 465 HP trawler! Your teaching style as well as your patience and ability to break down what we needed to learn into easy to handle bites was great.

At the start, both of us would not have thought we could have learned so much in the three days we were with you, but following your instruction we were very confident taking the boat out by ourselves for the two additional days after our training. Our trip around Kent Island to Rock Hall and back was uneventful (in a good way / we did not embarrass ourselves or you at the marina in Rock Hall) and validated the training we received.

Thanks again and we look forward to chartering again soon.

Tim & Chris K

Fri, March 29, 2013

Hi Jeremy:

Just wanted to thank you again for magnificent instruction combined with a big dose of patience. I'll be sure to call you if I need more help.

Fritz

Wed, September 25, 2013

Hi Jeremy,

Thank you for an informative and entertaining few days. We learned a lot! Loved the navigation info. I gave your name to the guy who bought the 45 foot boat and has never been in one before! Let's all hope he calls you! Thanks again, I'm sure we will be in touch with you for opinions and questions.

Kathy and Larry

Mon, July 23, 2012

Dear Jeremy,

I wouldn't have thought that Mike and I could have learned enough in three days to prepare us to properly operate the Albin 36 Express Trawler by ourselves.

We easily navigated through the Chesapeake, arrived safely at the marina all docked, lined and fendered up for the night without hitting anything or embarrassing ourselves!

We enjoyed a couple of extra days in Annapolis boat shopping - and meeting some of your friends! I couldn't help but compliment your teaching style and sly sense of humor.

We accomplished more than we hoped for and are looking forward to getting back out on the water soon. Thank you so much for your patience with us.

Sincerely,

Kathleen and Mike

Mon, 22 Jul 2002

Jeremy,

Many thanks for the note and for the kind words and wishes. I had a wonderful time on the delivery, thanks to you and Bill. You make quite a team, and I am convinced that there is NO (absolutely NO) obstacle that you couldn't work around (or untangle :) )!

I learned a lot. You are one of the best teachers and coaches that I have ever encountered. I could go on, but by far the best thing about the trip for me was being a part of your "crew" and gaining the friendship of two great shipmates. Thank you.

Thanks also for your kindness and help with my Dad and Charlie. They had a ball. By the time dinner was over Monday night, the waves on the Bay had reached 20 feet that day!

Thanks again. If you ever need a recommendation, don't hesitate to use me. Fair winds and following seas to you, Jeremy.

Fred

Mon, May 20, 2013

Jeremy,

Sue and I would like to thank you for bringing Grand Eagle home. It was a great pleasure working with you – thank you for your patience and understanding. We hope to schedule a “mini-cruise” instruction with you between the dates of 6/22 – 6/24. Please let us know your availability. Thank you again,

Larry & Sue Klauer

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Mon, May 20, 2013

Dear Jeremy:

Thanks for your update and thanks for helping Larry and Sue with the Grand Eagle delivery.

They are really great people, so I was very glad to know you were available, versus just any other captain.

Thanks again, and I will let you know when I have any more deliveries coming up.

Curtis Stokes

"Capt. Jeremy was a great help. We learned a lot. He has a very easy going style. What I like the best about him was he wasn't quick to give you answers when problems arose. He would question you until you figured it out. I believe that helped to make the lessons stick. I would highly recommend him."

Wed, May 16 2012

Hi Jeremy,

Thank you for the great learning / delivery experience. We are loving our new Beneteau. I've taken it out a few times single handedly and had no trouble (including docking it in the more difficult of the two slips we were looking at). Michele and I will be going out again and I will start teaching her some basics over the next two months. Then shortly thereafter I will want to hire you again to do some hands-on training work with her. I will reach out to you to consult on a curriculum that you would suggest. Consider her a beginner but an eager one who's not afraid of trying anything.

Michael

Date: Mon, November 18, 2013 12:27

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you for sending the pictures you took, they are excellent and my wife found it most interesting to see the record of the first four days. I have been gathering parts and rebuilding the spare water pressure and bilge pumps for my visit to the boat later this week to make repairs and improvements – including a rudder angle indicator!

