NauticEd
NauticEd is a privately held sailing and powerboating education company that delivers 30+ multimedia online courses, on-water training via a global instructor network, and internationally accepted SLC licensing to 80,000+ recreational boaters worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What NauticEd does
NauticEd (legally Nautic7 Global Resources, LLC, founded 2008 in Austin, Texas by Grant Headifen) is a privately held sailing and powerboating education company operating a multimedia online learning platform with 30+ courses spanning beginner through advanced (Captain Offshore) skill levels. Its proprietary LMS combines cloud-based student logbooks, a CrewMates™ peer-authentication system, optional GPS tracking, an auto-generated boating resume, and a proprietary ranking/level certification engine that ties course completions to on-water experience and issues ranks from Skipper through Captain Offshore. The platform is the only global sailing/boating education body recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard under American National Standards EDU-1 (Power) and EDU-3 (Sail) since 2017, and NauticEd administers the SLC (Sailing License and Credentials) and SLC-p licenses accepted by European port authorities and global yacht charter companies.
The company monetizes through five streams: (1) a freemium course-sales funnel (free eLogbook, free resume builder, free introductory courses; paid bundles from $27 through the $789 Transformational Instructor course), (2) myBoat™ boat-sharing SaaS subscriptions across four tiers ($4.44/yr Boat Partnership to $275/mo EnterprisePlus), (3) yacht charter brokerage commissions as agent for global charter operators (Moorings, Sunsail, etc.), (4) SLC/SLC-p international licensing fees, and (5) optional checkout donations to the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation. Distribution combines a self-serve PLG website, a global network of approved on-water instructors (100+ days experience requirement), a 100+ affiliate/independent distributor network spanning 19+ countries, and yacht-charter brokerage partnerships. NauticEd reports 80,000+ boating enthusiasts supported, 250,000+ courses delivered since 2008, and a 4.9/5 average across 74,313 student ratings.
NauticEd firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NauticEd
- Legal name
- Nautic7 Global Resources, LLC
- Website
- https://nauticed.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- NauticEd is a privately held sailing and powerboating education company that delivers 30+ multimedia online courses, on-water training via a global instructor network, and internationally accepted SLC licensing to 80,000+ recreational boaters worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NauticEd industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Online Boating Education
- NAICS
- Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sailing Experiences (Lessons, Regattas, Day Sails) (THAJAJAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Interactive Learning Games & Gamified Courseware (EDAGALAL)
Keywords
Where NauticEd is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
NauticEd business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Online Sailing & Powerboating Course Sales: Primary revenue stream: individual courses and bundled learning paths sold a-la-carte (e.g., Introduction to Sailing Course Bundle at $27, Skipper bundles, Bareboat Charter Master Bundle, Captain Offshore Bundle) plus the $789 Transformational Instructor course. Free signup and free introductory courses (Basic Sail Trim, Navigation Rules for Powerboats) drive a freemium funnel into paid bundles.
- myBoat™ Boat-Sharing Software Subscriptions: Recurring software revenue from the myBoat boat-sharing platform across four tiers: Boat Partnership ($4.44/user annually), Enterprise Starter ($98/month), Enterprise ($198/month), and EnterprisePlus ($275/month), each with a $249 setup fee for enterprise plans; optional legally-written partnership user agreement sold for $149 one-time.
- Yacht Charter Brokerage Commissions: NauticEd acts as an agent/broker for global yacht charter companies (e.g., Moorings, Sunsail, The Moorings, Sunsail, Angelia, Istion, Pitter, Jeanneau), advising clients on charter readiness and earning referral/transaction commissions on bareboat charter bookings.
- International Licensing (SLC / ICC): Fees associated with administering the NauticEd SLC (Sailing License and Credentials) and SLC-p international licenses, accepted by European port authorities and yacht charter companies after theory courses plus a one-day on-water competence assessment; SLC is positioned as a more readily accessible alternative to the UK RYA-administered ICC in North America.
