Our Story
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Welcome to Wet & Salty Sailing School! Our story is a love letter to sailing and the stunning beauty of Barbados. It all started with a shared dream among friends who were passionate about the sea and wanted to create something truly special. We envisioned a place where people from all walks of life could come together, learn to sail, and experience the magic of the Caribbean in a way that feels both welcoming and exhilarating.
Our journey began with a single J/24 sailboat and a simple idea: to offer top-notch ASA certification courses in one of the most breathtaking settings you could imagine. From day one, our goal has been to make sailing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We’re not just teaching sailing; we’re sharing our love for the sea and the joy it brings us every day.
Our instructors, bring not only their expertise but also their genuine passion for sailing to every class. They’re here to ensure that each lesson is not just educational, but also fun and memorable. We believe in creating a supportive environment where you can learn, explore, and connect with the natural beauty around you.
But our story isn’t just about sailing. It’s about the little moments that make a big difference – like spotting sea turtles swimming beside your boat or discovering vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling. It’s about making sure you feel at home in Barbados, a place we’re proud to call our own.
Join us at Wet & Salty Sailing School, and become part of our journey. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a deep dive into sailing, we promise an experience that will warm your heart, inspire your spirit, and create memories you’ll cherish forever.
Our Instructors
World Class!
At Wet & Salty Adventure Sailing School, we have one thing in common: we all caught that infectious sailing bug and are crazy about the sea, wind, and sailing. We sail while we work, we sail in our free time, and we would sail in our sleep if it were safe (but it’s not, so we don’t). Our passion for sailing drives us to share our skills with others, ensuring that no matter how limited your time is, we will help you reach your best seafaring skillset. This way, you can confidently and safely get out on the water!​
At Wet & Salty, our instructors are more than just teachers—they are mentors, guides, and passionate sailors who are committed to your success. They bring a diverse range of skills and experiences, ensuring that you receive a well-rounded and comprehensive sailing education. Join us and learn from the best in the business. Ready to meet our team and start your sailing journey? Contact us today to book your course with Wet & Salty!
Lead Instructor
Captain Peter Hoad (Wipers)
With over 40 years of sailing and teaching experience, Captain Peter Hoad is our lead instructor and resident sailing expert. Peter's journey started as a young boy on his dad’s racing yacht and continued around sea and sailing whole life long. He holds multiple certifications from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), American Sailing Association (ASA) and has competed in numerous national and international regattas and trained Barbados Champions to represent our country at Olympics. He also holds record in Round Barbados on single handed J/24. Captain Peter is a seasoned sailor with a lifetime of experience navigating the world's oceans. His extensive sailing resume includes multiple transatlantic crossings, long-distance cruising, and serving as a delivery captain for private yachts. His passion for teaching and his patient, encouraging demeanor make him a favorite among students of all levels.
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Certifications: ASA 101, 103, 104, 114, 110
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Specialty: Competitive Racing, Boat maintenance
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Favorite Boat: J/24, Jeanneau 32
Instructor
Che Alleyne
Meet Che Alleyne, our dynamic and talented sailing instructor, who brings youthful energy and a wealth of experience to Wet & Salty. At just 25 years old, Che discovered a passion for sailing at a young age and has been honing their skills ever since. Che’s sailing journey began with weekend dinghy races and quickly progressed to competitive youth sailing events. Che's approachable and enthusiastic teaching style resonates with students of all ages, making learning both fun and effective.
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Certifications: ASA 101 and 110
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Specialty: Competitive Racing, Boat maintenance
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Favorite Boat: J/24, Jeanneau 32
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School manager and owner
Marianna Polacka, M.Sc., PMP
Marianna founded this school with a vision to expand sailing training opportunities for adults in Barbados and to attract more visitors to experience sailing here. Despite hailing from a landlocked country, Marianna embodies the spirit of a true sailor and loves to share her passion and expertise. Her enthusiasm for the sea and wind is both contagious and unstoppable.
Junior Instructor
Celeste Gonsalves
Instructor Celeste combines her love for the environment with her passion for sailing. Celeste offers a unique perspective on the ecological aspects of sailing. She is dedicated to teaching sustainable sailing practices and promoting ocean conservation. Her engaging lessons often include fascinating insights into marine life and the importance of protecting our oceans. Celeste’s friendly approach and depth of knowledge make her a beloved instructor among student sailors.
Senior Master Instructor
Wendy Sarnoff
Captain Wendy Sarnoff, a USCG-certified Train-The-Trainer and licensed 100-ton Merchant Mariner, brings decades of maritime expertise to Wet & Salty Sailing School. As a Senior Master Instructor and Evaluator with the American Sailing Association (ASA), she teaches and evaluates a comprehensive range of courses. Her dedication to safety and education is further demonstrated through her co-moderation of U.S. Sailing Safety at Sea Seminars and her role as a lead sailing instructor in Marina del Rey, where she has trained students ranging from beginners to advanced racers.
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Certifications: ASA 101, 103, 104, 114, 110
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Specialty: Instructor Qualification Clinics, Advanced navigation courses
Instructor
Gus Reader
Gus is a blue water sailor and big icon in youth sailing development and racing in Barbados. He is also probably the person that owns highest number of distinct types of boat on the island. From 19 foot squib to 37 foot catamaran, including 3 racing boats, Gus is a sailor with love for boats, sea and animals. Gus is also a vet! Gus transitioned partially to sailing instruction to share his love for the sea and boats with others. His deep understanding of boat mechanics and navigation makes him an invaluable resource for students seeking to deepen their technical sailing skills. Gus is known for his clear, concise teaching style and his ability to simplify complex concepts.
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Certifications: ASA 101, 103, 104, 114, 108
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Specialty: Boat Maintenance, Coastal Cruising, Advanced navigation
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Favorite Boat: Prout Snowgoose 37
Instructor
James Adams
James Adam is a passionate and experienced sailing instructor at Wet & Salty Sailing School, specializing in ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing and ASA 110 Small Boat Sailing. With a deep love for the sea and a wealth of sailing knowledge, James excels at guiding both beginners and intermediate sailors through their journey. His friendly, patient approach ensures that students feel confident and safe on the water while mastering the skills needed to sail with independence. Whether teaching on keelboats or skiffs, James is dedicated to making each lesson engaging and fun, always encouraging a hands-on, immersive learning experience.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Redefining stereotypes in Barbados
In the realm of sailing, biases and stereotypes have historically marginalized certain ethnic groups and genders. Our team of instructors actively confronts these challenges. With a diverse ensemble representing a spectrum of genders, races, and cultural backgrounds, we proudly cultivate an inclusive environment. We extend a warm welcome to students of all genders, races, and origins, ensuring a nurturing learning environment where everyone can flourish.
Environmental sustainability
Our Commitment!
We are passionate about preserving the stunning natural beauty of Barbados. Our school operates with a strong commitment to sustainability:
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No Single-Use Plastics: We avoid single-use plastics to reduce waste and protect marine life.
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Smart Use of Fuel: Whenever possible, we prioritize sailing over using the engine, minimizing our carbon footprint.
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Biodegradable Products: During liveaboard experiences, we use only biodegradable shampoos and products to ensure we leave no harmful residues in the water.