Adult Program Keelboat Instructors
Michael Dietl
Michael finds an attachment to all things aquatic, and his passion is contagious. He's thoroughly qualified, teaching privately and through various sailing schools since 2001. He's a CYA-certified instructor of Keelboat, PCOC, and VHF Radio, and a Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary licensed Search-And-Rescue instructor and OCC and Sarex evaluator.
Michael is constantly improving his skill set, taking 1-2 Canadian Coast Guard courses and teaching 2-3 Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary courses each year. He has also participated in SAR games in both Ontario and Nova Scotia. He operates his pride and joy, a CS33 sailboat, out of Fifty Point Marina, and races as a crew member on an Express 30.
Steve McPhee
Steve caught the sailing bug and quickly worked his way from dinghy sailing 420s on Conestoga Lake to sailing his Alberg 37 through the Carribbean. Steve lived aboard and cruised 3,500 nm through the Caribbean with his lovely wife Ashley and trusty dog Bella. He's since returned home and is excited to pass on his knowledge, get others passionate about the sport, and to get people out cruisng the Great Lakes and beyond. Steve is a certified Sail Canada instructor of Basic Cruising and PCOC..
Adult Program and Youth Program Dinghy Instructors
Abby Brown
Abby is a CanSail 1&2 and 3&4 instructor and also runs our Chutes and Wires program and race nights. She was born and raised in BC but moved out here in 2018 to get her bachelor's degree in psychology with a focus on children from McMaster University. She has been sailing for as long as she can remember and has spent time on the Royal Victoria Yacht Club sailing team where she sailed both 420's and 29ers, competing at a number of regattas including the Sail Canada Youth Championships. She is also an avid keelboat sailor, competing at both the national and international level. She can't wait to get out on the water this summer and have some fun in the sun!
Abby Wilson
Abby returns as a CanSail 1&2 coach this year. She is a life sciences student at McMaster University where she has also joined the McMaster Sailing team. She's a keen athlete who has been at PDYC Sailing school for years and we are thrilled to have her enthusiasm and smiling face back this year.
Markus Fuller
Markus returns this year to PDYC Sailing School as a CanSail 1&2 coach. He is a familiar face at PDYC Sailing School, having competed in several regattas. He is also an avid keelboat sailor, participating in the Port Dover racing division. We are so happy to have him back.
Camila Davila
We are pleased to welcome Camila to our awesome team this year. Camila has more than 10 years teaching CanSail 1&2 and 3&4. She is also a Learning Facilitator for Ontario Sailing and a certified teacher with the Grand Erie District School Board. Camila is also an outdoor educator and is looking forward to spending the summer in Port Dover with us.
All instructors are Certified by Sail Canada and have Standard First Aid, PCOC, CanSail Fundamentals, Boat Rescue, VHF radio licence, a healthy sense of humour and a Can-Do attitude. Quite simply, they’re the best.
