Twelve seasons on Pier 6, 1,200 students and the launch on most First Sail Fridays.
Head of the sailing school
Alex came to Tiller as Friday night crew and never left. Today Alex runs the sailing school, writes the course plans and still teaches a First Sail group most weekends.
Students say Alex is the instructor who hands over the tiller first and talks least. The method is simple: a small boat, a light breeze and a lot of time on the water, with the launch never more than a shout away.
US Sailing
Level 2 instructor
Coast Guard
Captain's license, 50 tons
First aid at sea
Renewed April 2026
VHF radio
Operator's permit
school@tillerclub.com
On Pier 6
2014
First season crewing Kestrel on Friday nights.
2016
US Sailing level 1, then two summers teaching juniors.
2019
Captain's license for paying guests; 400 sunset sails since.
2022
Runs First Sail, the Skipper Course and eleven instructors.
Alex teaches