I really enjoyed the 4 days we spent on the boat and I learned so much from you. I greatly appreciate the professional way you organized the trip and your excellent instruction. I will let you know how the rest of the journey goes. I am still hoping to get the boat to Charleston by the end of December.

Best regards,

Paul

Tue, 16 Nov 2010

Hello Jeremy,

I'm glad you made it home safely. First let me thank you for a great experience and for being such a good teacher of all things nautical.

I sent out the balance of payment today and I wanted to say thanks for a great experience and also for helping me learn some basic boat handling and chart reading. I have never owned a boat with twins and was reluctant to try docking but with your help I am now much more confident operating the boat.

It was a trip I'll always remember and I feel much more confident as far as boat handling goes.

Thanks for everything, Marc and Andree

Fri, October 4, 2013

Hello Capt Jeremy,

We docked at the Welcome Center at 16:00 today. New adventures every day. Thank God you taught us well on the charts. Our new GPS died on us! We are tied up for the night with a group of sail boaters, two of which are musicians - very cool. Having now had the opportunity to put everything we learned from you into practical use we cannot thank you enough for your clear instruction - and your patience! Talk to you soon.

Marybeth & Ron

Mon, April 30, 2012

Jeremy… Thanks for the prompt reply on the pricing for the SeaRay delivery. When you send the info, please let me know your availability as well. In terms of our weekend training together, we thought it was great! Very productive and we learned a great deal. It was also nice working with you personally.

Best regards,

Jim

Mon, 11 July 2005

Jeremy:

Thanks again for a terrific weekend of instruction onboard my recently acquired Nordic Tug “Sea Wolf”. I can’t believe how much I learned and how much progress I made.

Bill

Sun, 05 Aug 2007

Sorry about the delay with the USCG form - I've just gotten around to checking my email at home. Anyway - just got back from the boat. We're loving it. Again - many thanks for your help and wise counsel. I've been shouting your praises to all who will listen.

Lou

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Mon, 21 Jul 2008

Jeremy,

As we approach the first anniversary of the delivery of the Kubiak II, I wanted to extend my renewed appreciation for everything you did to ensure the safe delivery of our dream boat. Anne and I have enjoyed almost a year on the Bay now, in safety and confidence. There is no question that my six days under your excellent tutelage were extremely well spent, and daily influence my confidence at the helm. Again, thanks for everything!

Lou

Sun, 11 Nov 2007

Dear Jeremy,

Yes! Sandie and I, with brother Bill, safely arrived in Hertford on Wednesday afternoon

.

We had to spend an extra day in Annapolis, and then two days in Solomons Island due to high winds and seas. The remainder of the trip, including the ICW portion, was uneventful. We handled the “little ship” with new found skill, and loved every minute.

Sandie and I want to, again, thank you for getting us started. You are a pro - a delightful seaman and a new friend.

All the best, David.

Wed, 13 Jul 2011

Hi Jeremy,

I cannot thank you enough for the time you spent with David and I. It was invaluable. I really did not think that we could take in so much information in three days, but we did! We both are so much more comfortable with handling Tug-A-Long now. All the thanks go to you and your patience. You are a spectacular teacher, and we would gladly talk with any of your prospective clients if they would like to speak with some of your past pupils.

Thanks again. Take care,

Debbie

PS. I have given your contact information to our broker, Bob Star with Virginia Yacht brokers. Hopefully you will be hearing from him as well.

Tue, 16 Nov 2010

Thank you for the RayMarine info. That quite likely would have solved the problem! I will try it. Boo is a wonderful yacht, and your help will always be very much appreciated. I do hope our paths cross again. You are a great Captain.

Very best, John and Anne

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Fri, September 16, 2011

Hi Jeremy,

Anne and I continue to love the boat. We just returned from the Bahamas - a great trip! I was aboard for 70 continuous glorious days.

I am told I handle her well. Your delivery, instruction and help were VERY IMPORTANT.

Very best,

John

Mon, October 8, 2012

Jeremy, we are off for a two week cruise down the west coast of FL. Of course using the many skills we learned from the BEST ....you. Take care.

