About

About Starboard Passage

Sailing Is for Everyone

Making Sailing More Accessible Since 2006

Starboard Passage was founded by Eduardo Cordero and Paul Jon Patin, built on a shared belief that sailing should be experienced by more people, not just a select few.

What started as a way to give back has become a multi-generational passion. With sons now joining them on the water, Eduardo and Paul Jon continue this journey with renewed purpose: making sailing more approachable, more skill-focused, and more rewarding for everyday sailors.

You don’t need a yacht club membership or a massive boat to get started. A $5,000 Sunfish and a desire to learn can open up an entirely new world. Sailing sharpens your awareness, builds resilience, and puts you in direct connection with nature. It’s a craft that welcomes curiosity and rewards dedication.

Whether you’re here to train, to grow, or just to enjoy the ride, we’re glad you found us.

About Paul Jon Patin

A former Sunfish World Champion, Paul Jon brings decades of elite-level racing experience to Starboard Passage. Known for his sharp technical insights and passion for coaching, he’s trained sailors at every level, from first-time racers to world champions.

But what truly sets Paul Jon apart is his belief that sailing is more than competition. It’s about personal growth, mental clarity, and lifelong learning. His instruction blends preparation and mindset with strategy and on-the-water awareness, helping sailors elevate both skill and confidence.

About Eduardo Cordero

Eduardo is a 4-time Sunfish World Champion and a lifelong student of the sport. Born in Venezuela and based in the U.S., he has competed (and coached) on the international stage for decades.

Eduardo’s coaching style is hands-on and encouraging. Whether he’s sailing alongside you or analyzing performance on shore, he’s focused on building well-rounded sailors with the skills and self-awareness to grow on and off the water.

He’s also a dad, and sailing with his sons has deepened his commitment to making the sport more accessible, inclusive, and joyful.

Our Values

Access Over Exclusivity

We believe sailing should be for everyone, not just the few with club memberships or big boats. You don’t need fancy gear to start. Just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

Craft Through Repetition

Sailing is both art and discipline. We teach the details, over and over again because progress doesn’t come from shortcuts, but from showing up, learning the craft, and refining it with intention.

Awareness in Motion

Great sailing is about more than skill, it’s about feel. We train sailors to listen to the wind, read the water, and move with awareness and precision. That’s when performance and peace of mind meet.

Lifelong Learning

Whether you’re racing at a high level or setting sail for the first time, there’s always more to discover. We coach with humility, knowing that every sail is a chance to learn something new.

Community, Not Competition

Sailing connects people, across generations, backgrounds, and ability levels. We foster a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and shared growth. This is a place where everyone belongs on the water.