Traverse Area Community Sailing is an organization dedicated to providing sailing education and opportunities for all.
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Mixing kids with water since 1994
Meet Our Staff ...
Ben Ferris Program Director
AKA: Señor Ferris, Benito
Ben did NOT learn to sail here; it didn’t exist when he started. Ben learned to sail from his dad and has been sharing his passion for sailing with others here, at TACS, for 25 years. Ben chose to become an instructor, and now director, because he loves teaching, and teaching sailing is a perfect complement to the other seasons of teaching in his career. He believes TACS programs give young people confidence, a sense of self worth, and a place to feel success. To Ben, sailing is truly a life-long adventure.
Ben has a Masters Degree in Teaching, his US Sailing Level 3 Instructor Certification, a Level 200 Alpine Ski Instructor Certification, CPR, First Aid, and Safe Sport training, as well as being a Level 1 Sail Instructor trainer. In life, he describes himself as “approaching adulting,” saying “it’s almost time.” In addition to fulfilling his role as an abuelo (a grandpa!!), he also looks forward, traveling both internationally and continentally, and most of all, enjoying each day.
When Ben is not at TACS (which is seldom!) he can be found biking, skiing, sup-ing, reading, traveling, and/or spending time with his dog, wife, two grown kids, including a son-in-law. If you know Ben, you know he loves to be silly, dance, and speak in Spanish (A LOT). You also may know that he makes some pretty weird noises when he is cheering people on in whatever they are doing!
Youth Program Instructors
Gabe Maday
U.S. Sailing Level 3 Instructor
Gabe is an elder here at TACS, having been here for 13 years. He has always wanted to work here, from the time he started at age 8. He loves working with kids, and he loves sailing. Gabe plans to keep teaching at TACS as long as TACS will keep him.
Gabe has his US Sailing Level 3 Instructor certification, as well as his Boaters Safety, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Safe Sport training.
When Gabe is not teaching, he can be found sailing (of course), studying, reading, or spending time with his mom, dad, two younger sisters, and his dog. Fun Fact about Gabe? He hates being cold, but has always lived in Michigan. That must be why he will be returning south this fall to his sophomore year in college, far from the Michigan winter!
Nick Thuente
Nick has been working for TACS for 4 years. Unlike many of the instructors, he didn’t actually learn to sail here; his connection was through his knowing Señor Ferris from school. Nick became an instructor because being at TACS combines his love for sailing and kids. It’s the perfect way to spend his summer!
Nick has earned his US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification, as well as his CPR, and First Aid training. He plans to continue with his Level 2 certification, and continue to work with TACS.
In the fall, Nick will be a Junior at Notre Dame. He looks forward to studying Neuroscience and Behavior before becoming a Priest. When he is not at TACS, he can be found sailing, skiing, mountain biking, doing impressions, or watching YouTube. Nick considers himself a very genuine and innocent person, whose favorite color is white, and who takes good care of his pet rock.
Camille Coffin
Camille started sailing at age 8, right here at TACS, and has been sailing ever since. She has been a part of the race team since the fall of 8th grade. This summer marks her first summer as an instructor. She chose to join the teaching team so that she could share sailing with other kids as a place to make friends, and enjoy a life long sport.
Camille has her Level 1 certification through US Sailing, as well as CPR training, and Safe Sport Certification.
When Camille is not on the water, she can be found racing through the woods on her mountain bike or flying down an icy slope on skis. This coming fall she will be a Junior at Traverse City Central.
Lucas Rodenroth
Lucas has been part of TACS for twelve years. Before becoming an instructor, he learned to sail here, volunteered in summer youth programs, and helped teach STEM classes about such things as wind, basic physics, and water quality monitoring. Lucas enjoys teaching at TACS because he feels it is a great environment full of positivity. He finds it important to be part of continuing to spread the love of sailing to new sailors.
Lucas has his US Sailing Levels 1 and 2 Instructor certification, as well as his Boaters Safety, CPR, First Aid, AED, CDC Concussion, and Safe Sport training.
