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My name is Jake, I recently purchased a twin diesel 35' sport fisherman. I took the "Navigation and Safety" course with Captain Russ from A Prudent Mariner with my Wife who will be my First Mate (only mate if you ask her!) as we work towards cruising up and down the South Florida Coast as well as crossing over to the Bahamas. I would highly recommend taking this course if you are considering any boating at all. There is an immense wealth of practical knowledge that Captain Russ has which you both learn through the course and as you ask questions that have proven to be invaluable. It gave my Wife and I a sense of comfort to know more of what we are doing on the boat and should be doing in general - keep in mind, I have been boating for some time. I hope Captain Russ offers more courses as my Wife and I would definitely be taking them.

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WOULD RECOMMEND

Yes

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My husband and I had the pleasure of taking Russ' Safety & Navigation course as we begin our journeys at sea. If you are deliberating whether this course is for you, think no further. You will learn everything a captain should know such as how to plot a course, boating safety and so much more. Learning about plotting is what sealed the deal for me. If our electronics ever fail, now we know how to regain control and navigate our way to safety. This course is a MUST. You won't regret it!

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WOULD RECOMMEND

Yes

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My husband and I recently returned from a 66 day sailboat journey from Sayville, NY to Tampa Bay, Florida. We spent many months preparing, studying charts and creating our float plan. Captain Westerlind’s support, guidance and expertise proved invaluable. Without question, the tools he provided helped us to be safer in our boating practice and to feel more comfortable in our own decision making. His thoughtful, no nonsense teaching style helped to handle the unexpected and gave us the confidence we needed to successfully complete our longest consecutive sail to date.

-Pat and Jeff

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Course was fantastic !! Extremely detailed, well presented information, that is critical to safety on the water. Would highly recommend this course.

-Michael

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  I first met Russell Westerlind in 2001 when I hired him to teach me how to captain my own boat. What began as a simple instructional arrangement quickly developed into a professional relationship and a friendship that lasted more than 25 years.

Russell has planned incredible trips for us over the years, including weeklong adventures to the Bahamas, Key West, and up the East Coast all the way to Maine and even an unforgettable trip to Mexico. Each journey was thoughtfully organized, complete with travel schedules, dinner reservations, and activities at every stop. His ability to manage both the logistical and experiential aspects of a trip made every outing relaxing and enjoyable. He is also incredibly approachable and personable. I have seen him interact with my daughters both as children and now as adults, and I can confidently say he has a natural ability to tailor a charter experience to different ages. Whether it was organizing a Jaws movie night in Martha’s Vineyard or ensuring my daughters’ safety when they were out on the boat with friends, Russell consistently went above and beyond.

Russell also played a meaningful role in helping create many of the experiences my daughters enjoyed growing up on the water. He helped coordinate scuba diving lessons by finding and arranging for a qualified instructor, organized fishing trips for us, and showed tremendous patience while teaching the girls to wakeboard. His calm demeanor and encouraging attitude made learning new skills both safe and enjoyable, and he always ensured that every activity prioritized both fun and safety.

During my time working with Russell, I have been consistently impressed by his attention to detail, the timeliness and care with which he plans both day outings and week-long trips, the respect he shows to my family and friends, and the professionalism he brings to maintaining and operating the vessel. For 22 of those years, he largely worked independently, taking full responsibility for managing the boat. This included not only navigation and trip planning but also overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of both the exterior and interior spaces. Russell consistently kept the vessel in excellent condition and maintained the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and mechanical readiness. His commitment to preparation and safety has always given me complete confidence when we are on the water and ensured that everyone on board feels secure and well cared for.

I recommend Russell without hesitation to anyone seeking a highly skilled, responsible, and professional captain. His experience, integrity, and dedication would make him an exceptional asset to any vessel or crew.

-Mario A.