Michael Hamilton
I have always loved the ocean and water in general. Ten years ago, I walked onto the RSC dock and told the dock master that I wanted to learn how to sail. I fell in love with it and became active in the Center, first as a Red Cross Basic Sailing Instructor, and then Vice President, President, and now US Sailing Small Boat and US Sailing Basic Keelboat instructor.
Additionally, I have taken a number of courses in seamanship and recently received my U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license.
I own a J24 racing sloop and placed 2nd overall in the 2015 Kirkland Summer Sailing Series. I look forward to helping you discover the fun of sailing.
John Padgett
As a kid, I remember going sailing with some family friends and taking the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge at Scout camp on a Sunfish. I was inspired to learn more after sailing with friends on Lake Union and Puget Sound and decided to sign up for a sailing course with my wife. Ever since, I have been sailing whenever I can, sharing sailing with friends and family, cruising, racing, and taking additional training.
I am a US Sailing Small Boat Level 3 and Basic Keelboat Sailing Instructor, 50 Ton Master Merchant Mariner, as well as a Boy Scouts of America Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge Counselor. I am currently RSC’s President. I look forward to helping you discover the exciting world of sailing!
Mike Jarvis
I learned to sail dinghies while in college, and after some years away
from the sport, returned to it some time later. I now enjoy sailing dinghies as well as cruising and racing keel boats with friends.
If you have any questions about the course feel free to contact me below.
Dean Peoples
I grew up in a sailing family, day sailing, racing, and cruising. Now I enjoy teaching others to sail.
Sailing is a great way to enjoy what is plentiful in the great northwest—water!
Bill Valuet
I grew up with boats on a small lake in Michigan but started serious sailing in my early twenties working as crew on cruising sailboats. I was quickly hooked and spent several years building and sailing boats all over the world. I have about 40,000 miles of blue water cruising in some amazing places such as the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the Mediterranean.
I have completed the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Sailing Instructor course and am ready to get you started on your sailing adventure. If you are considering a class, consider no longer – just do it! You will be glad you did.
Rebekah Padgett
I have always loved being on and around the water but didn’t know that sailing was accessible and affordable until I took a keelboat class several years ago and later joined the Renton Sailing Center. Since then, I have sailed on Lake Washington, Puget Sound, the Caribbean, and from California to French Polynesia. I am so excited to be able to share my passion for sailing as a US Sailing Basic Keelboat Instructor, particularly with women and people of color.
If you have any questions about RSC or how to get started in sailing, I would love to hear from you.
Tyler Wilson
When I was growing up, I started sailing Optimists on Lake Ontario near Rochester, NY. I sailed throughout my youth, but got out of sailing when I went to college. In 2018 I took a Basic Keelboat class at RSC, and I’ve been thrilled to be under sail again.
Since then, I have enjoyed getting involved at RSC, and being on the water whenever I can get a chance to. I’m excited to be a US Sailing small boat instructor, and look forward to sailing with you!
Brian Casserly
I learned to sail in 2013 after I stopped by the Renton Sailing Center dock to ask about lessons. The folks there were really welcoming and encouraging and I took the small boat sailing class from RSC and I’ve been sailing ever since.
I try to get out on the water as often as I can and I’ve focused on trying to improve my sailing skills and having fun on a range of boats from dinghies to keelboats. If you’re thinking about learning to sail, go for it and sign up for a class!