Harbor Rookies & Rookie Racers

Beginner Opti

Intermediate Opti

Henry is returning for his second year of instructing at SSA. He is currently a sophomore at Colorado State University studying Political Science and grew up sailing at Noroton Yacht Club in Darien Connecticut. Last year, Henry enjoyed coaching the beginner opti class and is excited to start his second summer coaching the intermediate class. He loves sailing J70's with his dad on Thursday nights, and just overall being on the water in Annapolis. Henry has competed in Opti, fiva, lasers and big boat regattas including the Beachpoint overnight in Long Island. He is beyond thrilled to be returning to SSA to continue coaching and doing what he loves. 

Intro to High School Sailing & Adventure SSAiling

Intro to High School Sailing & Adventure SSAiling

My name is Marco Welch and I am 19 years old. I am a civil engineering student at the University of Vermont. I first learned to sail here at SSA and quickly fell in love with the sport and the club. I raced optis, FJs, and 420s, and I now race for my college team. This will be my third year teaching here and my second year with adventure and doublehanded. I am looking forward to another great summer!

ILCA Race Team Coach

29er Development Team Coach

Eric began his sailing journey at age 8 in Switzerland, starting on his family’s keelboat. After competing nationally in Optimist racing, he progressed to racing dinghies, including the 420 and 29er. As a teenager, he skippered keelboats and later served as a tactician on a high-performance 28ft catamaran, competing in Mediterranean offshore series and contributing to foiling projects in Switzerland. During COVID, he shifted to coaching, where he established a 29er fleet at his home club. He has since dedicated himself to coaching the 29er class intensively across Switzerland. Beyond his sailing expertise, Eric also holds a teaching degree.

Opti RWB Race Team

Hello! My name is Guido Pozzi, I am 27 years old. I started sailing at my local club in San Pedro, Buenos Aires, Argentina, when I was eight years old and have loved it ever since. At the age of 18 I began my career as a coach, which has grown to the present day with very good results. I have coached my local club racing team, the Argentine Optimist national team and the Royal Malta Yacht Club racing team. This will be my third summer at SSA and I am very excited to return to the Bay Area and continue learning.

I have been sailing and competing in different classes for over 15 years, including Optimist and Laser. In my free time, I like kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and mono skiing for fun. I have learned to keep pushing after any setback, to be grateful for every person who has helped me along the way, and most importantly, to appreciate the ability to be on the water and enjoy my passion every day. I am always looking forward to improving my coaching, teaching, and technical skills.

I am very happy to be able to travel this year to transmit my knowledge and passion for sailing. I can't wait to meet all the young sailors again. A great summer ahead!

Opti Green Fleet

My name is Marina Conde, and I’m an 18-year-old from Palma de Mallorca, Spain. I grew up as the middle child in a family of five. I began sailing at the age of 10 in the Optimist class, and after a few years, I transitioned to the 29er, where I became a high-performance sailor.

When I wasn’t competing, I worked coaching young kids in Optimist sailing. Helping them develop their skills and confidence on the water has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

At 17, I moved to the United States to pursue my dream of studying Aeronautical Engineering at Old Dominion University in Virginia. I was fortunate to be recruited to the university’s sailing team, allowing me to continue competing while balancing my studies.

Outside of sailing and academics, I love painting, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and reading. These hobbies help me stay creative, adventurous, and grounded, whether I’m on or off the water.