I took the anchoring class and learned so much. Worth every penny spent. We were anchoring in the rain, and the best time to learn is under non-perfect conditions. Best sailing class I have ever taken and I am licensed so I've been through a few. read more

What can I that hasn't already been said about Marc and Santana Sailing? A consummate professional through and through... a true educator at home on the water amongst the wind and waves. After quite a bit of research locally, followed by a call that came in quick reply to an email sent I sent. My schedule is such that I can't do a fixed schedule for 4 or 5 days running. Marc quickly came up with a plan and a schedule that fit my work life and my sailing goals (has any one seen Wind?). Along with practical training on the water Marc engages with NauticEd for the academic side or learning sailing. NauticEd is an online resource of classes and content that is readily accessible via the web or can be downloaded for use offline. Make no mistake, sailing is a skill (and an art) which does not favour the lax or inattentive sailor. To that end Marc focuses on ensuring skill proficiency as you progress from one step to the next. He is suitably firm but beyond fair. All the while reminding you that sailing is a joy and good solid fun. I can't wait to find the water again soon.. I wholeheartedly recommend Marc, Santana Sailing, and NauticEd. read more

Santana Sailing School - Anchored off for lunch... - Boating Near Me - Long Beach, California

My son and I had decided to take a sailing class while we were visiting southern California. My son found Santana Sailing School and began corresponding with Marc. It was clear from the start that this was going to be an intensive and rigorous training program. It started with online training which was comprehensive and informative and needed to be completed before we actually started sailing. When we arrived in Long Beach, Marc met us and led us to a very well kept Catalina 34, La Terza Vita. He immediately began orienting us to the boat and within 45 minutes we were starting the checklist and got comfortable with the boats systems and safety equipment. After a brief break, we were ready to cast off and get underway. But first we had to practice departing and docking the boat. I will admit I was nervous the first couple of times. It was rather intimidating backing a 34 foot boat out of a slip taking it out of the harbor and then bringing it back in again but Marc's technique was spot on and we were successful (although my son was MUCH better than I was). The rest of the four days was spent applying what we had covered in the online course and getting familiar with boat operations, points of sail, sail trim, anchoring, navigation, man overboard, and everything else that we had studied. I cannot overstate how excellent Marc was as an instructor. He has over 30 years of sailing experience and was unbelievably knowledgeable and patient. Also, he was made sure we were never complacent by asking us questions, testing our knowledge, and allowing us to make mistakes. Yes, they happen. When they did, and after we had recovered, he reviewed what went well and where we could have improved. In the end, I actually felt competent in taking a 34 foot boat out on the water and being successful. As for Marc, he was awesome as a person, Captain, and instructor. I am looking forward to returning to Long Beach to take some additional classes and hopefully join him on one of his adventure charters. You can't go wrong with the Santana Sailing School. Thanks Marc. read more

I've taken multiple classes from Marc and learned so much! He lets you make mistakes and try things out to see what will work, but always with a watchful eye so everyone stays totally safe. He is THE MAN when it comes to docking and man overboard drills! I've taken sailing classes from quite a few instructors and no one else presents these skills with the ease that Marc does. Also, as a woman learning to sail, I've always felt very comfortable with Marc and he has never treated me any differently than the men in the class. If you want to learn a lot, spend your time on the water instead of in a classroom, and have FUN while doing it, then sign up for one of Marc's classes! read more

I was looking for more in depth sailing instruction and coaching and found it with Santana Sailing School. Could not be more happy.

I took Marc's MOB course recently. It was a six hour course covering man overboard from all different points of sail. I got plenty of practice on board with other students. We talked through each MOB recovery discussing how it went, how we could have done it differently, and what we learned. Marc is an extremely experienced sailor and an excellent instructor. He's friendly, and easy going, but professional too. His classes are affordable and well worth taking if you're looking to gain on the water instruction. I thoroughly enjoy each class that I've taken of his. I will continue to take other classes to improve my sailing skills with Santana Sailing. read more

I had called a few different sailing schools in the area and after talking to Mark I knew right away he was the instructor I was going with. I've now completed 2 different courses with Mark. He took me from zero experience to confidently sailing on my own within 3 months. I HIGHLY recommend this sailing school. read more

I recently upgraded from a Coronado 27 to a Westsail 42. That's a big jump, and while I felt nervous about docking my 27' boat, the forces are so much smaller that even a "controlled crash" isn't that big of a deal. 30 tonnes of fiberglass with a full keel and massive prop walk is a different story, so I signed up for the docking and slow speed maneuvering class. Mark was a great instructor. I teach on-site classes for corporate engineers, and I was impressed by his demeanor, how he slightly tailored the class to each student, helped everyone feel confident, and made sure that each person had digested the lesson, instead of just assuming they did. At the end of the day, all that is nice, but the value of the class is measured by the results: I feel like I will be a lot more comfortable and confident taking my boat in and out of the slip, side tying, and generally handling it in tight spaces. I've taken classes with three other sailing schools in the southern California area, and honestly, they all were pretty decent. Santana is a little bit cheaper, just as good (and in some cases much better). Long Beach is much more relaxing to take a class in vs MDR or Redondo, and all the students ended up getting along so well that we ended up going for drinks nearby afterwards. I definitely didn't do that with the other students/instructors I've taken classes from. :) Normally I don't write a lot of reviews, but Santana is a small operation, and thought that it was worth a few minutes to try and support a small business, especially since I felt like I could honestly endorse it. read more

