Instructor Interview: Steve Klain
Steve Klain shares his experiences and insights from the water — and how sailing makes his soul happy!
1. How did you first get into sailing?
I was fortunate to grow up in a town that had a sizeable lake that offered sailing camps during the summertime. A few weeks onboard a 12-foot Runabout with a single sail and plywood floors and I was hooked for life.
2. Have you had any disaster scenarios, failures, or simple problems in your sailing career that have given you a valuable lesson as a result?
I’ve learned throughout my time on the water and the (inevitable) numerous challenging situations that have arisen that the single most valuable commodity is information, education, and experience. We often find ourselves without access to immediate help and knowing how to get yourself out of a bind will make the difference between a safe and enjoyable journey and an unpleasant one…or worse! Sailing is a never-ending learning experience.
3. If there’s one thing you can tell new sailors when they are just introduced to the sport, what would you tell them?
Begin with an open mind. No two days on the water will be the same. Sailing has been one of the most wonderful influences in my (and my family’s) life.
Repeat the old adage: “A bad day on the water is better than a good day in the office”!
4. What advice would you tell a new sailor to ignore? What are bad recommendations you hear about sailing?
I don’t think any advice should be summarily ignored; merely tested to see if it applies to your particular situation. Even bad advice can carry something of value to you.
Many people recommend sailing in New England only from Memorial Day to Labor Day and I think some of the best sailing to be had is both before and after those dates. There are great winds to be had particularly in the fall and, at least in Narragansett Bay, all the congestion and traffic disappears. There is no bad weather — only inadequate gear!
5. Who most influenced your life when it comes to sailing?
The founding owner of this sailing school, Rob Lawnsby. His passion for sailing and cruising, his unending willingness to fill in whatever knowledge I’ve ever been missing or searching for, and the eventual friendship that evolved, as a result, makes him a very, very special person to both me and my family. He has helped to instill a can-do attitude in me and for that, I will be forever grateful.
6. Outside of sailing, what is something that you love to do; something that makes you feel alive?
I have traveled all over the world by boat, airplane, car, motorcycle, and foot. Being “on the move” is something that makes my soul happy and I love the challenges that travel can present where I simply have to “figure it out”.
About Steve Klain
A lifelong sailor and licensed Captain, Steve spent much of his childhood sailing on inland lakes and Boston Harbor. Later, he began cruising extensively in and around Narragansett Bay/Southern New England with his family and crewed on other vessels gaining additional experience with larger boats via offshore deliveries to Bermuda and the Caribbean. Steve brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his students.
Certified to Teach: