Catamaran sailing on open water

RYA Sailing Instructor — Moreton Bay & Beyond

Mark
Morwood

45,000 ocean miles. Two Atlantic circuits. A four-year family voyage from Boston to Brisbane. Now bringing that experience to your sailing journey on Moreton Bay.

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore RYA Cruising Instructor AMSA Sail Master Offshore Catamaran Specialist
Book a lesson
45,000 ocean miles

A lifetime on the water

I'm an experienced offshore sailor who genuinely loves helping others find their confidence on the water — whether it's your very first tack, or final preparation for a bluewater crossing.

I understand that everyone learns differently. Some students thrive with gradual, comfort-zone sailing; others need to be challenged. I adapt to you — and I make sure every day on the water is one you leave feeling capable and confident.

"My goal at the end of every day instructing is that everyone has learnt something new, is more confident, and had a great time out on the water."

Based on Moreton Bay, I teach through Sunshine Sailing Australia — Queensland's longest-running private sailing school, operating out of the Sunshine Coast. Whether you're in Brisbane, Redcliffe, Manly, or anywhere on the bay, Moreton Bay's varied conditions make it an ideal classroom for building real sailing skills.

45k
Ocean Miles
4
Atlantic Crossings
3
Seasons in the Mediterranean
1
Pacific Crossing
30+
Countries Visited
Monohulls & Catamarans
Experienced on both hull types, inshore to offshore

Major Voyages

1996–1998
Atlantic & Mediterranean Circuit — Vancouver 36
Boston → Azores → Gibraltar → Barcelona → Corsica → Italy → Malta → Greece → Turkey → Canaries → Caribbean → Bermuda → Boston. Short-handed with wife as only crew.
2003, 2005
Bermuda 1-2 — Hobie 33
Single-handed Newport–Bermuda race (skipper). 1st place in class on the double-handed return leg in 2005.
2012–2015
Boston to Brisbane — Catana 48 Catamaran
A 4-year family voyage spanning the US East Coast, Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Azores, Mediterranean, Panama, Galápagos, French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and finally Brisbane.
2016–present
Moreton Bay Instruction
Based on Moreton Bay, teaching as an RYA Cruising Instructor with Sunshine Sailing Australia. Charter experience in Whitsundays, BVIs, Bahamas, French Polynesia & France.

Qualifications & Certifications

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
2012
🎓
RYA Cruising Instructor
2025
🧭
AMSA Sail Master Offshore
2025
AMSA Coxswain 1 NC
2025
📻
LROCP Long Range Radio Operator
2025
🏄
SLSQ IRB Rescue Boat Driver
2019
🚑
First Aid & Advanced Resuscitation
Current
🌊
SLSQ Flood Rescue Responder
2025

How I Teach

01
Tailored to You

No two students are alike. Some need gradual steps close to their comfort zone; others learn best when challenged. I read what works for you and adjust my approach throughout the lesson.

02
Real-World Skills

With 45,000 miles of offshore experience on both monohulls and catamarans, I teach the practical seamanship that actually matters when things get serious out on the water.

03
Patient & Encouraging

Sailing can feel overwhelming at first. I create a calm, supportive environment where questions are welcomed and mistakes are learning moments — not setbacks.

04
Monohulls & Catamarans

I have extensive logged experience on both hull types across inshore and offshore conditions — ideal whether you're preparing for Moreton Bay daysailing or a Pacific crossing on a cat.

Courses Available

All courses run through Sunshine Sailing Australia — Queensland's longest-running private sailing school.

Ready to sail?

Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced sailor looking to sharpen your skills, I'd love to hear about your sailing goals.

Book through Sunshine Sailing

learn2sail.com.au  ·  +61 7 5478 2299  ·  sailing@learn2sail.com.au