Roger and Darlene

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Sat, July 27, 2013

Hi Jeremy .......tomorrow, July 28 , it will be 5 years since we embarked on the famous journey of bringing our new Nordic Tug home from Annapolis ........can you believe it !! I want to thank you again for all, no ALL, you did for us during your 17-day Captain’s role........we are out on Finally now and I will tell you that not a trip goes by that I do not use your guidance and direction.......I see so many examples where other boaters could use some ............anyway we hope you have a great summer/fall, doing whatever it is you want ........we try to do likewise............. any plans to be in the St Pete area???

Once again, ALL the best to you, Capt. Jeremy

Roger and Darlene

Sun, 6 Sep 2009

Jeremy, thanks again for the terrific time we had with you, and for the birthday card! We will be sure to keep in touch.

Patty & Mark

Fri, 15 May 2009

Jeremy, Hope this message finds you well. On behalf of Kathy and myself thank you for the outstanding instruction. We are currently in Jersey City Liberty Landing Marina. Heading up the Hudson tomorrow!

Regards, Richard

Mon, December 24, 2011

Jeremy -

I wanted to thank you again for our instruction/charter on the Chesapeake - the greatest vacation of the year! Thank you also for the photo CD.

Happy New Year too!

Steve

Fri, 9 Sep 2005

Jeremy,

Just wanted to say thanks again for taking me along to RI. I enjoyed myself, learned so many new things, and enjoyed your company. You’re a true professional and it shows in everything you do. Good luck to you in the future.

Joe

Tue, April 23, 2013

Jeremy,

Hope all is well. I just wanted to say thanks again for the family lessons this past weekend. We learned a lot and most importantly the entire family had fun!

Ivonne and I are practicing and the entire family is taking the online safety courses. Can you believe that Christine finished her safety course already?

We want to make you proud!

Take care,

Darrell & Ivonne

Tue 19, Aug 2008

Jeremy, just a note of thanks for your efforts yesterday with my new boat. I really do appreciate your professional attitude and expertise.

I know you had a busy schedule and your willingness to extend yourself to help me demonstrates your commitment to your clients.

Your efforts will contribute substantially to our future enjoyment of the boat.

Steve

Mon, 4 Jun 2007

We three regret very much losing your tutelage. You were tops. I am sending a print of the first drawing I made this fall after they replaced the knuckles in my right hand. You are a special person. Take good care of yourself.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline, Eric and Stephen

Thu, 01 Feb 2007

Hi Joel and Vela,

The voyage went very well. We had a crew of 4 of mixed experience and a professional delivery captain. We cleared out of Fort Lauderdale at 10am in Saturday and arrived at our mooring at the top of Galveston bay at about 9pm the following Friday.

The boat performed very well, nothing broke and nobody was injured. We had a steady ten to fifteen knots of breeze for the first couple of days. For about 10 hours during the middle of the delivery (and at night ) we encountered stronger winds. We were on a broad reach averaging about nine knots with the apparent wind gusting to about 35 knots. However we had a very balanced sail configuration and the ride was very smooth with the autopilot easily handling the conditions.

On a finishing note I would like to recommend our captain, Jeremy Hopkins, to you. He was very professional, competent and knowledgeable. He is also very likeable and easy to get along with. I have included his contact information.

Regards

John and Sunny

Mon, December 10, 2012

Jeremy,

The passage here was an adventure I'll not forget and I'm grateful for your help, patience, humor and knowledge. My thanks to you and Rob for that.

I wish you well, hope our paths cross again some day and you continue to enrich the people who are open to getting to know you. You have a lot to offer and I'm glad to have gotten to know you.

Bruce

Mon, 2 May 2005

Jeremy-

Thanks so much for your follow up on Todd/SeaBa. It is always nice to work with someone so professional and thoughtful. I will continue to recommend you as often as I can.

Cheers!

Tim
Annapolis Yacht Sales Inc

Sun, August 11, 2013

I met with Capt. Gary on the boat today and I couldn't be more pleased. The delivery is going to be fun. I'm amazed at how much I DON'T know about sailing next to a guy like him!!! Yikes.