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My husband and I just completed our skipper course. We have taken classes elsewhere, and in comparison Santana Sailing is a premium school. We both finished the course with confidence to be able to take out a sailboat on our own. To be on a sailboat and not be scared is so cool. The instruction includes everything from engine maintenance to rescuing a man overboard under sail power. An additional bonus was that the instructor is a good guy and makes the days fun. His energy and patience are big pluses. read more

I just returned from a sailing trip with Marc to Catalina over the weekend and had a wonderful time. I have taken a few sailing classes through OCC but this was my first time doing an overnight trip on a sailboat. I was a little bit nervous about it, but Marc and his first mate Eric made all of us very comfortable. Although most of us were strangers at the start, we returned to the dock in Newport as friends. The meals were fantastic and the whole crew learned a lot, while having a great time. Sailing through a pod of over 100 playful dolphins was an experience I'll never forget! I would definitely recommend sailing with Marc if you want to learn to sail, or just relax on board a sailboat! read more

I have been on the water with Marc three times now and have learned something new each time. Most recently we completed a three day trip to Catalina where we worked on points of sail, sail trimming, anchoring, and navigation. Marc knows what he's doing and more importantly knows how to teach you what to do. His focus is making sure you progress in your skills. I'll definitely go back for more! read more

Santana Sailing School - At anchorage in Catalina. Marc made an excellent appetizer. We had a wonderful time and learned a lot! - Boating Near Me - Long Beach, California

If your looking for an adventure in the deep blue, and want to challenge yourself, do yourself a favor and look no further. Captain Marc Houston is the best at what he does, which is to teach someone how to sail and refined their skills on the water. He has over thirty years of experience with sailing and is a great person and instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and now feel confident at chartering my own vessel. Thanks Marc! read more

Absolutely amazing experience. Marc is a fantastic instructor and simply fun to sail with. We were out with him for four days and will certainly join him again. I would highly recommend using him for instruction or testing to get certifications. read more

I had taken some dinghy sailing classes previously, but wanted to learn how to sail bigger boats, so I took a class with Marc. I was blown away. I liked it so much, I went back for additional classes. He was very, very knowledgeable and as far as teaching goes - he's a natural. After teaching you something, he recognizes that you're not going to be an expert after doing it once - he lets you work at it and also gives you lots of opportunity to practice. Also, like many good teachers, he's able to break down topics in a way that's easy to understand. He also creates a relaxed fun environment. If you're looking to learn how to sail, he's your man. read more

I've just completed the on the water practical experience course for Skipper Level I wIth Marc, and I have grown exponentially in my sailing skills and confidence. He demonstrates and clearly communicates the "how-to" and the "why" and then you practice the skill with a debrief each time to become aware of what worked and what didn't. My time on the water with Marc's expert coaching has allowed me to hone my skills as never before! read more

Marc Hughston is not only a highly qualified sailing instructor, but he is able to effectively teach what he knows in a very approachable and friendly style. He has a passion for sailing and life on the water, and is able to share that passion, and his knowledge of effective sailing practices and ability to communicate means that you will be a much better sailor after spending any time with him. He is patient, thorough, and focuses on safe practices. His correction is kind, but he will get your attention if you are not listening. He clearly wants to make all of us better sailors, and help us achieve our goals. A great side benefit is that he is an excellent cook, and combines healthy ingredients into great meals on the water. You will enjoy both the food, and his company when the day's sailing is over. I have sailed with Marc on two cruising classes, a three day anchoring seminar at Catalina, a five day bareboat cruising certification, and recently a three-day refresher cruise to Catalina. I am looking forward to working on his endorsement program, and obtaining my NauticEd Bareboat Master certification. You will not find a better sailing instructor. read more

I have had the pleasure of being instructed by Marc as well as attend one of his classroom seminars on cruising the Channel Islands. Not only does he have a "fun" attitude to his lessons, but he is also one of the most knowledgeable, patient and calm instructors I have ever met! Whether you are new to sailing or need someone to help you improve your existing skills, I have no hesitation in recommending him; in fact, we have just returned from a Catalina Anchoring class and immediately booked another skill-building class with him..... a victim of his own success :-) read more

I took the anchorage class and learned good skills. Have taken ASA 104, but this class was so good on this specific topic. Even got fair at Mediterranean docking. Lots of emphasis on very basic understanding on all topics including boat control while anchoring. Marc has a very good understanding of the topic, knows how to effectively teach and has written a book on Catalina anchoring. read more

I just got back from a 4 day trip with Marc to the Channel Islands and Santa Barbara out of Newport. He's an incredible sailor, great guide, and good company for the trip. On our trip the passengers were there to crew the boat, and Marc helped each of us elevate our skills and gain confidence. I highly recommend Marc to anyone that is looking for a safe, fun charter or who just wants to become a better sailor. read more

Santana Sailing School - Boating Near Me - Long Beach, California

Marc Hughston is an exceptional instructor. He is thorough , insightful & articulate when he is teaching ... Thanks Marc for being so dedicated to your gift as a sailing instructor read more

Marc is a great instructor. I have done his anchoring class and his man overboard class and I felt like I learned a lot in each class. I did a bunch of ASA courses before and never felt that they really focused on good instruction and skills the way Marc does so I'm glad I found him. read more

We had two great outings with Marc! We focused on spinnaker handling and safety. Marc came on our boat and we did a number of safety drills which got everyone comfortable in man overboard situations. We also had a day dedicated to spinnaker handling. We did a ton of spinnaker sets and end-for-end jibes. We learned a lot and really enjoyed Marc's company. read more