Welcome to Sailing and Boating!

with Captain Deb

Learn the basics of sailing and boating watercrafts on our waterways.

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About Sailing and Boating Courses

This is a site that offers Sailing and Boating courses that have been curated by Captain Deb Marlor.

Captain Deb was inspired to create courses that teach practical elements of boating and sailing beginning with safety. To be safe aboard a vessel it is critical to have understanding and knowledge. Using lifelong boating and sailing experience, training, participation in schools, courses, and obtaining my Captain credentials, I identified a major gap between reality of what is truly important and what is being taught.

If you who have a desire to be on the water and have never owned a boat over 24 feet, then this is where to start. Or you sailed as a kid and loved it and want to get back on the water. Or if you are curious that this may be something you want to learn about, this is the place.

Sailors forget that one core principle. Every sailboat is a power-driven vessel if it is under motor. Learning the fundamentals of boats and boating is important to both the power boater and sailor.

Who is Captain Deb Marlor:

Deb began her boating experiences as a child on Lake Chautauqua New York, and Lake Erie. Sailing began on Lake Erie in the late 70’s where sailing was competitive and fun. Deb sailed with the Tartan team from Mentor, Ohio and learned racing skills, dealing with extraordinary weather conditions and lots of fun. She attended a performance race clinic in Florida that sealed the dream! She was hooked. Her career took her to San Francisco where the sailing/racing in San Francisco bay was amazing.

Captain Deb will make sure as you navigate this journey of boating, sailing, watercrafts of all kinds that you begin with a safety mindset. Knowledge and skills, common sense, and conscious awareness will support your journey and make it a lot easier and fun.

Take the first step today!

Register for Sailing and Boating Basics OnDemand.

Captain Deb Will Teach You:

The Language of Sailing
In the boating world, terminology is specific and crucial. Understanding terms and instructions helps ensure clear communication and can even be essential for safety. This course is designed to guide you through the language and customs of sailing, whether you’re planning a short trip, an extended cruise, or dreaming of living aboard.
The Equipment
Every piece of equipment on a boat has a purpose. Knowing what each tool does and how to use it properly is key to handling your boat safely and effectively. This training will familiarize you with the equipment you’ll need and teach you how to use it with confidence.
The Rules of Boating
Rules are in place for your safety and the safety of others on the water. Learning these guidelines not only keeps you compliant but also enhances your understanding of boating culture and etiquette. Knowing the rules can make a big difference in your overall experience.
The Basics
A strong foundation in problem-solving and navigation is essential on a boat. Understanding how the boat’s systems work will enable you to make smart, informed decisions. This segment covers essential skills, helping you navigate confidently and respond to any challenges that arise.
Navigating the Complex Parts
Advanced topics like charts, chart plotters, and boat systems require organization and attention. Learn to manage and maintain onboard systems, find the best routes, and navigate with technology like solar power, Starlink, and lithium batteries. These skills are vital for longer passages and make your journey smoother and more efficient.
Cruiser’s
Learning the lifestyle and how to best position yourself for an easy transition to full time life aboard. Critical aspects of making this transition are shared and discussed openly. Communication with spouse’s and partners are required for a successful, significantly less stress relationships and this is not discussed in Sailing school. The lifestyle is extraordinary and it important to understand the importance of being safe, comfortable and knowledgeable.
Life Coaching
Deb is a Certified Transformational Life and Business Coach. In fact, an award winning coach. Deb has experience navigating life situations, circumstances of boat life and the expertise to support couples in navigating their personal relationships. You can work directly with Deb and she will customize your curriculum based on your personal situation.
Published eBook Author
5 Steps to Living Your Ocean Dream and Navigating Buying a Boat are two of Deb’s published eBooks with thousands of downloads worldwide.
Lets start with your Vision – your longing and discontent. That desire to live your Ocean Dream. Learn the steps of transformation and Dream Building that will accelerate you to achieving your desire life dreams.
Ready to pull the trigger on buying a boat, download Deb’s eBook – it’s a quick read and learn what you need to know from what are best practices to practical knowledge you learn from having the experience

a sailboat on the ocean, mountains in the back.

view all courses!

FREE! 5 Steps to Living Your Dream

Here is the “new edition” of your handbook to begin shifting your Ocean dream to reality!

Deb will share her story, and provide you a proven, reliable, methodology to frame your Vision.

The steps to begin moving forward from a dream, to a written vision to reality.

It is possible! Follow Deb and begin your adventure today.

Knowledge is power and confidence.

Captain Deb’s sailing courses are crafted to give you the skills, confidence, and knowledge you need to feel at home on the water. From understanding equipment to practicing essential safety techniques, Captain Deb will ensure that the next time you step on a boat, you know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Sailing is a sport that requires focus and preparedness, and these courses are built to help you become a confident, skilled sailor who can handle changing weather, unexpected equipment issues, or even emergencies like someone going overboard. By building a solid understanding of the fundamentals, you’ll transform the way you see every aspect of the boating experience.

Sailing and boating are not just for men—women are more than capable of excelling in this exciting and rewarding sport. Captain Deb’s courses are designed to equip women with the training and confidence they need to take charge on the water.

