Featured Instructor: Captain Stacey Brooks

Stacey Brooks:
I totally fell into sailing by chance. A friend suggested that I take a sailing class on Lake Lanier, north of Atlanta, in 1995. I said, “sure, why not?” I took the basic ASA 101 basic keelboat class through the Lanier Sailing Academy – owned at the time by Bob Evans. It was on a small Capri 22. I will never forget the feeling of being on the water that first time and the challenge of learning. I was taken aback immediately by how much there is to learn! I was confused and astounded but most of all intrigued. Before I knew it I was falling in love with this sport and signed up for more classes while moving a 52’ Beneteau from Antigua to St Lucia with the owner of the ASA school, Bob Evans. I sadly spent the whole week seasick and miserable. I remember someone telling me in the middle of heaving up my lunch – again – – “hey maybe this just isn’t the sport for you”. At the time, as he held ice on my neck, I agreed with him for maybe five minutes. Then I thought to myself, man, you don’t know me very well. I accept the challenge! I quit my job three weeks later. Bob Evans hired me to run his dock on Lake Lanier, turn his sailing club around and build membership. I accepted and from that day forward my life turned to sailing forever

Stacey Brooks:
My most memorable students are people who get sick just like I did and I tell them my story. The next most important students to me are the ones I see light up when they finally grasp something. My favorite two students of all time are Mel and Tony Eades. After a class with me in the BVI they went home, quit their jobs, sold their house, sold their cars and began sailing on a cat throughout the Caribbean. Lots of people say they will and don’t. This couple did and it changed their life as well.

Stacey Brooks:
That’s a tough one but I am going to have to say the Greek islands. I have sailed there over 15 times in the last ten years and every single time I come back more in love. The history, the beauty, the food, the wine – the warm people! Wow! But it’s also the challenge of sailing in the Med. It’s tough and it’s always changing. No trade winds in the Med – it’s all about a different weather system there. Just when you think you know it – it throws you for a loop.

Stacey Brooks:
I sail to truly and remotely see this beautiful world. I sail to meet intriguing people, experience different cultures and eat/drink great food and wine. But probably the biggest reason I sail is to prove to myself and other people (and especially women!) that they can do it. Be scared – it’s ok. As the saying goes, cast off those lines! You can’t sail a boat while it’s sitting in the harbor.

Taking one chance in 1995 shifted my world and I can’t express how happy it has made me or explain in full the things I have seen and experienced! One thing is for certain, I am a proud ASA instructor. I am an even more proud captain and ASA school owner!

Stacey Brooks:
Sailing can and will literally change your life. It will challenge you, scare you and remind you that life is short and beautiful. Get out there!