Meet Our Instructors
At Learn to Sail Cleveland, our passionate and experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you build confidence on the water. With years of sailing expertise, professional certifications, and a deep love for Lake Erie, our team is here to guide sailors of all levels—from beginners to seasoned cruisers. Whether you’re learning the ropes or refining your skills, you’ll be in capable hands with instructors who prioritize safety, fun, and hands-on learning. Get ready to set sail with the best in Cleveland!
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, a sailor with 20 years of experience under his belt, is a true testament to the transformative power of the sea. His journey began at the side of his father Paul Curry, learning the ropes (lines) from a young age, and tutelage of the renowned
Charly Morgan. This early exposure instilled in Stephen a deep love for coastal cruising, racing, and the thrill of offshore passages.
Stephen’s passion extends far beyond personal gratification. He is driven by a desire to share the excitement and freedom of sailing with others. He holds ASA 201, 203, and 204 certifications, demonstrating his commitment to safety and proficiency, and his
ambition to chart new waters. His adventurous spirit has led him to conquer challenging voyages and participate in exhilarating races, each experience adding to his wealth of knowledge and fueling his desire for more.
For Stephen, sailing is more than just a technical skill or a competitive pursuit. It’s a gateway to new destinations and a chance to connect with diverse cultures and landscapes. He seeks to explore hidden coves, witness breathtaking sunrises from the open
ocean, and lose himself in the rhythm of the waves.
Whether traversing familiar shores or venturing into uncharted territory, Stephen approaches every nautical mile with the enthusiasm of a seasoned explorer and the humility of a lifelong student. His infectious passion, unwavering dedication, and commitment
to sharing the magic of sailing make him an inspiration to anyone seeking adventure, connection, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Richard Capriccioni
A native of northeast Ohio, Capt. Rich has been racing sailboats since 2001, learning from some of the best. In 2018 he received a USCG master’s license and sailed the Pacific Northwest on a Spirit 33. He has sailed in the Caribbean and completed three “Macks” (Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac) on a 50 ft racing yacht. He also captains charter excursions-sail and power-driven. He is a member of The International Ship Masters Association (ISMA)
Andy Hudak
Sailing with Captain Andy Hudak is a great way to experience a passion for teaching and living the sailing lifestyle. Even on pleasure sails, he can be found accidentally teaching guests terminology and how to help run the boat. Andy’s sailing experience includes inland lakes in Michigan and Ohio, Great Lakes, Atlantic and Caribbean coasts from Nova Scotia to Tobago, and the Pacific Northwest, on boats from 8 foot dinghies to 140 foot traditionally rigged schooners. He loves sharing his love for the water and sailing with students any chance he gets.
Andy regularly subjects his 4 children to his sailing instruction and enjoys sunset sails and short Lake Erie trips letting them run the boat. He enjoys schooner-based adventures teaching youth programs through various east coast schools. When he isn’t running classes on the water, Andy oversees a summer camp in Ashtabula County where he and his kids have a small hobby farm raising goats and chickens.
Eoin Herlihy
Growing up in Dublin, Ireland, I have always enjoyed the water and developed a passion for sailing early on. Much of my learning has been on small boats in Ireland and on Lake Erie, but I have significant experience sailing many vessels, including a few adventures in the Atlantic Ocean. Two of my favorite boats are the Union 32 and the Hunter 36. I love being on the water anytime.
I have been teaching sailing for several years and I am looking forward to sharing my love of sailing and respect for Lake Erie.
USCG Captain, ASA Instructor, US Sailing Instructor
Nick Wallinder
Nick Wallinder is the Assistant Sailing Instructor and Co-Founder of Sail Buffalo. He graduated from SUNY Maritime College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture. Currently residing in Cleveland, Ohio, Nick works for the Great Lakes Group and offers sailing lessons on his Catalina 27 during evenings and weekends. He is a lifelong sailor with a passion for all things water-related, teaching with both patience and a strong emphasis on safety. Nick holds a 3rd mate unlimited tonnage USCG license, is a past Gold medalist in the Junior Olympics 420 class, and is an ASA Certified Student for courses 101-103, with plans to become an instructor as well.
Dan Claxton
First day of sailing was April 23, 1973. Cold water sailing on a 17″ Thistle dinghy in Lake Erie. A few moments in, my dad said hike and I fell off the boat. I was 9 years old. My first lesson taught to me was “stay on the boat.” Wise words from my father. I live by them today.
I have 51 years of active racing and cruising experience on so many different dinghies and keel boats that I can’t keep track of them all.
I was the youngest sailing instructor ever at the Erie Yacht Club. I moved on to teach sailing, sailboarding and jet skis for many more years on the shores of Lake Erie. I also sail many ice boats when conditions alow.
I presently own 20 boats. I actively race in the Windmill, Hobie 16, MC scow, and numerous keel boats in the PHRF class. I have an extensive J24 racing carreer.
I am certified to instruct the 101, 103, 104, 110, and 114 courses in the American Sailing Association. I have earned my merchant mariner captains license.
I instruct regularly for Learn to Sail Cleveland. I also own my own Sailing charter service called Presque Isle Sailing Charters in Erie PA, where I utilize my own Hunter 40.5, and now Virgin Island Sailing School. I am very patient and adjusting to each students needs as each student learns at different levels.
I have sailed in Thailand, British Columbia, Chicago, all of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Annapolis, New Port, multiple Key West Race weeks and sailed throughout all of Florida.
I have run my own boat maintenance and repair service for 40 years. I also move boats for owners port to port.
I guest captain on a 125′ 131 year old 93 ton schooner. I am working towards my 100 ton Masters License.
I have actively been a boyscout leader for 35 years. I have signed hundreds of water related merit badges over the years. I am a scuba diver. I am an acccomplished wood worker, and have built and repaired many wooden vessels.
I have had a long and wonderful life on the water and I cherish all the adventures I have had and those that are still to come. Sailing is my happy place and I thank my father everyday for taking me for my first sail and opening my eyes to what was to become my passion.
I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with many new sailors.
To fair winds, waves and adventures.
Captain Dan Claxton
Eric Stoffer
My passion for the water encompasses all types of vessels, from canoes to pontoon boats to 100-foot schooners. As a professional captain on the Cuyahoga River, I find immense joy in showing people a unique view of Cleveland. My sailing adventures have taken me from the waters of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River to the pristine waters of the Caribbean.
On land alongside my wife, I manage Bay Branch Farm, a small urban farm where we grow a variety of vegetables for local restaurants, a small grocery store, and a farmer’s market. Additionally I enjoy walking, backpacking, and riding my bike, with the hope of one day not owning a car.
Gary Worley
A native of Oklahoma, Captain Gary has experience in several of the many lakes of that state. He also has captained boats on Lake Huron, in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas, as well as the Atlantic. His passion is taking cruises in exotic places and experiencing other new ports and cultures. He has sailed from Italy, Greece, Croatia, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Lucia, the Canary Islands (Spain) and Martinique.
Captain Gary has taught sailing in Oklahoma, Montana, Florida and here in Ohio. Now, with Learn to Sail Cleveland he has scheduled a Learn to Sail Vacation in Mallorca, Spain this spring. Later this summer, he is organizing a Learn to Sail Vacation to Preveza, Greece. The courses will include the ASA 114 (Multi-hull or Catamaran) Course. Captain Gary plans to take more cruises with Learn to Sail Cleveland in many exotic places.
