Check anywhere in the Great Lakes and you will not find a better instructor roster than at Bay Breeze. Our sailing school has been named twice to the Outstanding Schools in the country. We have three instructors who’ve been named to the Outstanding Instructors of the Year by ASA.
“Very professional and extremely experienced. Easy to work with and never felt uncomfortable asking questions.”
Mary E.
Greenwood, IN
Dave Dykstra
With 35 years of sailing experience under his PFD, Dave can tell lots of stories. A retired science/biology teacher, Dave says good communication is vital for safe operation of any vessel. Besides his passion for sailing, he builds wood kayaks. Dave was named instructor of the year in the Midwest in 1998. Licensed USCG Captain.
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Than Dykstra
Than is a high school soccer and cross country skiing coach along with sailing instructor. His real job is teaching junior high science. Than also sails his Laser faster than most people drive their cars. Son of Dave Dykstra. Licensed USCG Captain.
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Keith Forton
Keith and the Forton family has been involved in the sailing community of Traverse City for a very long time. A licensed USCG Captain, Keith is a veteran racer with many Chicago-Mac’s under his belt, an avid local racer and just to slow things down a bit, he cruises with his family occasionally. In the real world, Keith’s been teaching High School physics for over 20 years which is why he’s a natural passing on his knowledge in the sailing world. This picture doesn’t include the latest addition to Keith’s rapidly gowing family but we can’t keep up.
Matt Stargard
Matt has enjoyed the sport of sailing for nearly 20 years, served as mate on the 55′ schooner “Appledore” for 5 years. A junior high teacher in the off season, he loves nothing more that teaching eager students this exhilarating sport. He has been an instructor for Bay Breeze for 7 years. Licensed USCG Captain.
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Ken Stepnitz
Ken looks at sailing with a physicist’s eye. A retired college professor, there is nothing Ken likes more than sharing his love of sailing with others. Maybe mixed with a little physics here and there. He teaches respect for the water and Mother Nature. Ken once rescued people from a capsized trimaran during the Chicago Mac race, now part of his class syllabus if requested. Licensed USCG Captain.
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Bryan Smith
Bryan has taught at Bay Breeze for nearly 20 years and has certified more than 500 students and logged thousands of miles on the Great Lakes. He feel’s BBYC winning program is due to sound methods and exceptional instructors. Bryan’s upbeat personality makes him one of the most popular instructors. In the off season, he teaches USCG Captains courses around the Midwest. Licensed USCG Captain. Check out his website and you too can become a Captain. US Captain’s Training
Dan Spyhalski
Dan has been sailing for over 30 years, walks the walk and actually lives on his Cal 40 “Spyke” on Grand Traverse Bay – even sometimes in the winter with wood stove heat! The most important lesson he teaches is confidence. A Bay Breeze instructor for 5 years, Dan says northern Lake Michigan offers the BEST sailing in the world…..summers, that is! Dan was named to the “Outstanding Instructors” list for 2006 by ASA. Congratulations Dan! Licensed USCG Captain.
Jessica Gerber
Jessica knew how to sail before she could walk and loves the feeling of freedom it gives her. As instructor of the only Woman’s only classes at Bay Breeze, she finds her students “enthusiastic, easy learners who take the course seriously while having a great time together. Sailing is not just about being physically strong but, more important is being smart”. Licensed USCG Captain.
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Ryan Valerio
Ryan has an extensive background in boatbuilding and naval engineering which greatly enhances the experience he offers his students. A full timer here at Bay Breeze you’ll see him at boat shows around the country as well as on the Bay Breeze docks in the summer. Licensed USCG Captain.
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Dave Williams
Dave grew up within a half mile of Bay Breeze and has been sailing longer than you need to know. He finds teaching very gratifying especially when he sees it all come together in the students eye. Instructing at Bay Breeze for over 20 years, his favorite perk is sailing northern Lake Michigan under a canopy of stars, passing the long boats and watching the distant lights. “That’s a spiritual experience”. Dave was also named to the “Outstanding Instructors” list for 2006 by ASA. Congratulations to you as well Dave. Quite an acheivement. Licensed USCG Captain.
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Dirk Wissbaum
Dirk is a former Naval engineer with a passion for blues music. Dirk has been on or around the water for most of his life. Once a Mississippi river boat worker and crewman on a few schooners and cruisers. Dirk holds numerous tickets to Captain or instruct. “I enjoy teaching people new skills… it’s rewarding to pass along that knowledge. “Most important lesson: boat handling”. Licensed USCG Captain.
