Sailor Spotlight

Sailor Spotlight - Juan Mazzini
  For those who don't know Juan, he is the Opti Race Team Coach at Toms River Yacht Club.  Juan hails from Argentina, but he has spent many years living in other countries and working with sailors in many different boats.  He is energetic, sociable, and a really nice guy.  Juan is passionate about the sport, and he works very hard with his sailors each day.   Currently, Juan is working with a very young group of up-and-coming Opti sailors at TRYC, and his experience and focus will set these sailors... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - Teddy McKenzie
  Teddy McKenzie is one of the top Opti sailors on Barnegat Bay.  The second of four kids, Teddy was thrust into sailing early and learned by watching older brother, Charlie, compete at a high level.  Now it's Teddy's turn.  "Practice, practice, practice" is his mantra, and with a philosophy like that, it's no wonder that Teddy is climbing the ranks and representing the United States in international competition. Name:  Teddy McKenzieAge:  11School:  Tredyffrin/Eastown Middle SchoolYacht Club:  Mantoloking Yacht Club1) Teddy, you are one of the top Opti sailors in our... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - Colleen and Michaela O'Brien
For the first time, we have a double Sailor Spotlight of the Week!  The O'Brien twins have very steadily climbed the ranks and have become some of the best junior sailors in the country.  Don't over-look their small size; behind those tiny frames lie two hungry, hard-working, and incredibly talented sailors.  After successful Opti careers, the girls are now top high school and Club 420 sailors.  While they each skipper in high school, the girls team up in the Club 420 making a demoralizing light-air combination.  Keep an eye on... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - Jamie Wasco
  Jamie Wasco isn't your typical Barnegat Bay sailor, but I think that's what makes her even more impressive.  Jamie had never sailed a boat until her high school friend, Casey Bailey, took her out on her dad's boat for a Wednesday night race.  Since then she's been hooked.  Jamie sailed in college at Kean and OCC, on Saturdays in the BBYRA, and she's now the head instructor at Metedeconk Yacht Club.  She's combed parking lots at yacht clubs looking for a ride with anyone who will take her.  She's... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - Ed Vienckowski
We've touched on a few sailors so far who really make a difference on Barnegat Bay. One of the biggest advocates and hardest workers is Ed Vienckowski. Ed is the current Commodore of the Barengat Bay Yacht Racing Association. He's been a fixture at sailing regattas on the bay for the better part of a half century, and his lineage is rich in sailors. Ed is a leader; he overseas all BBYRA activities from his Commodore position, he runs fantastic races for the E-Scow fleet, and he is omnipresent at... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - Peter Hurley
SHABANG!  It's Peter Hurley, this week's Sailor Spotlight.  Peter Hurley is one of the most interesting sailors from the Barnegat Bay area.  He grew up sailing at Mantoloking YC, and with his natural talent and a lot of hard work, he quickly became one of the best Laser sailors in the WORLD.  After many years off to start a family and a business (now he's one of the best photographers in the WORLD), he's back to Laser sailing and kicking butt.  Peter is outgoing, friendly, makes you feel good about... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - Michael Ehnot
Michael Ehnot is a recent graduate from the Christian Brothers Academy and will be attending George Washington University in the Fall.  Michael is one of the top Laser sailors in our area, and he has been one of the best high school sailors in the New Jersey area for the past four years.  Mike is reserved and polite.  He works hard on the water, and he is well liked by all of his peers.  He comes from a family that will do anything to help support his sailing.  Mike is... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - Susan Proko
  Susan Proko is another unsung hero of Barnegat Bay.  For those who don't know, Susan is the Junior Sailing Coordinator for all of Barnegat Bay.  Susan works tirelessly (and all year long) to make sure that the summer months go smoothly for all of the yacht clubs; she is the driving force behind all of the success of the BBYRA Junior Sailing Programs.  Susan plays an integral role at both the Toms River and Ocean Gate Yacht Clubs, and she is always on the water either helping run races... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - Peet Must
Peeter Must is arguably one of the best sailors on Barnegat Bay.  What makes Peet one of the best is his versatility; every boat Peet steps on he has success.  Peet understands the boats that he sails, works incredibly hard, and has a natural talent that most people would kill for.Name: Peeter Must     Age: 34 School Attended: United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point Yacht Club: Toms River Yacht Club 1) Peet, you were a top junior sailor on Barnegat Bay in the late 90s.  Give me a brief... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight - John Petrillo
Many people know John Petrillo as the program director at Bay Head Yacht Club for many years.  John's positive attitude and love of the sport breed enthusiasm and passion in anyone with whom he interacts.  What's special about John is his desire to share sailing with anyone he can.  He was a program director on the bay, he taught students during "Semester at Sea" programs, and he is currently involved with Rocking the Boat in the Bronx.  John has had his hand in the development of so many sailors in... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight: Dana Haig
Dana Haig is a 17 year old Senior at Southern Regional High School. Dana had a successful Opti career representing Little Egg Harbor YC at many National and International events. Since then, she's made the transition into Club 420s, i420s, and high school sailing. Dana is an incredibly hard-working, serious sailor; she's one of the first ones on the water each day and she has specific goals in mind each time she trains. What has helped her improve as a sailor? Dana makes a point to learn something from each... Read more...
Sailor Spotlight: Everett Botwinick
  Everett Botwinick is a 13 year old Optimist sailor from Toms River.  He is the middle of three boys, and all three sail at the Surf City Yacht Club during the summer.  Everett has a positive attitude, thoughtful approach to the sport, and an eagerness to learn and improve that are a joy to witness and coach.  He works incredibly hard both on the water and on shore, and his diligent approach to sailing has started yielding some top results.  What also sets Everett apart is his love of... Read more...