Tom

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Tues, 24 September, 2013

Jeremy,

My experience on the delivery was great. I was pretty stressed out worrying about getting safely home but your guys were great. I had the utmost confidence in Capt Gary and his experience and expertise. Thanks again.

Tom

Mon, 2 May 2011

Jeremy, Thank you again for helping bring Chance home. It was a great trip for all of us. Keep in touch!!

Steve

Wed, 31 Aug 2011

Very many thanks, Jeremy, for your patience and help today. We enjoyed getting to know about our new boat. Look forward to learning some more.

All the best.......Don and Catherine

Mon, 22 Jun 2009

Capt. Bill,

I wanted to take a few minutes and thank you and Carroll for the very successful delivery of String Music from Charleston to Annapolis. I simply cannot imagine having anyone that was more knowledgeable, capable, and professional to assist me with this challenging task. I think we encountered a little of everything during the trip and I appreciated having the opportunity to learn from your experiences.

I would also add that both Jackson and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the two of you and making new friends. I hope we can stay in touch going forward.

Stay in touch and perhaps we can get together at some point and take our wives for a sail.

Thanks again and take care,

David (and Jackson)

Sun, 8 Aug 2004

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you SO MUCH for the fab cushion, in Pac Blue, with Altnabrocky II proudly emblazoned thereon! It is gorgeous, looks like it's been part of the boat since its birth, and is just the thing for old seamen's backs (of course it takes one to...) don't know why you would be giving us a present - the debt is owed the other way round. We enjoyed your company greatly, and all feel vastly more competent on the water thanks to you. You've also taken a permanent place in the family now, immortalized in wedding videos!

Don't know when the next crossing of paths will be - most likely when we undertake the Next Big Adventure, as Pooh would put it - which probably won't be before next season. Till then enjoy land and water in perfect mixture, and thanks again for sailing gifts and post-sailing gifts.

Simon

5/11/2004

Hi Jeremy,

We just wanted to send a big THANK YOU (see how big that is?!) for a terrific day on Sunday! We really learned a lot from you (including some coaching terms that I'll be using in my work!), and, we had such fun hanging out with you. We'll be in touch after we get a little more experience for some follow ups, but until then, know that we are so grateful for your help, and we hope you'll look us up if you're ever in town.

Torie and Gary

Sat, 16 May 2009

It was a wonderful trip sailing with you. We learned so much and feel like there is only much more to learn.

We hope your sail to Norfolk goes smoothly and the wind gods are with you to get you north. Thanks for all you taught us.

Sally & Kevin

Mon, 14 November 2011

Capt. Jeremy,

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you again for a very professional job. Capt. Gary Hutson and crew, Brian King, were gentlemen and both very knowledgeable. I’m very new at this and it was an excellent opportunity for me to learn the boat and get some very useful tips.

While the weather made the trip challenging, Gary’s seamanship made it all an unforgettable journey. It was also very reassuring that you called regularly to check on our progress. I look forward to learning more from your team next season.

Best regards,

Patrick

Sat, 29 Mar 2008

Hi Jeremy (a.k.a. Mother Hen),

I returned to Denver today - a very uneventful trip (just the way I like them when airlines are concerned). I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your excellent instruction and the boost in confidence you gave me.

We had a great escape out of that tricky slip in Annapolis, a stop at a fuel dock, and a trip up Trappe Creek (twice! Did Dan mention the grounding in the mud?)- all without major mishap and I credit you.

It was a pleasure to meet you and learn from you and I'm looking forward to the next time our paths cross. Best wishes and our sincere thanks,

Myla

Sun, May 12, 2013

Hi Gary - I'm glad to hear you and Frank made it home okay. We were wiped out on Saturday and got practically nothing done beyond a general clean-up of Twist Of Fate. Today we got her cleaned up real well and placed out on the mooring. We both want to thank you once again for delivering us all home safely.

You and Frank did a great job of making us feel secure and always in control, as well as keeping the trip fun. I learned more from you in the past 10 days than I have in the last several years of handling a sailboat and general seamanship.

Please feel free to use us as references for future clients if you desire. Thanks again and I hope you have a great summer.

