Captain Anderson Barnes grew up aboard the SCHATZIE III, where he learned to walk on the deck. Sailing is truly in his blood as the great great grandson of the famous captain Charles Anderson (yes, like the restaurant)! His sailing journey began as a dockhand in Panama City, then teaching at a sailing camp at age 15. He raced in college and sailed extensively, including a transformative voyage through the Bahamas and Panama. Anderson earned his USCG captain’s license and mastered wooden yacht restoration in Newport, RI. He spent some years doing private restoration work for personal yachts, did many deliveries up and down the east coast and to the islands, and sailed through the Bahamas and across the Caribbean too many times to remember.
Anderson is certified in both US SAILING and ASA. With experience racing and teaching, he became head instructor at REEF RUNNER SAILING SCHOOL, earning the 2016 North American Instructor of the Year for his teaching prowess. Despite setbacks, including losing his vessel in a hurricane, Captain Anderson persevered, now helming the Pathfinder for new adventures with visitors and locals to Panama City Beach, 30A, and beyond.
