Our crew
Our instructors are US Sailing–trained, first aid and CPR certified, and — nearly all of them — MBJA sailors themselves.
How we coach
Every class is built around ratio: enough coaches in the water that no sailor is waiting on the beach. Instruction happens where it matters — in the boat, in real conditions, with feedback in the moment.
Safety is not a lecture we give on day one. Capsize recovery, righting, and swim-testing are drilled until they are reflex, and coach boats are on the water any time sailors are.
Our coaches hold US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification or higher, along with first aid, CPR, and safe-boating credentials. Many started here at age seven.
Leadership
Sailing Director
Tim spent 31 years in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator — the last 19 as a high school athletic director. He has lived in Holland since 1984.
His passion is working alongside athletes, coaches, and parents to make their experience the best it can be. He stays involved with the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, and in his spare time golfs, works in his yard, and gets out on the water with his wife, Jen.
Head Race Coach
Nadia was team captain and A Skipper for the OSU Sailing Team and served as Commodore of the Midwest Collegiate Sailing Association from 2022 to 2024. She has been racing and coaching in the Midwest since her youth, with expertise in Optis, 420s, and keelboats.
Her coaching career began at Hoover Sailing Club, where she rose from instructor to Head Instructor and Head Race Coach while serving as Junior Race Program Chair.
“Embrace the challenge!”nadia@mbja.org
Summer camp crew
Nearly all of them learned to sail right here. Bios below are from our most recent camp season.
Assistant Director
A graduate of Saugatuck High School and Northern Michigan University, Hannah raced on the sailing team at both schools and holds a degree in outdoor recreation and leadership management. She works behind the scenes to make sure our kids have the best experience possible — someday she hopes to sail in Greece.
“It can be overwhelming at first, but stick with it and you will learn a lot!”
Favorite boat · U20
Anneke has sailed her whole life and raced for the last six years. Sailing taught her to problem-solve quickly and persevere through adverse situations — skills she'll carry into a career as a labor and delivery or NICU nurse. Her favorite memories are high school practices and regattas in every kind of weather.
“Get out on any type of sailboat any opportunity you get. Different boats make you more confident in your skills.”
Favorite boat · Mumm/Farr 30
An MBJA alum, Cam has been sailing for eight years and loves long races with his grandfather. He'll be sailing in college. He still remembers sailing a Laser for the first time in a blow — and capsizing a lot.
“Sailing isn't a 'traditional' sport so it can be difficult to start, but the people you meet and the places you see are worth it.”
Favorite boat · Melges 15
Caroline has sailed for 15 years and is heading for the marketing side of the sailing industry. Her favorite MBJA memory is placing ninth — and first among the girls — in the Butterfly fleet at a WMYSA Friday regatta at Macatawa Bay.
“Tiller towards trouble!”
Favorite boat · Laser / ILCA
Four years of sailing has taught Henrik teamwork and leadership. A coaching highlight: letting his racing class sail to the beach and jump in the water after a long day of racing.
“Ask questions and remember to enjoy the process.”
Favorite boat · J/70
Ten years of sailing has taught Isaac teamwork, problem solving, and calm communication — skills he'll take to a college sailing team. He's proud of his results at the State Championships, and of camping all weekend to get there.
“It's all mental — stick with it.”
Favorite boat · GL60
Jackson has sailed for 15 years, two of them competitively, and credits sailing with his leadership and teamwork skills.
“Learn to embrace new challenges and step out of your comfort zone.”
Favorite boat · Club 420
Seven years in, James says teamwork, compassion, and technique will carry into whatever his future holds. He fondly remembers trips to the dunes and learning to sail with friends at MBJA.
“To truly know if you like it, you first must try.”
Favorite boat · Club 420
Six years of sailing has taught James to stay calm under pressure, learn from mistakes, and stay patient when things don't go as planned. He looks forward to MBJA's summer regattas all year.
“Use every race to learn from more experienced sailors.”
Favorite boat · Sunfish
An MBJA alum, Kiarra has sailed since she was five — 13 years — and is headed for medical school. One early season she sailed up to every fishing boat on the bay to ask if they'd caught anything.
“It's not about controlling, it's about adapting.”
Favorite boat · VX One
Twelve years of sailing taught LJ to be comfortable with failure — that's where the learning happens. He still remembers his first solo sail: the first day of camp in 2014.
“Be patient and enjoy the process of learning.”
Favorite boat · Laser / ILCA
Eight years of sailing taught Matthew to lead under pressure and stay calm when everything is going sideways. Racing a West Michigan regatta in a gale pushed him well outside his comfort zone and taught him a ton about boat handling.
“Get out on the water as much as you can. Ask questions, don't overthink it, and race before you feel ready.”
Favorite boat · J/70
Olive has sailed for six years and plans to work with kids in the medical field — teaching sailing is her favorite preparation. A highlight: winning a race at keelboat nationals.
“Don't be afraid to ask questions.”
Favorite boat · Club 420
Eight years of sailing has taught Penny teamwork and leadership. Her favorite memory is heading out to Lake Michigan with the MBJA race team on the last day of the season.
“Learn how to rig the boat properly — it's a lot harder to fix on the water.”
Favorite boat · J/70
Seven years of sailing has taught Teagan to work hard, learn from mistakes, and collaborate. He raced the J/70 Ignatz at Keelboat Nationals — and still rates sponge tag among the highlights.
“Don't let your mistakes put you down. Use them to improve your skills.”
Join the staff
We hire instructors and assistant instructors each spring. Sailing experience matters more than a résumé, and we'll help you get certified.
Reach our program director at info@mbja.org.