Kevin and Christine

Tue, May 21, 2013

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Dear Jeremy,

My wife and I were very pleased with our delivery. I appreciated the clear and straightforward approach to the entire estimate & contract process, including what to expect on the water. Also, Capt Gary did a great job – at no time did we feel unsafe as his calm demeanor was always present. He went out of his way to ensure that we knew what to expect and allowed us input on watch scheduling, routing and food as well as teaching us so much about our new boat. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a very good instructor and I learned more about boat handling & general seamanship during our delivery than I have in the past 10 years! Thanks again,

Kevin & Christine

Mon, July 23, 2012

Hi Jeremy, hope all is well and you have some down time with your busy schedule.

Audra and I just wanted to thank you for a great week on the water, we really got a lot out of your instruction and actually sailed Adventure back down to Boston this weekend.

We were able to anchor overnight in Rockport along the way south. We still need more practice in some fields - we were faced with 15 knot winds yesterday afternoon while attempting to dock at Constitution Marina, which was difficult - and ugly :).

We will forward some photos of our trip this weekend, once we get a little organized.

Sincerely,

Mark

5/24/2004

Just wanted to say thanks for the huge boost in self confidence. As you know I am no stranger to sailing and have been crewing on other peoples’ sailboats for years. Lately I found myself spending all of my time at my dock admiring my newly purchased Catalina 27. Now that I was supposed to be in charge, all kinds of fears and apprehensions were unmasked and I realized how many skills I lacked - not least of all getting my boat safely in and out of my slip! After only a few hours on the water, several simple sketches and a lot of patience you somehow managed to settle my worst fears. My grip on the tiller loosened, my muscles relaxed and I began to smile. I now feel confident maneuvering my boat in and out of my slip with no effort.

Thanks again,

Denise and "Elizabeth"

Fri, 10 Aug 2007

Jeremy

I shall be pleased to inform the USCG that you led us from the Chesapeake to our new berth on Long Island Sound impeccably well. Frankly, I don't know how the other individual we had lined up originally would have been able to do it. Diane passed her (required) test for the Connecticut boating certificate with flying colors, thanks in part to the confidence you gave her during our trip, no doubt. We wish you continued good sailing.

Steve & Diane

8/25/2004

Hi Jeremy,

We had a great time, thank you for all your patience and advice. You were very generous teaching us as we went and serving as our tour guide! It was Tom and Brooke's first time sailing, and I think they're hooked now.

Thanks again for everything you did for us.

Erin & Brandon

Mon, 13 Jul 2009

Again, reiterating the obvious, but we loved our trip, our experience, and our bonding with you. Thank you again for sharing your expertise and I look forward to taking you up on your offer for more docking practice. Can we go in somewhere way tighter than slip H3? (just joking…)

-babs

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Tue, 14 Jul 2009

Hi Jeremy!

I just wanted to say thanks again for a wonderful trip - I felt that we accomplished exactly what I had hoped for even given the less than optimal weather conditions.

Finally, I appreciate your patience with us and our less than polished sailing skills, such that they are. I was joking to Will that I felt like I learned a tremendous amount, and still am clearly a member of the Bone Headed Idiot Club (BHIC to us aficionados). In any case, it was a pleasure being humbled by someone as pleasant and knowledgeable as you.

Cheers, and best of luck on your racing!

Dottie

Thu, 29 Jun 2006

Jeremy,

Normally, planning to spend 10 days or so in close company with a total stranger introduces a little anxiety. In your case, the first time we spoke on the phone, I got a sense that you, I and Mark would get along just fine, so my anxiety level never rose at all. Mark had asked me about you before the trip and I told him that we had spoken and that you had a sense of humor so things will be OK, which they were.

We enjoyed the trip despite the mechanical challenges – or perhaps because of them!

Should I undertake such a foolish adventure again in the future, I will most certainly call you first. And, if anyone asks for a recommendation I will point them in your direction.

Maybe we’ll get a chance to see you at the boat show in October.

Until then, best of luck to you.

Mike

8/30/2004

Dear Jeremy:

Mary and I just arrived at home. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your substantial contribution to a lovely adventure.