Through a supportive learning environment, you’ll master essentials like the United States Coast Guard Rules of the Road and gain skills to confidently navigate complex situations, from docking in marinas to maneuvering through rough waters. Captain Deb will help you establish a solid foundation, so your confidence and expertise become the hallmarks of your sailing journey.

Don’t wait!

TAKE ACTION and REGISTER TODAY!

Testimonials

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Stephen and Kimberly Smythe

Describing our 1-week experience aboard a 43-foot Bali catamaran with Captain Deb Marlor as mere "training" would not do justice to the profound impact it had on us. It was, in fact, a transformative "life experience" – one of safely and comfortably sailing the beautiful waters of Grenada and the Grenadines.

Captain Deb's unwavering passion for sailing and her exceptional ability to share this passion made the training engaging and thoroughly enjoyable. From the outset, it was clear that she possessed a remarkable gift – the ability to impart the appropriate amount of information to my wife and I, despite our vastly different levels of experience. Her friendly, supportive, and approachable manner created a positive learning environment that I have rarely encountered.

Captain Deb's patience and thorough instruction ensured that each day presented a new challenge, yet the experience remained truly enjoyable. She took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand, regardless of one's level of experience or gender. Her extraordinary communication skills will undoubtedly enable you to get the most out of whatever sailing skills you are trying to attain.

The skills we gained – from comfort at the helm in 28-knot winds to sail handling, safe passages, rules of the road, navigation, and docking – were tailored to our individual levels of experience. Captain Deb was always encouraging and made us feel comfortable asking questions, even if they seemed basic. Thanks to her guidance, we now feel confident in our abilities or know the next steps needed to grow our comfort and experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend Captain Deb Marlor to anyone looking for a sophisticated and experienced captain who can expand their sailing experience and comfort level. Her exceptional teaching abilities and unwavering dedication to her craft are truly unparalleled.

Past students say

I never knew what that was, or why I was doing it, now I understand.” “I have been in so many dangerous situations and I knew it my gut, and had no idea what to do, now I do!

Paul Impagliazzo

Those flashcards were AMAZING! My dad bought me the flashcards from you, and he gave them to me for Christmas for me to study. They helped me so much to learn the Rules of the Road portion of my 100 Ton Master's test. When I was taking my class for the test, I felt like I was ahead of the curve from those flashcards as I knew lights, day shapes, and sound signals from your flashcards. That was about 1/3 of the things I needed to know about Rules of the Road! I can't thank you enough for them! I highly suggest that others follow suit and use them for their exams. Even if they're not taking an exam, the flashcards are still good things to know as a basic mariner. They help you know what you're seeing and hearing out on the water, which is always important.

Thank you so much for those flashcards!

Dr. Bill Kirsch

Deb you really did an impressive job putting the logic of the courses, the clarity of the descriptions and content together, they are outstanding, great job!

Ron

The Rules of the Road class material was presented very well. It is highly recommended and will help both beginners as well as experienced to be safer sailors. Captain Deborah is a good instructor and her vast experience makes the course very worthwhile.

Diane Silas

Deborah was down to earth and engaging during the seminars that I took. She is personable, and willing to answer questions. I left my series of three seminars, feeling better about learning to sail.

Danielle Rose

Boating Basics tonight was a great start. I’m getting back into sailing and need all the education and inspiration I can get. Thanks so much for this!

Priscilla

Hi Captain Deb,
I really enjoyed taking your seminars and seeing how you gently inspire confidence in the women through your example. Teaching from your boat in a beautiful location is also inspiring! Thanks for the links. You reminded the women that sometimes they may need a licensed captain to certify their competence aboard for insurance purposes. That's somaething that the Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association (CAPCA) may be able to help with, particularly for people in the mid-Atlantic states area, as well as in other eastern states. Good luck with your program of inspiration and empowerment!

Lori

Great, thank you. Nice clear graphics and easy to read. I have printed a copy for the boat. This will be handy to use for cruising.

Wanda

Thank you for an Outstanding Class. I am a complete novice when it comes to sailing. After tonight, I Feel more confident about following my dream to sail. And you're a great teacher. I've taught for 40 years, so I know a good one when I see and experience one. Your passion, Knowledge, and delivery of information is off the charts! I look forward to more classes with you!

Claudia Rose

Deb is an absolute delight. I have taken three of her courses…Boating Basics, Rules of the Road and Charts & Chart Plotters. I learned a great deal from each of her courses and had many laughs with Deb along the way. I really like the Zoom format. Deb is engaging and always encourages me to ask questions. She is a wealth of knowledge.

I have recently completed her Dream Builder program and I’m well on my way to “Living My Ocean Dream.” I’m extremely grateful for Captain Deb!

Clara “CJ” Powell

Captain Deb Marlor is the sailboat captain you want to follow. She lives on the water with the real experience of living in the environment. She is a woman of skill, discipline and order on the water to sail with the wind, teach others the ropes...or should I say the sheets of sailing. She has now written the best book I have ever seen that guides one through all the necessary steps to buy any boat. Navigating Buying a Boat by Captain Deb Marlor. I am using it to buy my next sailboat and so should you!

Contact DEB

Reach out to Captain Deb if you're ready to take your boating and sailing knowledge to the next level!