Started in 1983 as Michigan’s only full time charter operation, Bay Breeze has grown to become a reputable and reliable charter fleet and sailing school.  Our charter fleet is the largest on Lake Michigan and offers meticulously maintained sail and power yachts.  In the past 5 years, two Bay Breeze sailing school instructors have been named “ASA’s (American Sailing Association) Instructor of the Year” and Bay Breeze has twice been named “School of the Year”.  Bay Breeze continues offer outstanding sail education and provides a top-notch fleet of charter vessels for the more experienced sailors.

Dave & Kristen Conrad are the owners of Bay Breeze Yacht Charters and Sailing School.  Dave was General Manager for 3 years before they purchased the company in June of 2008.  Dave has been sailing the Great Lakes, Caribbean, Gulf Coast and beyond for about 20 years.  He has extensive experience in captaining charter vessels 50 to 90 feet and managing charter companies in the Caribbean and the Great Lakes.  He holds a USCG Masters 100 ton Captain’s license and is an American Sailing Association Instructor certified for levels 101, 103, 104 and 105. 

Kristen Conrad, the  ”quality control tyrant” can be found most summer days on the docks and in the office keeping things in order with amazing energy and enthusiasm.  Kristen’s real world job as a High School Counselor keeps here busy during the rest of the year.  Kristen and Dave were “Stewardess and Captain” aboard a 90 foot custom sailing catamaran in the Caribbean before comming to Bay Breeze and are no strangers to working long days together in the boating industry. 

Ryan Valerio came to Bay Breeze as an ASA instructor in 2006.  Ryan’s Naval Engineering background includes experience working on the USS Constellation, Navy shipyards, wood boat building and much more.  Ryan also has extensive experience delivering vessels on the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico and on the Great Lakes.  He holds a USCG Masters 100 ton Captain’s license and is an  American Sailing Association Instructor for levels 101, 103, 104 and 105.

Kathy McAndrew (twin sister to Christy Brinkley???) brings over 11 years experience as a charter operation office manager and keeps the office running smooth.  One of Kathy’s hidden talents include “Grill Master” every Saturday at the Bay Breeze Cookout. Kathy’s outgoing personality, sense of humor and her attention to detail make customer service her specialty.    

Dirk Wissbaum started at Bay Breeze over 12 years ago rigging boats and working on mechanicals.  Dirk’s a Navy veteran and has experience working on Mississippi river boats before coming to Bay Breeze.  About 6 years ago after getting his USCG license, he started captaining and teaching ASA courses.  Being an avid Blues musician is another part of Dirk’s colorful character.  He’s been spotted playing at Foxy’s in Jost Van Dyke, BVI and at many blues fest around the country.  Dirk  holds a USCG Masters 100 ton  Captain’s license and is an American Sailing Association Instructor for levels 101, 103, 104, 105 and 114. 

Click here to meet all of  Bay Breeze Sailing School Instructors.

Wilamena, our Marina Mutt gets an honorable mention.  She isn’t so good at handling a wrench or answering the phones, but she is pretty good at keeping the geese off the docks.  We all have our specialty. 

With the combined efforts of our full-time and seasonal staff, we keep the fleet mechanically sound and spotlessly clean. Our goal is to ensure that every sailing school student and charterer has a good experience cruising our beautiful waters and that they get hooked on the feeling of being under sail.   

Here’s some quick links to contact Bay Breeze.

   877-941-0535    Toll Free
   231-941-0535    Local
   231-932-1130    Fax