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~ A Cut Above ~

Captain Mike Brown, who took a Bermuda to Mystic Ocean Training Cruise in June 2010, sent the following comments:

~

Hi Tom, 

I hope all is going well for you.  I just wanted to provide a few comments regarding the ASA108 offshore passagemaking class that I participated in during June 28-July 5^th.  I felt the class was very well structured and provided me with an excellent introduction to ocean sailing.  In my opinion captain Jochen Hoffman and first mate Jerry Nigro did a superb job.  Jochen is not only knowledgeable and a capable teacher but also possesses boundless energy.  Jerry is a very capable sailor and possesses excellent interpersonal skills that made things go smoothly.  

Celestial is an excellent ocean going yacht and I learned to appreciate her even more as we went through a squall and a low pressure system while on our journey.  There was never a time when I felt like if only we had this piece of equipment things would be better.  She is a very sturdy platform for big water and equipped with up to date weather, navigation, and other electronic equipment required for a safe journey off shore. 

Finally I felt that the structure of the class was well thought out.  Before taking the class I would never have thought it necessary to spend 2-3 days preparing the boat but now I can see how important it is.  Jochen and Jerry taught me that ocean passagemaking is about preparation and destination.  

I certainly would recommend that anyone wanting to prepare themselves for ocean passagemaking would take ASA108 from the Maryland School.  Thank you for the good service that you and the Maryland School provide the sailing community at large.  

Sincerely,
Captain Mike Brown
USCG 50 Ton Inland Master

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