Hatteras Sailing has new coaches, new events, and a new Buxton Sailing Center for 2022

Organized year-round sail training is more than just a recreational sporting opportunity for some Hatteras youth and their parents. Summer camps and short-term introductory programs are fine for those who only have a week or two to get involved, but if bigger objectives are in mind, year-round training is what it takes to be competitive with other regional sailors from Annapolis, Norfolk, Beaufort, Charleston, and numerous other locations.

Sailing can open up countless pathways into the academies, (like USCG, Navy, WestPoint, and the Air Force), collegiate sports, and exciting future careers for those who start young and stick with it, and Hatteras Sailing hopes to provide the opportunity to light those passions at an early age.

Now entering its third year, Hatteras Community Sailing is dedicated to providing this spark of interest in sailing, and subsidizing the cost so that sailing is within financial reach of every child on Hatteras Island.

In addition, Hatteras Community Sailing is making some bold improvements for 2022.

For beginners, the organization is focused completely on creating fun activities that ignite passion for sailing and the ocean in a broader sense. The best way to make this happen is through talented and inspirational coaching staff, and the next step is providing that staff with the necessary tools such as good boats, a permanent sailing center, and some great kids to work with.

In that vein, Hatteras Community Sailing is welcoming two passionate collegiate sailors to the program for 2022. Makalynne Dyer, graduating from Old Dominion University (ODU) this spring, has committed to taking on the Head Coach position, a possibly year-round endeavor.

Makalynne is certified in all the right safety and Red Cross levels, including PADI First Responder certifications. She has coached at several well-established organizations, most notably Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, (the largest One Design Association in the USA), Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, and Carolina Yacht Club in Wilmington. She is a US SAILING Certified level 2 Instructor, and has four years of varsity sailing experience at ODU in Hampton Roads.

Assisting Makalynne in 2022 is Ian Hoogenboom, Duke Class of 2024, and member of the Duke Sailing Team. Ian has coached at the Beaufort SC Sailing Organization and is a talented collegiate sailor with a passion for all kinds of ocean sports

To keep these coaches busy, Hatteras Sailing is starting programs this year which will target visiting youth.

“Nothing is more frustrating for a parent than taking the kids to an astounding vacation spot only to see them sit in the house and play on their electronic devices. To subsidize the coaching costs and facility cost, money has to come from somewhere, and we don’t want to bill the local parents what it takes to make this happen, so we have to come up with multiple income sources to help meet our mission for the local youth,” says Jay Phillips, Chairman of Hatteras Community Sailing. “Hatteras Sailing encourages locals to support this effort via word of mouth!”

Every week during the summer, there will be five-day youth camps and clinics for ages 8 to 18. The rates average about $380 per week per child for 4-6 hour sessions at the Sailing Center in Buxton, and the camps are a mix of fun sailing and watersports activities with professional coaches. Space is limited to 10 registrations per week for safety reasons and coaching capacity.

Changes will be coming soon for the old Fish House Restaurant property in Buxton, as well.

Last year, Hatteras Sailing leased the property while property owners sought out long-awaited survey results so the lease could transition into a purchase. Per a recent announcement, terms have been agreed to for the purchase of the property, which means that the property and building can start getting repairs and improvements needed to be an asset to Hatteras Sailing and the island community for the foreseeable future.

“Hatteras Sailing Center has something to offer for just about anyone, young or old,” said Phillips. “Youth programs for locals and visitors, charter catamarans for sunset sails and captained day trips, small boat rentals of Hobie Cats and other club boats, [and] even some Team Building Sailing event options with the bigger boats and facility assets.”

As an example of upcoming programs and events, Hatteras Sailing, (in a partnership with Frisco Woods Campground and Tavern on 12) will be hosting the Annual Wind and Waves One Design Regatta from May 13-15 in conjunction with the SpringFest fundraiser for the roadside scenic pathway from Frisco to Buxton. The event will feature great food, fun activities, entertainment, and sightseeing options with spectator boats for the Regatta.

For more information on any of the upcoming programs offered by Hatteras Sailing, please call 252-297-6665 or visit their website at hatterassailing.org. Hatteras Community Sailing is a registered NC Non-Profit Corporation run by its Board of Directors and supported through generous sponsorships and donations from local parents and business owners.