Josh Hannigan

GuaymasSan-Carlos, Sonora Mexico

Level V Captain Rank Chief Sailing Instructor / Assessor

Captain Josh, a third-generation mariner, grew up on the Great Lakes, learning sailing and boat maintenance. He later established a watercraft manufacturing company in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in composites and GRP repair. In 2018, he sailed from British Columbia to Mexico, where he now resides with his wife & two rescue dogs. As a qualified yacht surveyor, he also excels in metal fabrication and welding on his steel cutter and is currently updating his Wauquiez Hood 38. After running a successful yacht brokerage in Sonora, Mexico for 4 years, he obtained his SAMS® Surveyor Associate qualification to pursue yacht surveying full-time. In his off hours, Josh is a passionate surfer and spearo, and delights in sailing around the Sea of Cortez exploring its many beautiful anchorages with his family.

Credentials

NauticEd Credentials

NauticEd System Knowledge Expert

Transformational Instructor Course Graduate

American National Standards Instructor/Assessor

SLC Instructor/Assessor

Level V Captain Rank Chief Instructor/Assessor
American National Standards Instructor/Assessor
SLC Instructor/Assessor

Other Credentials

SAMS – Surveyor Associate, ABYC – Professional Membership, Transport Canada – Pleasure Craft Operator Card, Industry Canada – Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime) & DSC Endorsement, PADI – Open Water Diver, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / SEA MILES: Marine Fabrication / Glassing, Power Boat Operator for Bathymetric Survey Operations, Steel Fabrication, Welding & Boat Repairs, Delivery and Charter Captain, 25,000+ Nautical Miles, 30 years Sailing Experience

Associated practical schools

Learn To Sail Mexico

Publications

Read the Expert Article Josh Hannigan has written

Do I Need A Yacht Survey? 5 Types of Surveys and How to Choose A Professional Yacht Surveyor

Get instant access to 2 free
online sailing courses

Location

San Carlos

San Carlos/Nuevo Guaymas, Sonora Mexico Map it

This is a year-round sailing destination above hurricane latitudes. Caution is exercised during summer months, due to the possibility of tropical depressions, however the Sea of Cortez affords many options for sailing to safe harbour away from larger storm systems. It is also an ideal training/proving grounds for the variety of weather and conditions to experience, with the relative safety of an inside sea with 1000's of anchorages, and dozens of major established ports, all within striking distance. Courses are outlined to take place in several locations throughout the Sea of Cortez and Pacific coastal Mainland Mexico, to take advantage of the various attractions according to seasonal conditions and student goals/preferences. Training is also available on student-owned vessels.

Notes: I am available for lessons and skippering anywhere in Mexico, and other locations throughout North America, and Europe, depending on availability. Contact me for details :)

Training and assessment

Practical Training Courses

International License Training/Assessment

SLC - Sail

Notes: Acquired by Captain Josh & Morgan in January of 2023, sailing vessel “Escape Velocity” is their second boat together. A 1981 Wauquiez Hood 38, at 23k pounds, she is as sturdy and sporty as they come for a vessel +/- 40 feet! With her swing keel and shoal draft (4.5') with the board up, this boat is the perfect vessel for exploring ALL the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Mexico has to offer. The Wauquiez Hood 38 is a TRUE Bluewater Cruiser that is properly outfitted for offshore passage making, having received significant refitting over the course of the last 7 years to prepare her for a global circumnavigation. If it is your goal to find a boat capable of safely carrying you across the world’s oceans, this is a vessel that will better prepare you than the glam schools with fancy newer-production charter boats, as this Hood 38 possesses a heavy displacement offshore cruising hull, integral/encapsulated lead ballast & swing keel, skeg-hung rudder, shaft drive, windvane, boom brake, spinnaker & pole, slab reefing/Dutchman system, dual plotter stations/auto-helm controls, autopilot, and modern B&G nav suite networked with NMEA2000 throughout the vessel.