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Thomas’ initial exposure to boating was as a kid in Michigan on power boats and many days standing by the shore dreaming of one day becoming a skipper.

His love for the water originally brought him to the world of Scuba Diving for the last 27 yrs of which he holds the certification of Dive Master and Master Scuba Diver.

In October 2003, while at the Oakland Boat show looking for a Sailboat to purchase, Thomas met Club Nautique’s Membership Director Daniel Glennon, who convinced him to take sailing lessons first. This was the start of a wonderful new passion for Thomas.

Thomas has been sailing and studying with Club Nautique through the US Sailing educational program since he started sailing in October 03′. He’s generally sailing as much as twice a week and has chartered more than 50 times through the Club at both locations. This makes him very familiar with the Club’s fleet.

In a relatively short period of time, Thomas completed his Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Coastal Navigation and Passage Making classes. In August 2005, Thomas completed his U.S. Coastguard 50 Ton – OUPV (6 pack) Off Shore licenses courses and in early 2006 completed his US Sailing Instructors certification requirements. He’s often found sailing outside the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast and many days in the beautiful Bay in all weather conditions.

About 80% of his charter sailing has been short handed on vessels averaging 40′ and up to the club’s 52′ Jeanneau (Polonaise). He says that he’s learned that the positive benefits of short-handed sailing forces you to be very organized in your preparation, anticipation and communication with your limited crew size. In essence, it makes you a better sailor.

Thomas’ enthusiasm, knowledge, boat handling and teaching skills came to the notice of Gary Walker, Club Nautique’s School Director, who suggested that Thomas consider teaching.

Thomas is now a US Sailing Instructor for Club Nautique and enjoys sharing the joys of sailing with everyone he meets, especially new students. His goal is to help others realize their dreams of becoming competent mariners in all sailing conditions.