Instructor Roster

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.

Keith Forton
Keith has been around sailing his entire life. The Forton family has been involved in the sailing community of Traverse City for a very long time. Keith is a high school teacher and applies his teaching skills to delivering excellent sailing instruction. We’ll have a picture of Keith soon. Licensed USCG Captain.

Don Gorski
Don has been sailing for nearly 30 years and instructing for Bay Breeze for 18 of those. Don loves to combine sailing with his interest in Ecology. So his students learn both. “The price of safety at sea is eternal vigilance” says Don who loves to see his students advance their skills and self confidence. Licensed USCG Captain.

Ted Schlee
Ted is all about helping people experience the thrill of sailing. A retired college professor, his lessons are punctuated with real life examples - like the time he rode out a hurricane on the East Coast. He makes sure his students learn safety, especially in heavy weather. Ted also enjoys canal boating in Europe. Licensed USCG Captain.

Matt Stargardt
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.

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.

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 Spyhalski
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.

Ryan Valerio
Ryan has recently become a certified ASA instructor for Bay Breeze and taught the Trawler School for Bay Breeze. Ryan is eager to get on the water and we are excited to have him on the instructor roster. We’ll have a picture of Ryan soon. Licensed USCG Captain.

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 19 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.

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.