Before starting his mandatory military service in the Israeli Navy Tomer Saportas, 18, is on a Bucket List tour of the U.S. where his wish for a sailing experience was fulfilled by a volunteer skipper at Sail Nauticus. 

When his Uncle, Eyal Gonen of Portsmouth, VA, found out that his nephew was coming from the Haifa region of Israel to spend a week with him before his three-year hitch he wanted to do something unforgettable by taking him sailing around this famous military port. Because Gonen recently had knee surgery and needed an assist he reached out to Waterway Guide News for a plan.

Sail Nauticus in Norfolk was willing to give Tomer his first nautical learning experience at the helm of a Harbor 20. Skipper Mark Kahles volunteered his time to take them both out for an exciting and educational afternoon on the Elizabeth River here.

"Tomer is going into the Navy so I could see how important it was for him to be seeing all of our Naval ships and be able to ask so many questions about what it will be like at sea," Kahles said. "We had some big wind when we went out and even had a knockdown but he never flinched. I think he'll do well in the Navy."

Tomer said it was a great experience, "I really appreciated that someone I didn't even know would take his free time to help me learn to sail and show me everything all up and down the river."

"It was truly an awesome experience," said Gonen. "I really appreciate how Mark came out in his free time and the whole staff at Sail Nauticus was so friendly and helpful. My nephew will never forget this experience. It was everything I had hoped to be able to give him."

Sail Nauticus uses the W.D. Schock Corporation’s Harbor 20 for all sailing activities. The Harbor 20 features a beautiful, timeless, and safe design, and it's built to be equally comfortable and efficient with a 3 ½ foot keel, large cockpit, and a roller furling self‐tacking jib. A clean, quiet electric motor pushes the boat at 4 knots to ensure sailors return safely back to the dock when the wind dies.

Additionally, the Harbor 20’s 900‐pound bulb keel keeps the weight low in the water, which gives the boat plenty of stability in heavy seas. It’s easy to sail single‐handed, making the versatile Harbor 20 the perfect teaching vessel for kids and adults alike, while remaining a fun craft for even the most experienced of sailors.

For more information about the Learn to Sail programs for adults and youths CLICK HERE.