Scott Williamson, Program Director (Letter From Scott)

Scott teaches Middle School English and is an avid sailor, who brings 19 years of experience teaching and managing youth both in the classroom and on the water. Directing the TAYC Jr. Sailing Program since 2009, Scott continues to successfully shape and manage our junior program from year-to-year to meet the needs of our sailors and their families. Through his leadership, TAYC juniors receive excellent coaches and grow to develop a true love of sailing and a passion for all the sport has to offer. Scott is supported by a wonderful group of clubs members, who thankfully serve on the Jr. Sailing Committee.

Coaches Head Coach - Introduction to Sailing Isabelle Hale Assistant - Introduction to Sailing Mariah Leffingwell Beginner 1 & 2 and Sportsman Coach Meredith Hartge Opti Coach - Beginner 1 & 2 Alec Hill Opti Coach - Beginner 1 & 2 Susannah Brooks Sportsman and Beginner 2 Coach Peter Zendt Head Coach - Opti Green Fleet Bob Lippincott Head Coach - TAYC Opti Racing Team Peter Strong Assistant Coach - TAYC Opti Racing Team Nicole Hause QUALIFIED Head Coach WANTED - C420/Laser Development Team Currently Accepting Resumes!

Isabelle Hale, Head Coach - Introduction to Sailing

Isabelle is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She sailed in the junior program at Lake Norman Yacht Club for 10 years, competing regionally in both Optis and C420s. Isabelle is the Captain of the Club Sailing Team at UNC and is excited to join us to return to TAYC and coach Introduction to Sailing!

Mariah Leffingwell, Assistant Coach - Introduction to Sailing

Mariah started sailing Optis at TAYC at age nine and quickly became one of the program's most enthusiastic juniors. As she matured and developed as a sailor, Mariah was often observed looking after her fellow juniors, especially the youngest sailors, and soon became young leader within the program. Three years ago, she advanced into the C420 Class and is known for her sportsmanship and regatta success. Now a senior in high school, Mariah looks forward to college and continuing her sailing career. Currently being considered for the CBYRA Art Libby Award for Corinthian Spirit, Mariah is excited to join our excellent staff to coach and support our youngest sailors.

Meredith Hartge, Beginner 1 & 2 and Sportsman Coach

Meredith Hartge is a junior at Roanoke College and is excited to return for her sixth summer at TAYC to coach our sailors learning in Beginner 1 & 2 and Sportsman. We have known Meredith since she started in Optis at age eight in our junior program and we have watched her excel in C420s and J-22s. A very skilled sailor, Meredith brings her wide range of sailing experiences to her coaching style to help bring our intermediate juniors to the next level.

Alec Hill, Opti Coach - Beginner 1 & 2

Alec, a senior in high school, returns to the staff for his second summer. Like most of the coaches, Alec began sailing at TAYC, starting with Optis at the age of 8. Last summer he worked with our youngest sailors in Introduction to Sailing. This summer he is excited to be helping those sailors joining us in Beginner 1 & 2.

Susannah Brooks, Opti Coach - Beginner 1 & 2

Susannah is returning for another summer coaching at TAYC, before she begins what is sure to be a successful teaching career at the elementary school level. With a bag full of tricks, ideas, and activities, Susannah is the perfect person to coach our sailors advancing from Introduction to Sailing. Susannah will again coach Beginner 1 this summer to help these young sailors develop more independence on the water and confidence behind the tiller.

Peter Zendt, Sportsman and Beginner 2 Coach

Peter is junior at Trinity College who loves both sailing and the outdoors. He spent several summers at TAYC sailing in Optis and C420s and various keelboats. Peter is one of our most senior members of the coaching staff and excited to support sailors in Sportsman and Beginner 2, as they enjoy the local waters of Oxford.

Bob Lippincott, Head Coach - Opti Green Fleet

Bob is a sophomore at Salve Regina University and is a member of the sailing team. An avid sailor since he was five, Bob learned to sail Optimists at TAYC and quickly became an international competitor in this popular one-design class. Advancing into C420s, Bob has shown his racing talents throughout the years at challenging events like Orange Bowl, in which he placed 12 out of 90 boats the 2009 regatta. Bob looks forward to returning this summer to coach the Opti Green Fleet.

Peter Strong, Head Coach - TAYC Opti Racing Team

Peter is a professional coach and passionately works with young sailors to help them expand and reach their goals in sailing, as well as develop a love of the sport and being on the water. As director of the SailStrong Youth Racing Team, Peter works year round coaching Opti Sailors at the most competitive regattas on a national and international level. With over 15 years of experience coaching C420s, Lasers, and Optis, he will offer the TAYC Opti Racing Team the best opportunity to improve their skills on the course. Read more about Peter.

Nicole Hause, Assistant Coach - TAYC Opti Racing Team

Nicole is a sophomore at the College of Charleston and is a member of the sailing team. She sailed in the TAYC Junior Program through age twelve, and was invited to become a member of the Chesapeake Bay Optimist Team at age thirteen. After aging out of Optis, Nicole came back to TAYC and moved to Lasers, where she finished 2nd in the CBYRA Highpoint standings in 2008 and 5th in 2009. Nicole loves to travel and compete in regattas and looks forward to bringing this enthusiasm while coaching the TAYC Opti Racing Team.

QUALIFIED Head Coach WANTED - C420/Laser Development Team

Tred Avon Yacht Club seeks an experienced Laser and C420 coach for our 2012 Jr. Sailing Program. TAYC is a successful club on the Chesapeake Bay, with a reputation of producing lifelong sailors who enjoy the pleasures of the water and success on the race course. Many of our juniors have gone on to be ICSA All-Americans, and in some cases, even compete in the Olympic Trials just like former TAYC Junior Sailor, Jenn Chamberlin.

If you have coaching experience and a diverse racing background, send your sailing resume to Scott Williamson, Director TAYC Jr. Sailing Program.