WEST COAST
We are a dedicated team, passionate about sharing what we know and proud to see our students cast off and set sail.
We are driven by a genuine passion for what we do every day. We want those who choose to sail with us to enjoy the best possible experience, with close attention to their individual needs and with boats of a high standard and excellent equipment. Above all, we aim to do better each time we hoist the sails.
Choosing West Coast also means choosing an operator that takes your safety at sea seriously and exceeds all legal requirements for training and maritime tourism operations.A solid team that, since 2006, has known how to support you both on land and at sea.
- Vítor Dias
Our Team
We present our team of dedicated professionals with extensive experience in both dinghy and cruising sailing, instruction across various types of vessels, and many miles at sea. Committed to safety and excellence, they ensure a truly unique experience on board.
Vitor Dias
Co-Owner / CEO
Vítor brings a unique combination of lifelong dinghy sailing experience and cruising expertise, supported by a strong background in business management and marketing. Certified as an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, RYA Powerboat Instructor, RYA VHF-SRC Instructor and RYA Radar Instructor, he also delivers training for the Portuguese navigation licences, reflecting his commitment to teaching and safety. As Director of West Coast, he oversees all operations both ashore and at sea, ensuring the school’s high standards and smooth running.
Fernando Livro
Co-Owner/ Chief Instructor
Fernando is the Chief Instructor at West Coast, with extensive maritime experience and strong national and international training.
Responsible for fleet maintenance, he holds certifications as "Patrão de Alto Mar", Portuguese Sailing Federation Coach, RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor with Commercial Endorsement, and RYA Powerboat Instructor, consolidating a path of excellence.
Combining technical knowledge, hands-on experience and strong teaching skills, he plays a key role in training new sailors.
Rachel Damasceno
Admin
Rachel Damasceno holds a degree in Administration and Financial Management and has 20 years of experience in administrative roles. After a long career in the corporate world, a sailing charter changed the course of her life, it was at that moment that she discovered a new passion: the sea.
She left the corporate environment to follow this new path, combining her professional rigour with the freedom and inspiration of sailing. In her spare time, she flies drones and travels, activities that reflect her energy and enthusiasm for new experiences.
Jullyanna Costa
Admin
Juliana holds a degree in Advertising and Marketing, with solid experience in digital marketing and over 10 years working in commercial and administrative roles. After a successful career in banking, she chose to leave the corporate world to explore new countries, seeking new challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
In Portugal she discovered a new pace of life and a special connection with the sea, which inspires her every day. In her free time she enjoys watching classic films, sailing and travelling, activities that reflect her curious, cultural and adventurous spirit.
André Chermont
Instructor
André began sailing at the age of 6. He holds a degree in Marketing and is an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Yachtmaster Instructor, Powerboat Instructor, as well as being certified by the Portuguese Sailing Federation.
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, André is known for his practical and inspiring approach, centred on developing his students’ skills. Alongside his passion for sailing, he also works as a maintenance assistant, ensuring that all equipment is always kept in excellent condition.
Robert Sean
Instructor
Robert is an RYA Cruising Instructor, RYA Diesel Engine Instructor and RYA First Aid Instructor, with over 10 years of experience in nautical training. He is recognised for his technical approach and professionalism.
With an international background, he has taught in the Caribbean and currently divides his life between Lisbon and San Francisco (USA). Before dedicating himself to sailing, he worked for over 25 years in the high-technology sector, an experience that gave him an analytical and rigorous outlook. In his free time, he enjoys travelling, a passion he has cultivated since childhood.
João Gouveia
Instructor
Joao is a
fully qualified RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore - commercially and STCW
endorsement, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor for sail, RYA Powerboat Instructor, RYA
SRC Assessor, RYA Radar instructor and DGRM Motor and Sailing Instructor up to
Ocean skipper level.
Originally
from Lisbon, Joao has an earnest passion for the sea and all related.
