ALL SAILING AND BOATING Courses

Captain Deb’s Sailing and Boating Courses

The purpose of these courses is to teach you the foundational knowledge of safety on the water so you can be comfortable boating and sailing and build your skills to competency. The goal is to have our waterways filled with competent, safe boaters, where we can have more people enjoying recreational watersports safely with fewer accidents and fatalities. Whether you’re like a fish out of water or a seasoned sailor, these courses will give you the knowledge you need.

 Sailing and Boating’s

  Rules of the Road Flash Cards

Contains over 35 cards to make learning and memorization easy.

They are the perfect size of playing cards, colorful and laminated.

The set includes: 

  • 12 Day Flags Cards
  • 12 Light Flags Cards
  • 11 Sound Signal Cards

You will find your Day Flags, Light Signals, and Sound Signals.  Make this the easy part of the Captain’s test.

This is a great tool if you are preparing for your captain’s test or to have aboard your boat when you are sailing at night.

You will be confident and knowledgeable when you encounter vessels with their identifying lights system at night.

Learn the “Rules of the Road” with these easy-to-use flashcards to ensure your safety whether you are passing a dredge or see the lights of a Tugboat towing a barge.

(Our Sailing and Boating Rules of the Road flashcards meet the United States Coast Guard criteria for Navigation rules)

Who Should Take Captain Deb’s Courses?

Captain Deb’s courses are for anyone looking to enjoy safer, more relaxed, and knowledgeable time on the water. Whether you’re a new boat owner or an experienced sailor, Captain Deb’s programs can make a big difference in your comfort, confidence, and enjoyment while boating.

1. New Boaters or Sailors
If you’ve recently purchased a boat but feel overwhelmed, her courses will help you build a strong foundation. She’ll cover crucial boating rules, best practices, and safety measures to transform chaotic outings into enjoyable, stress-free experiences. For those who love the water but feel unsure about the details, Deb’s expertise brings clarity and calm.

2. Aspiring Helmspersons

If you’re tired of being just a passenger and want to take the helm yourself, Deb’s courses provide you with the skills and confidence to be the captain. She focuses on empowering you to take control safely and confidently.

3. Parents Looking for Safety Role Models

If you want to set a strong example for your kids on the water, Deb’s courses emphasize water safety and responsibility, ensuring everyone in the family can enjoy boating with confidence and peace of mind.

4. Returning Boaters

For those returning to boating after many years, Captain Deb offers a refresher on boating skills and an introduction to updated safety practices. Her courses will bring you up to speed on the latest in boating so that you can get back to enjoying the ocean.

5. Future Charter or Captain’s License Holders

If you’re dreaming of running a charter company or pursuing a captain’s license, Deb’s courses can provide essential pre-licensing knowledge, laying the groundwork for your success and preparing you for more advanced certifications.

6. Coastal and Offshore Sailors

If you’ve only sailed along coastlines or in lakes, and are considering more challenging offshore or nighttime navigation, Deb’s guidance will prepare you for unpredictable conditions. Her experience navigating diverse waters will help you feel secure and capable in new environments.

7. Self-Taught Boaters Seeking Formal Training

For those who have taught themselves to boat, her courses offer structured learning to reinforce what you know, fill any gaps, and give you a dependable approach to boating safety.

8. Great Loop Cruisers

If you plan to tackle the Great Loop but have limited offshore experience, Deb’s courses are invaluable preparation, ensuring you’re comfortable in different waters and ready for the journey.

Meet Captain Deb!

Captain Deb’s extensive experience—spanning over 25,000 nautical miles across the Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Great Lakes—makes her a seasoned guide and mentor in the world of boating. Having owned and operated various vessels, Deb understands the ins and outs of boating life from the practical to the adventurous. She combines expert instruction with a friendly, approachable style, making learning enjoyable and accessible.

With Captain Deb, you’re not just learning skills; you’re joining a supportive community where she’ll make you feel right at home. Her courses create an encouraging environment for women, couples, and friends, focusing on safety, comfort, and the joy of boating.

Testimonials

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!

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!