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
Waterfront 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.
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Samuel Riley
ILCA Coach
I grew up sailing on Martha’s Vineyard, starting in Optis at five years old before moving into 420s. When I was 15, my family moved to the Midwest, where I picked up ILCA sailing and eventually won a Laser championship on Lake Erie. After moving back to Martha’s Vineyard, I sailed high school for two years and qualified for the Singlehanded National Championship. The championship was held at Old Dominion University, and the experience played a big part in my decision to commit to ODU for sailing just a month later.
I sailed at ODU for two and a half years before deciding to focus on coaching. I still love getting on the water and sailing as many different boats as possible, and I enjoy continuing to learn from each type of sailing.