Freddy Fam was a recreational keelboat sailor who wanted to give back to the sport that he loves. After getting his coaching badges, he is now nurturing the future generation of sailors as a coach.

As part of our efforts to promote our sailing coaches, we sat down with Freddy Fam, a recreational keelboat sailor who recently took our SG-Coach L1 course. We asked him why he decided to take up this path and what his experience was going through the course.

Read about his journey and how he had to let go of his “old friend” on the water!

Q: As a recreational sailor, what inspired you to take the next step and become a certified coach?

Freddy: Sailing has given me far more than just skills on the water. It has shaped my values, my outlook, and the way I appreciate life’s moments. 

It’s a sport you can grow with, one that stays with you through the years, constantly teaching patience, adaptability, resourcefulness and respect for nature’s unpredictability. 

On the competitive front, it teaches you to be tactical, strategic and perseverant. Through countless hours in challenging conditions and on various classes of boats, I’ve been fortunate to gain experiences that tested and strengthened me. 

Now, I feel a deep responsibility to give back. 

Sharing those lessons, not just to help others sail better, but to help them discover the same joy, resilience, and sense of belonging that sailing has given me. 

Becoming a certified coach isn’t just the next step for me. It’s a way to honour what I’ve received by passing it on to the next generation of sailors.

Q: Coming from a recreational sailing background, what was the most eye-opening or challenging part of the SG-Coach Level 1 course for you?

Freddy: Coming from a recreational (occasionally competitive) sailing background and escaping decades of corporate life, the biggest challenge was figuring out how to teach such a technical sport, in such a tricky environment, to people of all ages, learning styles, and motivations… without relying on my old friend, PowerPoint Slides.

It pushed me to think differently, to be more hands‑on, and to adapt my style so everyone could learn in a way that worked for them.

“My students always come first”

Q: What’s the most important skill from the course that helps you connect with and teach new sailors as you contribute back to the community?

Freddy: My students always come first. I make it a point to understand their age, motivations, and skills background, and then combine that with active listening and observation. 

From there, I adjust my approach so the lessons really stick, the learning happens faster, and the whole experience stays enjoyable. That way, we will have sailors coming back for more.

Q: What would you say to other recreational sailors or parents who are passionate about the sport and considering the SG-Coach course?

Freddy: If you love the sport, are humble and would like to make a real difference, the course is worth your time! 

It covers everything you need to become an effective coach, not just in skills and knowledge, but in mindset. It’s about becoming a mentor, a role model, and a bridge between the sport and the next generation. You’ll walk away with skills that go far beyond the water.

Are you ready to take a step towards being a sailing coach? Then click the link below to sign up for the course:
https://www.sailing.org.sg/events/list?category_id%5B%5D=13468