Waterfront Staff
Whether this is your first time learning how to sail or whether you are a seasoned race team member, Hampton Yacht Club is committed to providing the absolute best instructors and coaches for all of our programs. HYC takes pride in hiring the best and knowledgeable employees to deliver a safe, fun, and rewarding experience for your sailor. I am happy to introduce the line up of all star sailing instructors and coaches for the
HYC Junior Program!
Maxwell J. Plarr
Sailing Director
Juan Manuel "Paton" Briones
Head Performance Optimist Coach
I am a World Sailing level II certified coach with more than 16 years of experience in Optimist sailing. I am returning to HYC after the summer of 2021 season when HYC Sailor James Allgeier won the USODA National Championship. In my career I have coached at many IODA events and was the former Argentina Optimist National Head Coach, having great results.
I am looking forward to coaching again at HYC and transmitting all of my experience and knowledge to the sailors so they can reach their maximum potential.
Juan Pablo Carranza
Performance Optimist Coach
With over two decades of experience, I serve as a high-performance sailing coach, playing a pivotal role in the development and expansion of Junior Sailing Programs in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
I have crafted and implemented training programs and curricula for young sailors across Optimist, ILCA, 29er, and C420 Classes, allowing them to fully realize their potential as emerging athletes. I am passionate about refining sailing techniques, with a focus on error reduction and achieving greater boat-speed .
My enthusiasm for sailing extends to various boat classes, and I am currently honing my Wingfoiling skills. Joining Hampton Yacht Club marks an exciting new chapter, as I eagerly anticipate contributing my expertise and unwavering commitment to elevate the team's prowess.
Kyle Pfrang
Green Fleet Coach (Opti 2)
I started sailing at Hampton Yacht Club when I was 12 years old in the Opti. I soon found my passion for racing and competed up and down the east coast of the US. My love for sailing has only grown as I started to compete in other classes like the laser radial and keel boats. Kyle won the 100th Anniversary of the Sears Cup with Hampton Team mates in the RS21. In the past few years, I have been given the opportunity to teach and coach other sailors at international regattas to teaching how to sail. I now sail competitively for Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.
Caroline Campbell
Opti 1 Instructor
Hi! My name is Caroline Campbell and I am entering my freshman year at Roanoke College. I grew up sailing Sunfish with my grandfather on the Chesapeake Bay. This is my third year coaching Opti One at the HYC and I am so excited for the summer! I love teaching the kids how to sail and watching them progress over the course of the week to become comfortable sailing on their own.
Blake Goodwin
Opti 1 Instructor
I am currently a rising sophomore on the sailing team at Old Dominion University where I am pursuing a degree in political science. I grew up sailing at Hampton Yacht Club in the Opti and later moved on to race in the c420 and ILCA class. My passion for sailing led me to sail for my high school, Grafton, where I competed all four years before deciding to sail in college. My time sailing inspired me to teach and coach while still racing frequently.