One of the most important things about Manhattan Sailing School is our AWESOME sailing instructors. We believe we have some of the best instructors in the country! This is mission critical for our school and Commodore Fortenbaugh goes out of his way to attract, groom and support this incredible group of sailing educators. All of them do this for one reason – they LOVE the sport of sailing. This is the same reason for everything we do. Sure we will teach you how to rig and sail a boat. And we will do that best in class. But what we are really teaching is a love of this sport. At the end of your course, our singular goal is that YOU LOVE SAILING TOO!!!!!

I fell in love with sailing as a teen, racing J/105s on Nantucket Sound. Since then I have followed this passion, working as a head instructor at Nantucket Community Sailing before joining Manhattan Yacht Club full time as the sailing director. I have been fortunate to sail and race on a number of classic yachts, from 12 Meters and International One Designs, to spirit of tradition grand prix yachts and Herreshoff day racers, to more high performance dinghies and catamarans. I deeply enjoy teaching the sport of sailing, and to help others fall in love with it the way I have.

I’ve always dreamed of adventure on the high seas. But I grew up in very dry parts of Texas and New Mexico. When I found my way to sailing through river rafting in the Southwest and later, sea kayaking in the Pacific Northwest, I fell in love with sailing and the sea. Since then, I’ve managed sailing adventures in incredible places – the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Pacific – both the Northwest and Mexican waters. In this picture, I’m 200 miles offshore, living that dream I dreamed as a kid. I got there because of the amazing mentors who taught me along the way. I love teaching sailing – at whatever level, beginner, coastal cruising and navigation, chartering – because passing on the sailing tradition to fellow sailors gives me joy.

Five years ago, I set sail with Manhattan Yacht Club and haven’t looked back. This club has been more than just a community—it’s my portal to nature, personal growth, and adventure. I’m passionate about teaching and spend most weekends on the water, helping students build confidence through hands-on experience. Whether it’s the calm escape of cruising, the adrenaline rush of racing, or the simple joy of being present in nature, I’m always eager to share what sailing has given me.

I am what they call a “thalassophile” – I was born into a sailing family and was cruising Long Island Sound before I could walk. I am an avid student of nautical history and have a penchant for knotsmanship and celestial navigation. My love of the sea extends below its surface – I am a NAUI Master Scuba Diver and Rescue Diver, and I was a shark diver and a marine mammal rescue worker in my youth. I hold a USCG Master Captain License, and I continue to give back to the sailing community by volunteering my time to restore and sail tall ships at the South Seaport Museum, teaching young children to sail with Brooklyn Boatworks, and promoting boating safety as a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. What I love most about sailing is the sense of freedom and the thrill of exploration that it gives, as well as a strong connection with nature and with our past. I also write articles for American Sailing (Association) and I love to teach and share my passion for sailing with others.

Scott averages 75 sails a year across Cruising, Fleet Captain and the Mentor program. In 2024 he helped 100s of members advance their sailing skills at every level from lubber to skipper.  For 2025 he hopes to continue to help new sailors realize the thrill of going to sea.  Scott is a USCG Master who also stood deck and engineering watch on nuclear submarines earlier in his career.

It was once said to me “Sailing is a journey.” Mine began here at Manhattan. Some of my favorite sailing moments have been right here in the Upper New York Harbor, tacking past the Statue of Liberty with the iconic New York City skyline as a backdrop. I also love the freedom and adventure of bareboat charter sailing, and I’m always looking for my next trip. The Manhattan Yacht Club and Manhattan Sailing School have helped me hone my nautical skills and provided countless opportunities as a sailor. I look forward to sharing the journey with all of you.