Program Director – Joey Mello

Joey returns to GBSA for his second year. Prior to his time at East Greenwich he spent several years coaching on the water at New Bedford Yacht Club, Community Boating Center of New Bedford as well as Bishop Stang High School. He has raced in a variety of boats such as Optis, 420s, Fjs, Lasers, and 29ers and now competes nationally in the Melges 32 class as well as locally sailing in PHRF. Joey grew up in Dartmouth MA where he attended Dartmouth High School and started the High School Sailing Team. He then graduated from URI in 2004 with a degree in Ocean Engineering, all while sailing for team at the school. In 2005, Joey accepted URI’s offer to be their Head Sailing Coach, and has been there ever since.

Head Beginner/Intermediate Instructor – Olga Goretoy

Olga will return to the responsibilities as the Head Instructor this summer. She began her sailing career at GBSA nine years ago and has since worked vigorously to establish herself as a passionate sailor and an outstanding role model. Olga’s enthusiasm for the sport and understanding of the program has qualified her to teach the Beginner/Intermediate classes at GBSA for the past three years. Now at the University of Rhode Island, she has worked with the team to improve her skill set and further her knowledge of the sport. Olga is now in her third year at URI, pursuing degrees in English/Secondary Education.

Head Laser Coach – Danielle Fleet

Danielle Fleet has been part of GBSA for eight years as a sailor, spending her last four on the Laser Racing Team. Her experience in sailing Lasers inside and out of Narragansett Bay, combined with her familiarity with the GBSA program makes for a great Laser coach. As the coach of last year’s GBSA Laser Team, Danielle was able to balance the fun with success as her team posted great success throughout the NBYA season. She returns this year to continue on with the accomplishments of last summer and build upon an already great team.

Head 420 Coach – Alex Baittinger

Alex will be returning to the 420 Head Coaching position in 2009. He has spent six years under GBSA instruction, five of which were spent as a 420 racer. Alex is currently enrolled at the University of Rhode Island where he is studying Mechanical Engineering, as well as being a member of the sailing team where he is a member of their World Cup Team (headed to France during the Fall of 09). He has proven himself to be a great asset to his teammates and continues to show his eagerness and desire to excel. Alex is again looking forward to providing leadership and experience to a program that has proven to be an important role in his success as a sailor. Alex will again focus on essential racing principles as well as the importance of sportsmanship.