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. 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 at Bay Breeze before purchasing 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.
Kathy McAndrew (twin sister to Christy Brinkley???) brings over 13 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.
Paul Davis, an avid racer and Chicago – Mac veteran, brings experience and his passion for sailing to Bay Breeze. Paul holds a 50 ton USCG Captain’s License and is an ASA Instructor certified for levels 101 and 103.
Dirk Wissbaum started at Bay Breeze over 14 years ago rigging boats and working on mechanicals and then started teaching and captaining after getting his USCG license. Dirk’s a Navy veteran and has experience working on Mississippi river boats before coming to Bay Breeze. 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.
Bay Breeze Yacht Charters
12935 S. West Bay Shore Drive
Suite 185
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
Office: 231-941-0535
Fax: 231-932-1130