Lucas will continue to attend Michigan Technological University in the fall, where he is the race captain of the MTU sailing team. He looks forward to continuing to find innovative ways to mix sailing with Mechanical Engineering.
When he is not teaching, Lucas can be found sail racing, tinkering, or otherwise on the water.
Grant Miller
Grant has been with TACS since he started sailing here 7 years ago. He chose to become an instructor here because he enjoys the time he spends on the water and wants to be part of passing on the art of sailing to future sailors.
Grant has completed his US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification, in addition to CPR, AED and First Aid training.
This coming Fall, Grant is looking forward to attending University of Michigan. When he is not instructing, he enjoys sailing (of course) as well as skiing and reading. Grant’s fun fact? He has REALLY curly hair!
Winston Hegg
Winston started sailing with TACS as part of the Summer Youth Program in 2016. He was recruited, most likely by his older brother Simon, to start racing in 6th grade. He loves the competition! Winston decided to join the teaching crew this summer because he “likes to see people grow and learn; and sailing is a great way to get on the water.”
Winston has his Level 1 certification through US Sailing, as well as CPR training, and Safe Sport Certification.
When Winston is not on the water, you can find him playing football, in the gym or making his friends laugh!
Drew Roeder
Drew learned to sail at TACS, and has also volunteered over the years. He chose to work here so that he could be around the water more, and be part of inspiring and growing our local high school racing teams. He currently is a member of the Traverse City Central Sail Team.
Drew has his Level 1 Certification from US Sailing.
In the fall, Drew will be starting his Senior year at Central High School. He is looking forward to sailing more and going to college after high school.
Drew loves sailing (clearly) and also biking. At home, he shares his time with his parents, sister, two dogs, and two cats. If you haven’t already guessed, the rest of the time he races sailboats...A LOT!
Isley Moshier
Isley started here at TACS as a student when he was 8 years old. He chose to become an instructor so that he could share his enjoyment of sailing with others.
Isley has his US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification, as well as his Boaters Safety, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Safe Sport training.
In the Fall, Isley will be a Senior at Traverse City Central High School. He looks forward to traveling, teaching, and sailing in the future. When he is not at TACS, he can be found sailing (of course), skiing, biking or hanging out with his dog and two cats. What does Isley think makes Isley, Isley? He is allergic to the life saving antibiotic, Penicillin.
Alex Reynolds
Alex has been part of TACS for 7 years, beginning sailing here when he was eleven years old. Alex chose to become an instructor because he loves to sail, and what better summer job is there?
Alex has earned his US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Certification in addition to completing CPR, AED and First Aid training.
This fall he will be returning to the University of Michigan. His hobbies and interests include sailing (of course) as well as school, and being outdoors. Alex doesn’t consider himself “outgoing” in the traditional sense, but really enjoyed time spent with friends, family, and his two dogs and cat.
Toby Smart
Toby started sailing with TACS 2 years ago. He has really enjoyed the friends he has made, and the sailing community. He started his journey at the TACS Summer Youth Program, and then started volunteering. From there, Toby started racing with the Hight School team.
To keep the fun going, Toby decided to join some of his teammates in instructing, making his journey a full circle. He loves this job not only because he gets to be with friends, but he also gets to teach the next group of young sailors.
Toby has his Level 1 certification through US Sailing, as well as CPR training, and Safe Sport Certification.
When Toby is not sailing or instructing, you can find him playing tennis or downhill skiing. One of his favorite sailing moments was racing Lasers in Sarasota at the Gulf Coast Championship. In the fall, Toby plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix to study finance.
Michael Caughran
Michael started his journey at TACS with a Laser class in 2018, and has been here ever since! In addition to taking classes, Michael has volunteered over the years and has always had a great time. He chose to become an instructor in order to give back to his community, so that others may have a great time at TACS as well!
Michael is a US Level 1 certified sail instructor, who also has his boater’s license, and CPR and First Aid training.
This fall Michael will be attending college at either GVSU or MSU to a pursue a degree in Law or Political Science. When he is not teaching, he may be found sailing (of course), biking, reading, or talking about cars. Michael loves football and his favorite book is the “Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.
