Reef Runner Sailing Recent Graduates

Here is what some of our recent student graduates and charter customers have to say about their experience with Reef Runner Sailing. Click on each picture for a closer look.

We had an excellent time, learned a ton and worked hard! Met Capt Dave briefly twice, seems cool. Capt Anderson was great, he had 3 students with very different levels and types of experience and was able to multitask his time, all of us working simultaneously on different things, to give us what we each needed. ... His patience and easy going attitude made for not just a really educational trip, but, an enjoyable one as well." Matt and Lauren, FL (January 2012)

"I just wanted to say I had an amazing experience during the course. Capt Anderson went well beyond just teaching the 104 course material to really help myself and the others on board become more proficient at sailing. ... Thanks for allowing me to be part of Reef Runner and I hope to come back for more ASA courses." Kareem, VA (January 2012)

"My son and I just finished our first sailing class with Captain Dave in Key Largo. The last three days may have been the most fun and best learning experience we could have ever hoped for.

I was a little concerned at how my teenage son would react to being on the water, taking commands from a stranger, and taking the class seriously. We were so comfortable with Dave after the first ten minutes that all my concerns were gone. If they could teach Physics like Dave teaches sailing, we would all be Einsteins.

Now that both my son and I have the sailing bug, you will be hearing more from us." Brian, IL (December 2011)

"We had a spectacular weekend! Excellent course. I will highly recommend it…. Especially in the fall. We were blessed with great weather. Anderson was superb. Extraordinary experience. We will enjoy our Cat 22 so much more now after taking the course….

They say, “If you’re not tired, you didn’t have a good time”…. I’m tired! Thanks again." David, AL (October 2011)

"I cannot say enough good things about Capt. Anderson. He was great with my daughter, pushed her when he needed to but new when to back off a little too. He is one of the most enthusiastic people I have meet in a long time. The smile on his face when I finally got my man over board drill meant a lot to me, I could tell he was proud that he had taught me something that I had no idea how to do 2 days before. I learned a great deal. The whole trip was fun from the stay at Azalea Court to all the restaurants right out our door. I never got in my car until we left. I will be looking for a date to come back and do the 104 class soon. Thanks." Doug, AL (August 2011)

"I must commend you on the condition of your boat. It is the first time I have chartered and had all the fans working, instruments sufficient to navigate by, and all running lights working. I have a collection of spare parts that I bring with me when I charter -- due to the distance I was not able to bring all the extra parts and was concerned our sailing would be lacking. It was not. Thank you for providing such a well maintained boat.

Also, Anderson was great. His exuberance was infectious. Both Jonathan and I thoroughly enjoyed our week -- even though we were exhausted at the end of it. Hope to see you again." Ray, VA (August 2011)

"Thank you very much for arraigning a wonderful sail for our family. Everybody enjoyed Capt. Anderson and it was a perfect introduction to sailing for our children. We look forward to taking the week long ASA course later and certainly will plan a full day sail next time we are back in Panama City with the family. Capt. Anderson is excellent with his skills but also with his ability to read people and engage them at their level. Thanks again. Looking forward to many more sailing adventures and will get the word out to all sorts of people so other we know can have a great day like we did!" Doug, (August 2011)

"Capt. Dave, Joyce and I were sailing offshore last weekend and we both agreed how much the week we spent with you meant to us. Having lived aboard for a couple of months now - we have seen a huge lack of training/education from several other sailboat owners - and have heard even more horror stories of folks woefully unprepared. The skills and knowledge we learned from you have have helped us work as a team - docking, anchoring, sailing - we're on top of it and having a blast." Rick and Joyce, FL (Letter sent in August 2011. They were students in November 2010.)

"It was an INCREDIBLE week filled with learning, sailing, stories and heat/mosquitoes. We loved every minute of it. David could not have been a more perfect instructor. The Garrison’s were delightful and we remain grateful that they “make room for us” both on the boat and in their hearts. Cannot wait to see pictures of their new boat. Thank you for all you guidance and patience as we made this dream a reality. It will be a memory of a lifetime." Jeff, AL (July 2011)

"The class was everything both my wife and I had envisioned. Capt. Anderson was professional and relatable, and our experience more than exceeded our expectations. We are confident that we can now enjoy our time on the water for years to come. Thanks for everything." Tony, AL (July 2011)

"The class was outstanding, it far exceeded my expectations. Capt. Anderson was a great instructor and it was a pleasure taking the class with Walt... I am going to vote for Capt. Anderson on the ASA site as soon as I get home. Let me know when you develop and start offering that new class you mentioned. Maybe we can take it with the 105 next summer. Thanks again!" Martin, GA (July 2011)

"Hi, Captain. I really enjoyed the class. I learned a lot and Anderson was a good teacher. I liked that he gave us the option of snorkeling and surfing outings when the wind wasn't great. I've recommended you to a couple of friends already." Jeff, TN (July 2011)

"Capt. Pete, I really enjoyed learning to sail with Capt. Anderson. He was a very good teacher. It was obvious he loves sailing and loves to teach others how to enjoy the sport. I had a great time and learned a lot in his class. After all the training exercises we performed on the water, I am very comfortable in my ability to single hand a small sailing vessel." Victor, TX (June 2011)

