We are excited to announce that Henry Ackley, the brother of former coach Suzane Ackley, has been appointed as our new Optimist Race Coach!

Henry brings a wealth of sailing experience and accomplishment to the position. As an avid sailor, he has a strong background in both Optimist and X-boat racing. He developed his passion for sailing on North Lake, where he first learned the fundamentals, and honed his skills further on Pine Lake.

His racing career in the Optimist class is impressive, having participated in two international regattas in Italy and Spain, where he showcased his talent among some of the best young sailors in the world. In addition to his Opti achievements, Henry has made a mark in X-boat competitions, earning a remarkable second-place finish at the prestigious 2021 ILYA Championships and securing several local victories throughout his racing journey in events such as the Xtreme and Quad Lakes regattas.

Thomas began his sailing journey on Lake Geneva, participating in the Kinderpram and Reacher programs tailored for novice sailors. These activities equipped him with essential skills and fostered a lasting passion for the sport.

After relocating to Lake Nagawicka, he advanced his sailing education by enrolling in the OPTI program. Over five years, he primarily sailed X boats, often serving as skipper with his brother as crew, which strengthened their teamwork and familial bond.

Additionally, Thomas joined the Milwaukee Youth Sailing Team (MYST), competing in the C420s. This experience enhanced his competitive skills and strategic thinking in racing environments.

Last summer, he took on new challenges sailing in the middle position of an E scow, known for its speed. He also acquired a C scow for the upcoming summer season, and he looks forward to applying his knowledge and skills to further his development in sailing.

What type of boat do you like to sail or coach?

Hi, I’m Joseph, and I’ve been sailing for over 9 years. I started in Opti.’s before moving into X-boats and MC Scows, and I currently race ILCA dinghies, C420s, and C Scows. I’m a skipper on the Arrowhead High School Sailing Team, where we recently qualified for Team Race Nationals in Christchurch, Virginia.

Along with racing, this is my second year coaching younger sailors. I enjoy helping others improve while continuing to push myself competitively on the water. Outside of sailing, I’m interested in engineering, electronics, and coding projects related to sailing performance and technology.

What I love most about sailing is the mix of strategy, teamwork, and constant learning that keeps every day on the water different.

What type of boat do you like to sail or coach?

I have always loved sailing because it has given me so many incredible experiences and lifelong friendships. Being out on the water is something that makes me feel confident, motivated, and connected to others who share the same passion. One of my favorite parts of sailing is coaching younger kids and helping them learn the sport. I enjoy teaching them new skills, encouraging them to challenge themselves, and watching their confidence grow over time. Seeing the excitement on their faces when they improve or accomplish something new is extremely rewarding to me. I also love getting to know each of the kids I coach and building strong relationships with them both on and off the water. Sailing has taught me leadership, teamwork, patience, and responsibility, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me to grow while helping others grow as well.

Meet James Tessmer, a dedicated sailor and instructor who brings five years of diverse on-the-water experience and a passion for maritime excellence to our team. Now entering his second year of teaching, James has developed a reputation for being both a knowledgeable coach and a versatile athlete.His extensive background spans multiple competitive classes; he has skillfully navigated everything from the foundational Opti and 420to the high-performance X-Boat, where he has excelled as both a skipper and a crew member. Furthermore, his experience with MC Scows, C-Boats provides him with a sophisticated understanding of different hull designs and wind dynamics.James is committed to more than just teaching mechanics; he focuses on building "on-the-water confidence" and technical precision in every student. By translating his competitive racing insights into approachable, actionable lessons, James helps the next generation of sailors master the waves with skill and safety.

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Charlie Bruss as our new X-Boat Racing Coach. Charlie has a rich sailing background, having grown up on the picturesque Pine Lake, where he honed his skills as an accomplished sailor in various classes, including Optimist (Opti), X-Boats, M15s, and E boats. His extensive experience on the water has not only shaped him into a talented competitor but also a dedicated coach.

Charlie has demonstrated his coaching prowess on multiple lakes, notably Pewaukee and Pine Lake, where he has successfully guided young sailors in developing their techniques and fostering a love for the sport. His passion for sailing, combined with his commitment to nurturing new talent, makes him an invaluable addition to our team. We look forward to the expertise and enthusiasm he will bring to our racing program!