- Charitable Add-on Donations (Childhood Cancer): Optional checkout add-on donations ($5/$10/$20/$50/$100 tiers) routed to the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation; total community donations to date reported as $33,881.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free tier: free signup, free eLogbook, free resume builder, free Basic Sail Trim and Navigation Rules for Powerboats courses |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Paid sailing & powerboating course bundles (Skipper Small/Large, Bareboat Charter Master, Captain Offshore) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Transformational Instructor Course for sailing/powerboating instructors |
| Per seat | Annual | myBoat Boat Partnership consumer tier |
| Subscription | Annual | myBoat Enterprise Starter tier |
| Subscription | Monthly | myBoat Enterprise tier |
| Subscription | Monthly | myBoat EnterprisePlus tier |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
NauticEd product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NauticEd delivers online multimedia sailing and powerboating education through a proprietary learning management system, offering 30+ courses from beginner through advanced, a cloud-based eLogbook and resume builder, and globally recognized SLC/ICC licenses. Its on-water instructor network delivers practical assessments, while complementary products include VR training (with MarineVerse), myBoat boat-sharing software, a yacht charter brokerage, and the Transformational Instructor Course.
Product overview
NauticEd is a platform-plus-modules architecture organized around a core online learning management system that delivers over 30 multimedia sailing and powerboating courses (Sailing Courses, Powerboat Courses) plus supporting tools including the Free Electronic Logbook (eLogbook) and the auto-generated Boating Resume (eResume). On top of the core platform sit complementary modules such as the Virtual Reality Sailing Courses (in partnership with MarineVerse, including the VR Navigation Rules Course), the myBoat™ Sharing Software for boat partnerships, and the Transformational Instructor Course for instructor training. The platform integrates with SailTies for GPS-authenticated logbook entries and issues recognized credentials including the SLC (Sailing License and Credentials) and the ICC (International Certificate of Competence), backed by the American National Standards (USCG EDU-1 and EDU-3). NauticEd also operates a global On-Water Instructor Network, a Yacht Charters & Vacations brokerage service, an Affiliate Program, and a Sailing Blog & Podcast Series.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- myBoat: NauticEd-branded online boat-sharing software system allowing groups to equitably share and schedule a boat. Marketed under the NauticEd umbrella.
- SLC (Sailing License and Credentials)
- SLC-p (SLC for Powerboats)
Products and services
- Sailing Courses Over 30 multimedia online and mobile sailing courses for beginners through advanced training, surpassing international standards. Includes Introduction to Sailing, Skipper Small Sailboats, Skipper Large Sailboats, Bareboat Charter Master, Captain Offshore, plus free courses such as Basic Sail Trim. Sold a-la-carte or in discounted bundles.
- Powerboat Courses Multimedia online and mobile powerboat courses aligned with American National Standards EDU-1. Includes Navigation Rules Course for Powerboats, Skipper Small Powerboat, Skipper Large Powerboat, and Bareboat Charter Master for Powerboats. Launched as a new course series in October 2024.
- SLC — Sailing License and Credentials (and SLC-p for powerboats) Internationally accepted NauticEd license (sail and power variants) for skippers wanting to charter recreational yachts in European waters including the Mediterranean and Seychelles. Fully accepted by European port authorities and yacht charter companies. Requires Bareboat Charter Master Rank plus a one-day practical assessment.
- ICC — International Certificate of Competence Advisory Service Advisory and training service supporting the issuance of the ICC under United Nations Resolution 40 for skippers of recreational boats. NauticEd advises on and supports gaining the ICC through aligned training.
- Free Electronic Logbook (eLogbook) Free cloud-based electronic logbook for tracking on-the-water experience. Includes the proprietary CrewMates tool that lets regular crew members authenticate logbook entries with one click, plus an optional GPS tracking app that automatically uploads tracks to the logbook.
- Boating Resume (eResume) Auto-generated global boating resume that tracks courses passed, logbook entries, and badge tasks. The proprietary algorithm calculates and builds an internationally accepted boating resume demonstrating Rank of Bareboat Charter Master or other certifications; shareable privately with charter companies via resume code.
- Virtual Reality Sailing Courses Cutting-edge VR sailing courses covering skills from basic sailing to advanced docking and navigation rules. Includes the World's First VR Navigation Rules Course in partnership with MarineVerse (launched March 2, 2023).
