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INSTRUCTORS
Program Director We don’t send our kids to sailing class to win trophies. We do it because doing things that are hard are worth doing. We do it because our children should understand the overwhelming power of wind and water and how to harness them. We teach seamanship to impress on them the value of meticulous care, preparation, and technical skill, things that will lead to success in a world of constant and unexpected challenges. And most importantly, sailing is really fun!
Sr. Instructor / Race Coach My name is Sophia Peck and I’m so excited to be joining HPYC this summer! I grew up sailing on Cape Cod in the summers, at both the West Dennis Yacht Club and the Wianno Yacht Club. I raced Optis internationally before transitioning into the Club 420 which I have sailed for the past four years. I am the captain of the varsity sailing team at Tabor Academy, and I will be continuing my sailing career at Cornell University next year. I can’t wait to meet you all soon!
Sr. Instructor My name is Tiernan O'Kane and I've been sailing since the age of 8. I started out sailing for fun in Sunfish. In 8th grade, I joined the high school sailing team at Sandwich where I transitioned to sailing 420s. I am currently a captain of the Sturgis sailing team. I love sailing for the moment when the boat is trimmed perfectly, flying on the surface of the water and you feel on top of the world. I am excited to return to HPYC this summer to share my sailing experience.
Assistant Instructor I am looking forward to my first summer with HPYC, I have been racing since I was 8 and coaching for the past 3 years mostly in Palm Beach, Florida. I have experience racing c420s and FJs nationally at the club and high school level as well as several years of Opti racing. I am so glad to be able to share the joy of sailing and racing. Let’s have a great summer!
Assistant Instructor I have been sailing since age 7 at the HPYC program. I have experience sailing and racing in Cape Cod and NY in various boats. I have had my boating license for 3 years and will have my CPR certification for this summer as well. Outside of sailing, I enjoy backpacking and I am the captain of the football and hockey teams at RCDS. I look forward to a great summer and fun experiences on the water!
Assistant Instructor Hi! My name is Halle Dempsey and I am excited to be back at HPYC this summer. I am 16 years old and will be a junior at Needham High School in the fall. I joined the HPYC sailing program at 7 and have loved to sail ever since. I have been lucky to sail in all different kinds of boats including beetlecats, typhoons, optis, sunfish, and 420s. I am currently racing with the Needham High Sailing Team. I also enjoy tennis, golf and skiing. I look forward to a great summer!
Assistant Instructor Hi! My name is Abbie Catalano and I am so glad to be returning to HPYC as an Assistant Instructor this summer. I will be a junior at Cape Cod Academy this fall, where I sail for the school competitively. I grew up sailing at Wianno Yacht Club, and have enjoyed sailing and racing a variety of boats. I will continue to sail and race Club 420s this summer. Off the water, I am a competitive dancer and also have an interest in Spanish language and culture. See you on the water!
Jr. Instructor Hi!! My name is Maren Finan. I am a freshman in high school, and I live in New Jersey during the winter. I have been coming to Hyannis Port every summer since I was born, and started sailing when I was 7 years old. I have competed in the Hyannis Invitational three times, and the Junior Commodore cup since I was 9! Outside of sailing, my hobbies include field hockey and lacrosse. During the fall and spring, I work as a field hockey coach. I am so excited for this summer!
Jr. Instructor My love for sailing began when I was first introduced to an opti when I was 4 years old. I really enjoy sailing and racing in regattas because it has allowed me to gain a sense of independence on the water which has helped me work on my confidence and being calm under pressure. It has developed my leadership skills, but it has also enabled me to widen my love for water sports. I also started kiteboarding, which has added another dimension to my knowledge of the wind and water!