Boat Handling & Docking Lessons in Delray Beach

Why train here

Delray Beach sits on a busy Intracoastal stretch with residential docks, marina traffic, and bridge timing that rewards practiced boat handling. Boat Lessons with Captain Rick Mendez provides private, on-the-water training on your boat, focused on docking and close-quarters control in the waters you use.

Captain Rick is based in South Florida and New York / Long Island and will travel anywhere to train on your boat. Lessons are private, on-the-water, and built around the docks and waterways you actually use.

Delray’s ICW corridor mixes no-wake stretches, opening bridges, wind-exposed side-ties, and weekend wake. Training practices wind-on versus wind-off landings, springing off a crowded pier, holding station for a bridge, and staying composed.

On your boat

Lessons happen on your vessel at your dock, canal, or agreed Delray / South Florida meeting point. Drills match your boat and dock geometry.

Credentials

Captain Rick Mendez is a USCG 100-Ton Master and NSBC Instructor Trainer.

Call / Text CTA

Ready to train in Delray Beach waters? Call or text 718-956-5000 · Email rick@boatlessons.com

Boat students wearing life jackets during an on-water lesson

What we cover

  • Delray canals and ICW approaches in wind and current
  • Throttle, prop walk, pivot turns, side-ties, and slips
  • Holding position for bridges or traffic
  • Reading wind, wake, and set; local ICW judgment
Call or text 718-956-5000