2024 Summer Program
Registration + Information

Ridgeway, a US Sailing Level 2 Certified Instructor with a lifelong passion for sailboats, brings with him over a decade of experience coaching PIBCSS program sailors. With four years of instructional expertise catering to beginners and intermediates, complemented by five years of competitive sailing in the ILYA, Ridgeway embodies the values essential for a racing coach. Previous roles at Erie Yacht Club showcased skills in boat handling, racing tactics, and teaching children, including head instructor responsibilities overseeing lesson planning and teaching. Over the years, Ridgeway has taught many sailors in Optimists, 420s, and J 22s, along with instructing adults on J22s. Known for adeptness in small boat handling and racing, effective communication, and coaching prowess with children, Ridgeway is poised to elevate sailing experiences and foster success on the water. Ridgeway is currently a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh and returning for his second-year coaching at Put-In-Bay this summer.

From Buenos Aires, Argentina, Juan's passion for sailing and coaching has greatly impacted his life. He refined technical skills, promoted company culture, and improved morale through various initiatives during his time with 69F Sailing Shore Team in Italy and Spain.  As a 29er Sailing Coach at Club Universitario de Buenos Aires, he achieved notable milestones, such as guiding juvenile teams to qualifications for the youth worlds. During his time there, he emphasized athlete development and safety, streamlined equipment maintenance, implemented safety protocols, and utilized advanced video analysis techniques. Juan proudly represented his country and deepened his appreciation for sailing values while competing in prestigious international championships. Beyond coaching and competing, he has had experience crewing on remarkable vessels, furthering his skills and reinforcing the importance of independence and respect on and off the water. Now, blending his coaching experience with personal sailing adventures, he is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with sailors of all levels, stressing the human side and the life lessons sailing brings. The friendships formed and the connection with nature is what matters on this journey. Juan is excited about this summer and sharing more about his sailing experience.

Elizabeth, originally from New York City, discovered her love for sailing through camps and school programs in the city. While currently pursuing a degree in Art History and Modern History at St. Andrews in Scotland, she continues to fuel her passion for the sea through extracurricular activities. Elizabeth is an active member of the St. Andrews Polo Club and contributes her skills as crew on the dinghy team, where she thrives in the dynamic environment of competitive sailing. Drawing from her experiences teaching her peers on various club teams and as a camp counselor with pre-teens and teenagers, Elizabeth brings valuable teaching, leadership, and communication abilities to her role. Elizabeth is a US Sailing Level 1 Certified Instructor, is excited to embark on this new adventure at Put-in-Bay, and looks forward to getting to know the PIBCSS families. 

Grace, a Science Education major at OSU, brings her love of sailing and teaching to our program. Grace has experience in both coaching and sailing Optis and 420s. She also sailed Thistle during the 2021 PIBCSS season and competed as middle crew in a regatta, which will bring insight to the new Adventure Sailing class. Additionally, Grace participated in six high school sailing seasons with the Cleveland Foundry from Fall 2019 to Spring 2023. She was a Junior Instructor for PIBCSS, teaching young sailors the fundamentals of Opti sailing during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. More recently, Grace spent three summers teaching sailors at the Foundry the fundamentals of 420 sailing, emphasizing key skills and rigging techniques, and tailoring daily lesson plans to fit weekly learning goals to ensure an engaging experience for all participants. Certified as a US Sailing Level 1 Sailing Instructor, Grace prioritizes safety and a supportive learning environment. Grace looks forward to spending time on the island with her family and rejoining the PIBCSS Program this year. 

Taylor is a native of Fremont, Ohio, who is passionate about swimming and teaching.  She recently moved back home after spending two years as the head swimming instructor in San Diego, California. In her role, she honed her skills in creating lesson plans and leading a team. From her days as part of her school’s Swim Team to her ongoing dedication as a swim instructor, Taylor's enthusiasm for aquatics knows no bounds. This summer marks her first season on the island, where she's also lending her talents to Cameos Pizza. Taylor is thrilled to share her expertise as a swim instructor and can't wait to meet everyone!

Teagan is an accomplished swimmer who has been participating in summer leagues and competitions since she was 8 years old. She took her passion to the next level in 6th grade when she joined a club swim team. Her dedication paid off when she landed a spot on her high school varsity swim team as a freshman. Teagan is no stranger to summers on Put-in-Bay, having spent every one her since birth. She has spent the last three summers working at the Dairy Isle, and now she is thrilled to be part of the PIBCSS team. In her free time, Teagan loves spending time outside, listening to music, going out on the family boat, and swimming in the lake. She can't wait to share her love of the pool with the kids this season.