July 31, 2023
by Mary Elkins
In October 2021, Modern Sailing bid fair winds and following seas to former Fleet Manager Timan "Timmy" Eatherton and his wife Ari as they headed out the gate to sail south for Mexico. If you're not familiar with Timan, you'll want to really want to read his story.
This is a story similar to many Modern Sailing students, members, and employees, and highlights the very reason for Modern Sailing's existence. Providing a wide variety of boats, a quality education with experienced professionals, and a diverse, supportive community, we are sailors in the business of helping other sailors make their cherished sailing dreams come true. Stories like Timmy's are fuel for our passion.
For the last year and a half, Timmy and Ari have been cruising around Mexican waters and living on their boat Hosea, an Allied Princess 36, as they continue preparations for extended voyaging. This has been their dream since he started working for Modern Sailing in 2017, but it wasn't Timmy's only sailing dream.
Last fall and again this spring, Timmy returned to Sausalito to complete two more of his long-held goals as a sailor - to become a USCG licensed captain an ASA sailing instructor. Completing his USCG Captains License course and ASA Instructor Qualification Clinics at Modern Sailing, Captain Eatherton is now certified to teach ASA 101, ASA 103, and ASA 118.
On June 17, coincidentally, I was once again fortunate to be there to see another of Timmy's firsts - the first day of his very first ASA 101 class. Seeing Timmy on the platform above the docks teaching students how to feel the wind direction and understand points of sail, I couldn't have been prouder. The seamanship skills that Timmy has learned from Modern Sailing instructors Wolfgang Hausen, Stan Lander, Stephen Spoja (retired), Jeff Cathers, and his many other mentors and coworkers, as well as on his own cruising adventures, will be handed down to countless more sailors in the years to come.
The legacy continues.
"There is something beyond the points of sail and the mechanics of sailing that beckons deeper into the rich tapestry and history of being at sea. It’s about oneness with Mother Nature and the experience of being a sailor.
"Teaching sailing is one of the great joys in my life. It provides the opportunity to continue learning while strengthening my skills. I have come full circle in my sailing journey and I’m most grateful.
"Share the love of the sea."
Timan Eatherton
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