- The Transformational Instructor Course Online course for sailing instructors, developed with Navy Top Gun Instructor Trainers and Navy SEAL Instructor Trainers. Covers leadership, communication, student motivation, risk management, and followership skills; culminates in a Transformational Instructor badge. Priced at $789 (free for approved NauticEd instructors).
- myBoat Boat-Sharing Software Online boat-sharing and partnership management software allowing groups of up to 8 members (or more in enterprise tiers) to equitably share a boat. Features online reservations, swap requests, wait lists, 48-hour grab-and-go bookings, email notifications, and customizable rules. Available in Boat Partnership ($4.44/user/year), Enterprise Starter ($98/month), Enterprise ($198/month), and EnterprisePlus ($275/month) tiers with $249 setup fees for enterprise plans; optional $149 legally-written partnership user agreement.
- Yacht Charters & Vacations Brokerage Yacht charter vacation brokerage service where NauticEd acts as expert and agent for all yacht charter companies worldwide (e.g., Moorings, Sunsail, Angelina, Istion, Pitter), advising clients on whether a license and adequate resume are required for bareboat chartering.
Quantifiable outcome
- 4.9/5 average student rating across 74,313 course ratings
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use NauticEd
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
NauticEd technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature6 records
NauticEd partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.
- SailTiesflagshipTechnology integration launched Feb 28, 2023 to authenticate sailing logbooks with GPS tracking and sharing. The free SailTies app captures on-water time and automatically builds a sailing CV that complements the NauticEd eLogbook and resume system.
- MarineVerseflagshipCo-development partner for the world's first Virtual Reality Sailing course (launched Oct 5, 2022) and the world's first VR Navigation Rules course (launched Mar 2, 2023). MarineVerse is an international team based in Melbourne, Australia that creates VR sailing simulations for standalone headsets; the VR assets are integrated into NauticEd's curriculum and used to accelerate training from basic sailing through advanced docking and navigation rules.
- Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer FoundationminorCharitable partner for NauticEd's nationwide childhood cancer initiative launched September 10, 2021; $33,881 in community donations collected through checkout add-ons.
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) & NASBLAflagshipRegulatory recognition body: in 2017 the USCG developed the American National Standards for sailing (EDU-3) and powerboat (EDU-1) training and assessment, and NauticEd is the only global sailing/boating education body recognized as meeting these standards. The recognition is co-developed with NASBLA and enables NauticEd-issued certifications to be globally accepted.
- MooringscoreGlobal yacht charter company listed as one of NauticEd's "Trusted by" partners; recognizes NauticEd's SLC for bareboat charter competence and is part of NauticEd's yacht charter brokerage network.
- SunsailcoreMajor global yacht charter company listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner and brokerage partner; accepts NauticEd credentials for bareboat charter readiness.
- Lagoon CatamaranscoreWorld leader in sailing catamaran cruisers (range 38–62 ft); partners with NauticEd on catamaran training & certification recognized by charter companies and international port authorities.
- BeneteaucoreMajor yacht builder; featured as a NauticEd trusted-by partner and boat builder; over a century at sea.
- JeanneaucoreMajor yacht builder listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner.
- Angelina Yacht ChartersminorCroatian yacht charter company listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner.
- Istion YachtingminorYacht charter company listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner.
- Fyly YachtingminorYacht charter company listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner.
- Athenian YachtsminorYacht charter company listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner.
- Pitter YachtsminorYacht charter company listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner.
- Ultra SailingminorYacht charter company listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner.
- Sea TowminorMarine towing and boating services network listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner; complements safety-at-sea curriculum.
- Sea Scouts of AmericaminorYouth maritime education organization featured as a NauticEd trusted-by partner; numerous Sea Scout ships operate as NauticEd-affiliated schools (e.g., Sea Scout Ship 001 Johor, Ship 101 Chippewa, Ship 122 Indiana, etc.).
- Latitudes and Attitudes MagazineminorBob Bitchin's cruising lifestyle magazine listed as a NauticEd trusted-by partner and member of the sailing-industry services directory (Toledo, OH).