When Alicia invited us to sail her new catamaran from Annapolis to Newport I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I'd never been on a sea voyage of this magnitude and had all kinds of worries: will there be enough room? Enough water? What if we get hit by a storm? How much help will Mary and I actually be on the boat? Will we get bored and cranky in such an enclosed space?

The fact that Alicia was hiring an experienced captain to accompany us put my mind at ease, but also raised some additional questions. What if he turns out to be a real jerk? When you arrived, I realized I had nothing to worry about. You were charming, clever, and eminently patient with a couple of “swabbies” who didn't know their port from their starboard. Thanks for the lessons in sailing, knot-tying, steering, the rules of waterways, and also for the homegrown tomato sandwiches!

Please do keep in touch, and when you are free for a visit to Boston, give me a ring and I'll be delighted to show you the town.

Take good care,

Frances

Tues, November 26, 2013

Dear Jeremy,

Innumerable occasions over the past months of your words ringing in my ears and my eventual success in undocking, sailing & then docking Pinafore single-handed have transpired. Of much greater significance has been my patience and confidence in executing these tasks while teaching Rebecca. Miraculously, she really enjoys the boat and sailing with me – an unanticipated delight. You are a great teacher!

Several slip holders @ Osprey Point have sung your praises from their own experiences with you. I hope you continue enjoying what you do, as it benefits so many of us!

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season,

With cordial regards,

David A

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Thu, May 2, 2013

Jeremy – I owe you many thanks. Looking forward to casting off lines early 5/15 and not returning until late afternoon on 5/17. I will soon suggest/request dates in June for a third lesson & the journey to Osprey Point. Hope Boston is kind to you – you are a pleasure to learn from and be with – Regards, DWA.

Tue, 3 May 2011 09:39:23 -0400

Capt. Jeremy,

Thanks again for everything! We added something to your check for going above and beyond! Fair winds, Sara & Chris

20 Apr 2005

Jeremy,

We just wanted to tell you that we had a great time on our instructional weekend with you. We learned a great deal from you. With our new boat, it was nice to have sailed first with you, as we learned a lot about the boat itself, as well as the finer points of sailing. We had a lot of wind and some pretty strong puffs that day and we are glad you were there to show us how to handle things.

Fred and Colleen F

Wed, April 24, 2013

Capt. Jeremy,

I would like to thank you again for teaching me how to handle our boat. What a great experience it was! I really loved the fact that everything was done in the calm and always with all the explanations necessary for me to succeed.

I hope I will have the opportunity to learn from you again in the near future.

Best regards,

Frederique.

Sun, 30 Sep 2007

Capt. Jeremy,

Thanks for a great day of sailing and instruction. The time with you was a sound investment in my confidence as a novice sailor.

You are the "real thing." You possess that rare combination of someone who has actually “done it” AND has the ability to teach it in an informative and easy way. Like you said, "If I want to know what time it is, please don't tell me how to make a watch." I'm looking forward to further instruction from you after I get a few more sea miles.

I am confident now that I can navigate a "cheat" reach and I'm so pleased that I could explain Hotel California anchoring to you.

Ron, SV "Sonaki"

Fri, 10 Jun 2011

Thanks, Jeremy, for a “lifetime” trip. You truly are a master of your profession. Hope Bermuda & beyond are enjoyable.

Chris

Tue, October 23, 2012

Hello Jeremy -- We got the fuel line repaired, and hope to get out again sometime this week. Wish us luck.

We want to thank you again for all of your clear, patient instruction. We know that we still have a lot to learn, and we will connect again in the spring. All best,

Wray & Susie

Tue, 14 Oct 2008

Thanks Capt Bill & Jeremy, I was very pleased with the service....very professional operation.

John

Tue, 17 May 2011

Jeremy,

Great Job, well done - I really appreciated your many talents.

Best,

Ray

Sun, July 15, 2012

Jeremy,

I want to take a minute to thank you for the instruction on my, new to me, boat. Your experience, boating and sailing knowledge, and encouragement were key to my instruction. You are the consummate professional. Thank you, also, for your patience. I greatly appreciate your services; it was truly a great experience!

Regards,

Terry