in the British Virgin Islands
in the British Virgin Islands
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Kudos & Links |
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Leo - a COMPLETELY happy camper
Excerpted from a letter to ASA after their June 2008 Sistership trip: "After an extensive search of the Internet looking at schools all around the world, we decided to begin a correspondence with Pat Nolan to determine if she would be interested in fashioning an intense learning experience of the sort that we were looking for. Pat and I exchanged several e-mails and my wife and I soon became convinced that this was precisely the teacher and the type of learning experience that we were looking for. We were particularly attracted to the idea of having a course in which we lived on a fairly large sailboat for nearly a week so that we could be fully immersed in sailing day in and day out. Pat Nolan's course fully met all of our expectations. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that our expectations were exceeded. Pat is a very gifted teacher and an exceptional sailor. One of her gifts as a teacher is extraordinary patience. And a second is her ability to break down complex tasks into simple parts and then to reinforce those parts by continual repetition. Pat also makes extensive and effective use of visual aids. In short, Pat Nolan is a gem of an instructor." - Leo and Patti Palo Alto, CA |
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| "Your teaching method is what has kept me dreaming of going cruising since
we first me in the 90's" - Darlene |
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| "I
was the scared 'mama' and you fixed all that. I remember getting out
of the slip headed the wrong way. I panicked thinking 'Oh my God -
we have to turn around and there isn't enough room - and you said quietly, 'It's OK,
we'll just go out backwards'. I learned there is more than one way to do
everything. It's been my motto ever since." - Marily |
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 "Your enthusiasm, patience and perseverance (we WILL get that #2 jib up!) is an inspiration" - Rose "This trips ranks as a highlight of my life" |
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| "This has been an extraordinary week - thank you! Not just for your patience
and teaching re: sailing but also for your lessons in many other categories,
especially fun!" - Gillian |
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| "We had an absolute ball, as well as learning quite a lot. You are an
excellent teacher and a very cool sailor". - Andrew and Colleen |
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 "I learned so much I still can't believe it. Your teaching style matched my
learning style. You are a very patient and extremely knowledgeable instructor."- Lara (Lara & Capt. Pat in the Grenadines) |
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| "My
experience in the BVI was beyond my wildest expectations. I began
the trip with no idea of what was ahead of me and soon that was
replaced with great enthusiasm and a strong determination to
experience all the things that were around me, i.e. the water, the
culture and most importantly the thrill of sailing. Thank you very
much." - Stephen |
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| "It was so awesome! I learned so much (about sailing, about me), and I feel
proud of what I did, and mostly, I feel confident now. You are a magnificent
teacher; I loved the mix of serious teaching and then the playing. I admire
your skills, your ability to handle the boat and us, and your directness.
I'm telling everyone they ought to make the trip and do this. " - Maggie |
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 "Thanks for a great week of sailing and racing. You did an excellent job
teaching prior to the race and instructing during the three days of racing.
You put together a good team; it takes a strong leader to prepare the
students and allow them to do critical things like starts. I really admire
the decisive, instantaneous, high pressure problem solving and decision
making you do."- Gayle |
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| "Pat is an extraordinary sailor and an exceptionally skilled
instructor - a rare combination - someone who "can do" and teach it as well!!! We are still
marveling over the wonderful experience we had. Pat gives clear, concise
instruction mixed with fairness, patience, and a healthy measure of humor! I
can honestly say I walked off that pier after a week of sailing under Pat's
instruction with a great amount of confidence in my ability in crewing the
boat...my time at the helm was a HUGE learning experience and it was
incredibly exciting and empowering....I am hooked for life!!" - Linda and Chris |
I've
listed here a few of my favorite links:
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A Blog for the sailing crew of Captain Pat Nolan. A place to post sailing experiences, sea adventures, stories, photos, insights, tall tales, outlandish fabrications, the best spots to sail, drink and anchor in all seven seas. A place to catch up with ex-crew members, pick up a crew member, and plan for the next great sail. |
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ASA Check out the American Sailing Association site to see what ASA membership will do for you. Learn about the course curriculum in greater detail. |
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Boatlinks One of the best all around 'marine links' sites I have seen. |
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Caribbean Racing The very best site for keeping up on all the latest racing events, news and race results in the Caribbean. |
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Escape BVI A very informative website about the BVI |
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