Caleb Keller
Caleb has a strong connection to TACS. He has been with the program since he was in 3rd grade, he learned to sail here, and he recommends the program to others. Caleb chose to work at TACS because he believes in the program and its amazing influence. He believes sailing is a very important skill that everyone should have. Instead of working inside, he loves to be outside, on the water teaching and showing others how to sail. He’s been on the water his whole life and loves working with people, making TACS the perfect place for Caleb!
Caleb works with Open Sail, Adaptive Sail, and Youth Sailing. He has his Boater’s Safety Certification, and his Level 1 US Sailing Instructor Certification.
In the fall, Caleb will be starting his Senior year at Central High School. He looks forward to athletics (he runs cross country). Caleb has so many interests, some of which include (other than sailing) hiking, piano, biking, running, swimming, architecture, biology, art, water (both salt and fresh), nature, and life in general. Fun facts about Caleb? Caleb’s nickname is “Shaggy” because in 6th grade he looked like Shaggy, and the name just stuck. Piano equals a happy Caleb. He thinks Classic Rock is AWESOME, and if you haven’t picked up on it yet, he LOVES nature! A LOT!
Peg Johnkoff
Peg Jonkhoff is a Traverse City native who loves to garden! It’s her “creative canvas” as she paints with flowers and a few veggies too. She enjoys the evolving palette as ideas transition to beautiful gardens spiced with nutritious vegetables. A favorite of hers is the sun sugar tomato which has been planted in the TACS Learning Garden along with cucumbers, hot peppers and marigolds. Peg is the Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden Board chairperson, Life member of The Friendly Garden Club and Master Gardener since 1984.
She is excited to work with the TACS sailors during the garden’s 25th anniversary year! A “roots to mouth” lesson plan has been prepared with a mystery vegetable per session. There will be many surprises too such as the sailboat weathervane gift she has added to the TACS Plot.
Peg AKA “Queen Bee,” has four grandchildren (Harvey, Carson, Maxine and Molly) who have had fun in the garden over the years and she looks forward especially to this summer’s new TACS sailors’ educational activities
Adult Program Instructors
Adaptive Program Instructors
Anna Maday
Anna grew up sailing at TACS, having started sailing when she was 7 years old. Although, she “hated sailing at first,” she has always wanted to be an instructor and spend summers with her older brother, Gabe. Anna loves working with the kids all day, and enjoys working with Adaptive Sailing on Thursday nights.
Anna has her US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification, as well as her Boaters Safety, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Safe Sport training.
This Fall, Anna will be a Senior at Traverse City St. Francis. Beyond that she hopes to attend college and study to become a dental hygienist. In her free time, she likes to catch up on sleep, eat, and play tennis. Fun fact about Anna? She makes her brother’s lunch for him, EVERY DAY!!!
Women on the Water
Captain Jenny has been sailing for over 20 years. She has also been a captain at Great Lakes Sailing Co. for the past 4 years, teaching classes through the American Sailing Association, as well as leading charters and day sails. Before that, she taught children to sail at Traverse Area Community Sailing for 8 summers. She is passionate about getting new sailors out onto boats to experience the joys of sailing.
Captain Stephanie fell in love with sailing at just 13 years old—and she’s never looked back. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, she grew up sailing dinghies in English Bay before moving on to competitive college racing.
With coaching and sailing experience across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., Stephanie holds instructor certifications from Sail Canada and US Sailing and has completed an offshore sailing program through the Royal Yachting Association.
Currently, she shares her passion for the sport as a Middle School teacher and coach for the TACS Middle/High School Racing Team. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys cruising and has explored many of British Columbia’s stunning coastal islands aboard the Crown 28 sailboat she once owned with her husband.
Stephanie is also a strong advocate for women in sailing. She has raced as bowman on two competitive women’s keelboat teams—Llanoria, an International 6mr, and Knockout, a J-92.
Whether coaching young racers, cruising new waters, or competing on the bow, Stephanie is dedicated to sharing her love of sailing with all generations.