The Northport Youth Sailing School’s goal is to provide young people the opportunity to experience the lifetime sport of sailing, in a safe and fun environment. As well as learning to sail, young sailors learn teamwork, self reliance, quick thinking, and a love of the environment. We are located in Northport, Michigan at the tip of the little finger.
Our History
The inaugural youth summer sailing classes were held in the refurbished visitors’ center close to the waterfront. The boats were borrowed from the Traverse Area Community Sailing program, purchased and even built from a kit donated to the school. Hundreds of hours of volunteer labor allowed us to open our doors for the first 60 students. Over the years, we have been able to add to our physical resources by building or procuring additional buildings to hold classes, boats, life jackets, etc. Through careful financial stewardship, generous donations, local grants and sponsorship, we were able to break ground on our current Boat House in 2015. Learn about our facilities
Since then, our program has continued to thrive and grow. In the summer of 2024, approximately 175 students from 19 states filled over 210 class spots. They were taught by a staff of 3 U.S. Sailing-certified Instructors and 20 Counselors.
Since our inception, an important part of our mission has been to make our program available to all youths who want to sail. With the generous support of the Leelanau Township Community Foundation, supplemented by additional donations from our community, we have been able to offer full scholarships to students residing full-time in Leelanau Township. In 2024 we funded 23 such scholarships. Additional need-based financial aid is available for non-Township residents.
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Our Leadership Team
2025 Board of Directors
President
Andy Neal
Vice President
Dana Connell
Secretary
John Woomer
Treasurer
Mike Cann
Committees
PLANNING & OPERATIONS
Andy Neal, Chair
Mike Cann
Dana Connell
BOATS/FACILITIES
Jim Chapman & Don Webb, Co-Chairs
Bill Salter
Bill Westling
MERCHANDISE & COMMUNICATIONS
Donna Chapman
Carey Colburn
Dana Connell
Tanya Roberts
Corrine Wetherbee
Lindsey Wade
John Woomer
Instructors
Mary Neal
Mary Neal started sailing with NYSS when she was 11 and joined the staff as a counselor in 2013. She obtained her U.S. Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification in 2022 and has taught classes since then. In May, Mary will be graduating from the College of Wooster (Ohio) with a degree in Elementary Education and Philosophy. Mary loves working with kids and is excited to start this summer in her new role as our Head Instructor and Waterfront Director.
Natalie VanOtteren
Natalie VanOtteren started sailing at NYSS when she was 8 years old and began working in 2021. She earned her US Sailing Level 1 Certification in 2023. Natalie will be a sophomore at the University of Michigan in the fall, majoring in Biology, while also being a member of the cross country and track team. She is very excited to begin her first year as a sailing instructor and share her love for sailing with others!
Nina VanOtteren
Nina VanOtteren has been sailing at NYSS since the age of 8, and a member of the staff since 2022. She obtained her Level 1 Certification in May of 2024 and taught several of our classes last summer. In the fall, Nina will be starting her first semester in college hoping to major in Neuroscience or Cognitive Science. She loves to work with kids and can’t wait to be a full-time Instructor this summer!