Jeff Carlsen
Owner, Instructor, Captain
Jeff is a seasoned sailor and US Coast Guard licensed 100-ton captain with extensive experience from dinghies to ocean cruisers. He has spent two years cruising with his family across 12,000 miles from Newfoundland to the Virgin Islands, integrating sailing with home-schooling. A retired US Navy Commander and experienced racer, Jeff is passionate about teaching sailing with a focus on family-friendly and relaxed learning environments.
Chris Staley
Instructor, Captain
Chris is a lifelong sailor skilled in handling everything from dinghies to cruising catamarans. He’s a licensed Coast Guard Captain with a 100-Ton Master credential and an ASA instructor since 2007, capable of teaching advanced sailing courses. Chris has over a decade of experience as a charter fishing captain and operates commercial marine assistance vessels. His passion for teaching sailing is evident, and when not instructing, he enjoys sailing his Oday 34 around Solomons and fishing on the Bay.
Lisa Batchelor Frailey
Founder, Instructor, and Charter Broker
Lisa has a rich background in boating on the Chesapeake Bay, starting from age ten. She is a retired US Navy Captain with 24 years of service as a Naval Flight Officer, Navigator, and Oceanographer/Meteorologist. As a US Coast Guard licensed captain and ASA Sailing Instructor, she teaches up to ASA’s Advanced Coastal Cruising standard. Lisa has over 35 years of experience across various power and sailing vessels and has instructed in locations worldwide. She founded Sail Solomons Sailing School and Yacht Charters and is also involved in marine service corporations.
Andy Batchelor
Instructor, Captain
Andy, an English native and retired Royal Air Force Wing Commander, has dedicated over 25 years to teaching sailing up to the ASA Advanced Coastal Cruising standard. He has instructed in various locations worldwide, including the Caribbean and the United States. With experience as Director of Marine Services and Fleet Manager, he is also the President of AlloraMare, Inc., founder of Sail Solomons Sailing School and Yacht Charters, and co-owner of Kinetic Sailing. Awarded ASA Outstanding Instructor multiple times, Captain Andy specializes in dockmanship and advanced sailing techniques.
Tom & Beth Ackerman
Instructor, Captain(s)
Tom and Beth, ASA-certified sailing instructors with a USCG Masters license, live aboard their Irwin 43, Ancora Qui, in Solomons Island. A lifelong sailor, Tom introduced Beth to sailing, and after his career as a physical therapist, they embraced the cruising lifestyle in 2022. Their plan is to summer on the Chesapeake and winter in warmer climates, sharing their passion for sailing with others.
Mark Gyorgy
Instructor, Captain
Mark, an ASA-certified sailing instructor with a USCG Masters license, discovered his passion for sailing at age 9, growing up in Maine. His love for the water led to a successful US Navy Helicopter Pilot and instructor career. For over 20 years, Mark has raced his Tartan Pride P270, “Wicked Good,” and various small boats. He is a dedicated board member and President of the Southern Maryland Sailing Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting youth sailing through the Sailing Center Chesapeake.
Carl Damm
Instructor, Captain
Carl, an ASA-certified sailing instructor with a USCG Master 500T license, grew up sailing on the Great Lakes. After graduating with a BFA in Theatre Arts, he embarked on a 40-year career sailing professionally throughout the Caribbean,Mediterranean, East Coast USA, Bahamas, and Capetown. As founder and President of DAMSEL MARINE SERVICES in Stuart, Florida, Carl specializes in safely delivering offshore yachts to new destinations. He is a proud owner of a Compact 19 and is currently restoring a classic Tartan 27. A lifelong friend of Jeff Carlsen, Carl has been instrumental in keeping him out of trouble since 7th grade.