Colleagues and students know him as an enthusiastic hard worker, very thorough
and safety conscious.
He has an
engineering degree background and is also a VDWS windsurfing instructor.
António Ribeiro
Human Resources
António has overseen Human Resources in several companies and currently holds the same role at West Coast. With a love for the sea and a passion for fast motorboats, he brings extensive experience in people management, developed throughout his career.
Although this is his first time working in the nautical world, his professionalism and HR expertise make him a valuable member of the team, applying best management and organisational practices to help ensure the team’s success.
Filipe Vieira
Instructor
Filipe is a highly respected professional who serves in the Portuguese Navy, where he has held prominent roles such as Commanding Officer of the NRP "Polar". He holds a degree in Meteorology and Naval Sciences, and has complemented his training with advanced courses in Electronics and Communications.
He is currently responsible for the "Patrão de Alto Mar" course, applying his extensive experience and technical knowledge to the training of future sailors. With a career marked by excellence, Filipe is a key figure in the nautical sector.
Álvaro Santos
Instructor
Alvaro has solid professional experience as a lifeguard and "Rescue Diver", as well as hands-on work in wildfire firefighting, making him a valuable asset in the field of safety.
He is currently responsible for the Firefighting and First Aid modules in the Recreational Navigation Licence courses and works as an RYA First Aid Instructor, applying his experience to train sailors in the critical skills needed for safety at sea.
Carlos Rocha
Instructor
Carlos is passionate about the sea, with a particular love for diving, and works as a First Aid Instructor on the Portuguese Licence courses, where he shares his extensive experience with students. In addition, Carlos is also a firefighter, a role he carries out with great pride.
With a "Patrão Local" licence, he combines his passion for boating with his commitment to safety, making a significant contribution to the training of competent sailors who are prepared to face challenges at sea.
Guilherme Nepomuceno
Instructor
Guilherme holds a Master’s degree in Naval Military Sciences and has a solid career in the Portuguese Navy. He has served in prominent roles such as Executive Officer of the NRP "Douro", gaining extensive experience in naval operations.
In addition to his professional life at sea, he has a passion for photography and drones, capturing unique moments both on land and at sea. With many miles sailed, he has dedicated a significant part of his career to the training of cadets.
Pedro Pinto
Instructor
He is an experienced officer of the Portuguese Navy, with a distinguished career in navigation, hydrography, oceanography, lighthouse services and buoyage. Holding a degree in Naval Military Sciences, he has accumulated over 20,000 hours of navigation, demonstrating deep expertise and dedication to maritime service.
Throughout his career, he has received several commendations and medals in recognition of his service, reflecting his commitment and excellence in naval operations.
Bruno Monteiro
Instructor
Bruno serves in the Portuguese Navy and studied at the Naval School, where he completed his training and professional development. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to serve on various Navy vessels, gaining experience in maritime operations, international missions and tactical training.
Outside his life at sea, he enjoys challenging himself with combat sports, riding motorcycles and travelling, exploring new cultures, exotic landscapes and local cuisines, always seeking new adventures and challenges.
Sebastião Lourenço
Instructor
Sebastião is a qualified Deck Officer in the merchant navy and has extensive experience in the maritime sector. He has worked with various nautical companies, taking on roles in route planning, onboard safety and systems maintenance.
With a career that has taken him across the Black Sea, China and Thailand, he has gained both technical and cultural knowledge that greatly enriches his professional experience.
He has strong IT skills and stands out for his communication abilities, qualities that make him versatile and well-prepared for maritime challenges.
João Piteira
Instructor
João is a member of the Portuguese Navy with a notable career in the nautical world. Sailing since the age of 14, he has participated in various dinghy sailing championships and, at the Naval School, competed in regattas aboard Beneteau 24 vessels.
With a Master’s degree in Naval Military Sciences from the Naval School, João consolidated his academic training while gaining extensive practical experience, sailing on vessels such as the NRP *Setúbal* and the NRP *Viana do Castelo*.
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