"Myself and Ron just returned from our ASA 103/104 course with Capt. Dave in Key Largo. I just wanted to write to you to thank you so much for everything. This was probably one of the best experiences of both of our lives. You have a real gem on your hands with Capt. Dave (or as we liked to call him... 'The Most Interesting Man in the World') He was an amazing teacher (and became a great friend by the end), and did it in a way that we didn't even feel like we were being taught until we took both our tests and realized... Wow we've sure learned a hell of a lot in these past few days. I couldn't imagine taking this course with anyone other than Reef Runner Sailing, as every single thing, from Captain Dave, to the Location in the Keys, cooking gourmet meals at sea, swimming and snorkeling, learning all these great new skills, and especially our boat 'Kaya' were simply perfect. If I had one complaint it's that I wish it could have gone on forever. I took this course to feed my hunger to learn more about sailing, but in reality what it did was just make me want to get there more and more. Thanks again so much, I cant wait to get back out on the water and look forward to hopefully getting back down there sometime to continue to learn with you guys or just to buy you and captain Dave a beer. Cheers." Jason, NY (May 2011)

Congratulations to Chris and Melissa on your beautiful new 47' Beneteau. (Apr 2011)

"We had a great experience with Capt. Dave, and we are now going to lobby the family (with two same age girls as mine) with whom we usually do outward bound things to join us for a weeklong coastal cruising & diving experience next March—our first opportunity, given other pre-calendared events. On that cruise, we would try to expand our ASA ratings, and maybe get ratings for them, as well. ... With this sailing experience, I accomplished my goal: they feel like they have a good, basic understanding of safe boating and sailing. They know that they’ve just scratched the surface, but the opportunity to learn and sail with Capt. Dave was lifetime memorable for them. They are enthusiastic for a return and to push their knowledge and confidence to the next level." David and family, TX (Mar 2011)

"Since I have this unsolicited opportunity, I want ...you to know how much I enjoyed sailing with and learning from Dave Montgomery. He is a great addition to your 'organization'." Karl, TX (Jan 2011)

"The boat is awesome and I have been fixing it up over long weekends since I got it. I'm so excited to take the trip to the Bahamas! I have to say I'm thankful for taking your class just in time. It has helped tremendously!" Jason, NC (Dec 2010)

"Jean and I have been wanting to do this for years and have been putting it off because we were always 'too busy'. What a mistake. We really enjoyed the experience. I am planning to be back to take the ASA 104 course in December and then it's BVI in March. Thanks again Dave." Dennis & Jean, IL (Nov 2010)

"Joyce and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the 101-104 class with Capt Dave. As you know, I had never sailed before and the learning curve was straight up for me - however - Capt Dave has a mountain of patience and teaching skills - so I never felt overwhelmed. With his guidance - Joyce and I worked as a team through each and every challenge presented to us. Capt Dave is a true pro and s/v Kaya was a thrill to sail. Thanks again to you, Capt Dave and s/v Kaya - our new friends in sailing! Now it's time to start looking for our own boat..." Rick & Joyce, FL (Oct 2010)

"Reef Runner Sailing School is great here in Panama City FL. Capt Anderson Barnes did a superb job and the boat was in great shape. I would recommend him and the whole school to anyone interested in sailing. I have ~40 years of sailing under my hat and still learned a great deal. My partner had never been on a boat other than a John boat and came away able to make a slip and tie-along dock, man overboard drill and fully maneuver the vessel on all points of sail. Anderson did a great job and has the enthusiasm , energy and is a great teacher, (not just instructor). It was a pleasure though hot." Stan, FL (Sep 2010)

"Just wanted to take the time to thank you for providing us with a wonderful sailing experience. Everything exceeded my expectations! I was surprised with how much of a "hands on" experience this was, it really helped understand all the items covered in the sailing manual. Captain Anderson was extremely helpful and his obvious passion for the sport made the experience so much more enjoyable." Andy, GA (Jun 2010)

"We just got home from PC- Capt. Anderson did a great job, moreover, the entire experience was amazing. We are planning on taking future courses with you and Capt. Anderson... We feel like we truly have a grasp of the basics. Looking forward to learning more from your team down the road." Eliot, IN (May 2010)

"Dear Captain Dave, Thank you, profusely, for an incredible week. You are, indeed, a master at the craft of teaching sailing. I learned more than I ever thought possible. Your temperament, your skills, your ability to teach, the way you ran five concurrent curricula, individualized for each of us, the way you seized opportunities to deepen learning, and so very much more made the week a learning experience that I, again, didn't imagine was possible... Thank you, again, for everything. I will be back." Tom, WY (Apr 2010)

"Thank you so much for the sail. My husband loved it. Your Capt was very nice and professional. The whole experience was great." Tanya, FL (Feb 2010)

"Thanks, Capn Pete. Great Pics!! And wonderful course instruction. I found myself at my shop today, practicing my bowline knot!!"

"My wife Jennifer and I wanted to thank you for the great time we had this weekend taking ASA 101 & 103. We had such a great time that we are interested in renting/chartering Miss Lya for one of the upcoming weekends if she is available." Brian & Jennifer, FL (October 2009)

"Thanks so much again for the wonderful sail. We enjoyed getting to know you!

Here are some pictures of our fun day.

Thanks again and we'll keep you in mind on future trips...."

Janet & Dan (July 2009)

"Again, thank you for your time and your patience. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the course... Thanks so much!

"Many, many thanks for a tremendous learning experience on Miss Lya. Your teaching encompassed the perfect blend of practice and theory to raise the level of confidence of everyone on board - especially me!! Your patience and encouragement made for a very pleasant 3 days!!! Don and I both are pleased that we chose Reef Runner and will recommend your school to others. ... Thanks for your friendship and sharing so much of your sailing knowledge." Connie & Don, TX (October 2008)

"What an awesome weekend! We had such a great time. You did a good job picking another compatible couple with us. They were lots of fun. Look forward to seeing you in PC in the future." Chris & Melissa, AL (June 2008)