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
NauticEd competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Offshore Sailing School: Steve and Doris Colgate's flagship U.S. sailing school offering ASA-certified liveaboard cruising courses and online classes. Directly competes for bareboat charter readiness students and liveaboard cruising certifications in the U.S.
- US Powerboating: U.S. powerboating education and certification body offering on-water and online courses. Directly comparable to NauticEd's newly launched 2024 powerboat training course series in target customer, course catalog structure, and certification output.
- Annapolis Sailing School: Long-established ASA-affiliated sailing school offering beginner through advanced certifications on the Chesapeake Bay. Comparable in course catalog, on-water instruction model, and bareboat charter readiness preparation.
- Modern Sailing School & Club: San Francisco Bay-based ASA-affiliated sailing and powerboating school offering certification courses, memberships, and charter prep. Comparable in blended online/on-water delivery and U.S. recreational certification focus.
- American Sailing Association (ASA): Largest U.S. sailing education body with a network of sailing schools and a tiered certification system (101 through 114). Directly competes with NauticEd for U.S. recreational sailing students, instructor affiliations, and charter-readiness certifications.
- International Yacht Training (IYT): Internationally active yacht training and certification body issuing the IYT Master of Yachts and International Crew certifications accepted by charter companies worldwide. Directly competes with NauticEd's SLC for international bareboat charter credentialing.
Broad incumbents
- US Sailing: National governing body for sailing in the U.S. and U.S. Sailing Association affiliate offering certification and instructor programs. Comparable as a standards-setter and credential issuer, though broader in scope (racing, offshore, instructor certs) than NauticEd's recreational focus.
- BoatUS Foundation: U.S. boating safety and education nonprofit offering free online boating courses and state-mandated boating safety education. Overlaps with NauticEd in free introductory powerboat safety education and is a NauticEd trusted-by partner.
- Royal Yachting Association (RYA): UK-based national governing body for sailing and powerboating that administers the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) — the dominant international boating license NauticEd's SLC is explicitly positioned as a more accessible North American alternative to. Directly comparable certification authority, instructor network, and course catalog.
Emerging players
- GetMyBoat: Global peer-to-peer boat rental and charter marketplace. Comparable to NauticEd's myBoat™ boat-sharing module in addressing the underutilization of recreational boats, though GetMyBoat operates as a rental marketplace rather than a partnership-scheduling SaaS.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
NauticEd social profiles
Digital presenceNauticEd compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
NauticEd financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NauticEd leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
NauticEd funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NauticEd M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about NauticEd
What does NauticEd do?
NauticEd delivers online multimedia sailing and powerboating education through a proprietary learning management system, offering 30+ courses from beginner through advanced, a cloud-based eLogbook and resume builder, and globally recognized SLC/ICC licenses. Its on-water instructor network delivers practical assessments, while complementary products include VR training (with MarineVerse), myBoat boat-sharing software, a yacht charter brokerage, and the Transformational Instructor Course.
Is NauticEd a public or private company?
NauticEd is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was NauticEd founded?
NauticEd was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is NauticEd based?
NauticEd is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does NauticEd make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Online Sailing & Powerboating Course Sales are the primary driver. The others are myBoat™ Boat-Sharing Software Subscriptions, yacht Charter Brokerage Commissions, international Licensing (SLC / ICC) and charitable Add-on Donations (Childhood Cancer).
Who are NauticEd's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Offshore Sailing School, US Powerboating, Annapolis Sailing School, Modern Sailing School & Club, American Sailing Association (ASA) and International Yacht Training (IYT). Broad incumbents are US Sailing, BoatUS Foundation and Royal Yachting Association (RYA). GetMyBoat is listed as an emerging player.
Does NauticEd have an API?
No public API is recorded for NauticEd.
What industry is NauticEd in?
NauticEd's product category is Online Boating Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJAJAG, Sailing Experiences (Lessons, Regattas, Day Sails), with a secondary code of EDAGALAL, Interactive Learning Games & Gamified Courseware. Its NAICS code is 6114 and its SIC code is 8200.