Captain Jeremiah Swetel of Erie Islands Sailing is This Month’s Featured Instructor
Jeremiah started his journey with boating at the age of ten in Cleveland. He has extensive experience sailing and boating in all parts of Lake Erie. Jeremiah also enjoys racing at his yacht club and sailing with friends and family. Jeremiah holds his USCG 25T Master Near Coastal license with Sailing and Towing endorsements and is certified by the American Sailing Association to teach ASA 101, 103, and 104.
Captain Jeremiah Swetel is this month’s ASA Featured Instructor.
ASA: What got you into sailing?
Captain Jeremiah Swetel:
I was able to get into boating at a young age at Northeast Yacht Club in Cleveland, Ohio. The club had a learn to sail program for kids that I participated in, and I’ve been boating and sailing ever since. As an adult, I continue to enjoy every aspect of sailing, being with my family on the water and teaching.
ASA: What was your most memorable student or class?
Captain Jeremiah Swetel:
My most memorable students were a retired married couple who sold their home in California and bought an RV to travel the country. One of their stops was to take a 103 class with me where they filmed our on-water activities for their YouTube channel.
ASA: Your favorite place to sail?
Captain Jeremiah Swetel:
My favorite place to sail is around the islands of Lake Erie as well as an occasional sail in Lake Champlain on my family’s yearly vacation in Vermont.
ASA: What do people not know about sailing that they should?
Captain Jeremiah Swetel:
To not let the language of sailing hold you back from being a part of the freedom and happiness that sailing can bring to your life. Also, be humble in your approach to learning how to sail because at times you will feel like it’s a process of failure.
ASA: Why Should People Sail?
Captain Jeremiah Swetel:
I believe people should sail to participate in the wonderful community that’s an innate part of sailing. You mill make lifelong friends as well be part of community that will always help a sailor in need. Also, the process of sailing, and the exploration on water that has been part of human history, are great ways to learn about how people have traveled and lived.
“I sail to relax, have fun and be present with nature. Sailing provides a sense of freedom that few other activities can match.” -On sailing, Jeremiah Swetel
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