Meet Our Instructors

While we have somehow labelled each of our instructors, we are not rigid in who coaches who. Our instructors, just like our sessions, are one big team focused on one thing — learning how to sail and having fun while doing it. We often mix it up, allowing us to adapt to groups characteristics while keeping each session fresh and dynamic for our participants.

Enjoy the AI-written bios until our 2025 instructors get around to writing new ones!

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Heidi Bay / Director of Education

35+ years of teaching experience from beginner classes to collegiate coaching. She has as raced everything from Lasers to ocean yachts, locally and internationally. NOODS winner and two time Annapolis to Bermuda winner as a watch captain along as a member of the 1989 US Womens National Team. Today she enjoys sailing/racing with her family and friends on their SR33 and Dehler 46 both called Wildfire, racing her 1957 wooden Albacore 'Fred' and Chesapeake 20, and most of all sharing her love of sailing with others.

Member of WRSC since 1980

Bryan / Fall & Spring Programs Head Coach

Bryan grew up at WRSC and SSA, sailing a range of boats (optis, lasers, 420s/fjs) and big boats with his family and friends. He was team captain of the Key School's sailing team, qualifying for Fleet Race Nationals twice and Team Race Nationals once. In college, he was the Racing Chair for the Sailing Club at Virginia Tech. Now, he regularly sails his Laser/ILCA and his Chesapeake 20 (Contrary) at WRSC, cruises his C&C 48, and races on a J105 and Dehler 46.

Devin / Adult Learn to Sail

Devin grew up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and has been sailing for over 30 years on everything from Optis to 40+ foot yachts. A Member of WRSC since 2020, Devin is a member of the Flying Scott shared boat fleet, helps coordinate the shared boat program, and coaches for the Adult Learn to Sail Program and high school programs. Devin loves sailing and is always looking for excuses to be on the water and opportunities to share his passion with the next generation of sailors.

Molly / Racing Coach

Molly began sailing at WRSC in 2019 and joined the Southern High School sailing team as a freshman. She will graduate as the team captain, having helped to lead her team to the MASSA Fleet Race Championships three times, so far. She also races on her family’s J/30, Valhalla. Through sailing at WRSC, Molly has built lifelong friendships and developed a deep love for the sport and the river she calls home. She is passionate about teaching younger generations and sharing her enthusiasm for sailing in the place that means so much to her.

Hayden / Summer Coach

Enjoy an AI Written bio until we receive Hayden's bio. Our resident sailing guru and part-time pirate impersonator. With over 20 years of experience on the high seas, Salty has navigated everything from bathtub regattas to epic ocean voyages. Known for his uncanny ability to tie knots faster than you can say "starboard," Salty brings a mix of humor, wisdom, and a treasure chest full of sea shanties to every lesson. When he's not teaching the finer points of tacking and jibing, you can find him perfecting his cannonball splash or searching for the legendary lost treasure of the West River. Join Captain Salty for an unforgettable sailing adventure—just don't ask him to walk the plank!

Grace / Sea Urchins

Grace started her sailing career at WRSC in 2014 in optis. She sails for Southern High School and the St. Mary’s Ryken High School team. She also races in C420s in her boat in the summers, as well as experience on lasers and FJs. During her 10 years sailing at sailing at WRSC, Grace has found some her best friends and created bonds between teammates - she loves her home away from home. She’s always had a passion for the water and love sharing that excitement with others and younger generations.

Fiona / Sea Urchins

Fiona began sailing at West River in 2019 as an Opti sailor. She started on the Southern High School team as a 6th grader, and then joined the South River High School team in 8th. Since the fall season of 2022, Fiona has been co-captain of the South River team. She has been helping with the Sea Urchin group since 2022. She is passionate about the sport and sharing her knowledge with others.

Nate /

Enjoy an AI written bio until we receive Nate's bio. Say hello to Admiral Anchor, our resident sailing expert and part-time treasure hunter. With decades of sailing under his belt, Anchor has mastered the art of teaching with a blend of humor and expertise. He's known for his legendary tales of sea monsters and his uncanny ability to predict the weather with a single glance at the sky. When he's not on the water, you might find him crafting intricate model ships or hosting impromptu sing-alongs at the marina. Join Admiral Anchor for a sailing lesson that's as entertaining as it is educational—just don't be surprised if you leave with a new favorite sea shanty!