Madelyn Chiasson (Head Instructor)
Madelyn is excited to be returning to LYC after a season coaching with Sail Nova Scotia’s Mobile Sailing School. She started sailing in Baddeck Yacht Club’s wetfoot program but quickly moved over to her home club at Lunenburg. She’s going into her 4th year at Dalhousie University studying International Development and Law Justice and Society. Madelyn sailed and raced with Lunenburg’s LTS program for 8 years placing second at the 2019 C420 Nationals before beginning her coaching journey in the same year. Madelyn’s passion for sailing and for Lunenburg comes from the incredible role models her coaches were and the life-long friends she’s made at the club. Madelyn’s goal as a coach is to give sailors the same wonderful experiences sailing at Lunenburg gave her through fun and learning.
Hometown: Lunenburg NS
Favourite Sailing Memory: My favourite sailing memory has to be having the Bluenose anchor close to a regatta course. Having so many young sailors enjoying a beautiful day on the water beside a large piece of Lunenburg’s history was such an incredible experience.
Nickname: “Maddie"
Madelyn is excited to be returning to LYC after a season coaching with Sail Nova Scotia’s Mobile Sailing School. She started sailing in Baddeck Yacht Club’s wetfoot program but quickly moved over to her home club at Lunenburg. She’s going into her 4th year at Dalhousie University studying International Development and Law Justice and Society. Madelyn sailed and raced with Lunenburg’s LTS program for 8 years placing second at the 2019 C420 Nationals before beginning her coaching journey in the same year. Madelyn’s passion for sailing and for Lunenburg comes from the incredible role models her coaches were and the life-long friends she’s made at the club. Madelyn’s goal as a coach is to give sailors the same wonderful experiences sailing at Lunenburg gave her through fun and learning.
Hometown: Lunenburg NS
Favourite Sailing Memory: My favourite sailing memory has to be having the Bluenose anchor close to a regatta course. Having so many young sailors enjoying a beautiful day on the water beside a large piece of Lunenburg’s history was such an incredible experience.
Nickname: “Maddie"
Sydney Meisner
Sydney started sailing at LYC when she was 11. She started in Echo, and progressed through opti to crewing c420s. Sydney has had a lot of fun in the sailing program during the years that she was a sailor in it. She has made many great friendships with people from all over the world! Sailing is Sydney’s favourite sport and she hopes to help her young sailors become the best sailors that they can while having fun and making lasting friendships, just like she has. Sydney has coached for two years, and is very excited to get back to the yacht club and all of the fun that happens there!
Hometown: Summerside, PEI
Favourite Sailing Memory: I think that my favourite memory from sailing at LYC would have to be the first time that I ever trapped. I was sailing with someone I didn’t usually, and my coach came over and told me to start trapping. I did, and the moment I was up there, with the only thing holding me being a bungee, I decided that I never wanted to get back into the boat, but instead I wanted to keep feeling like I was flying.
Favourite Ice Cream Flavour: mint chocolate chip
Nickname: Syd
Sydney started sailing at LYC when she was 11. She started in Echo, and progressed through opti to crewing c420s. Sydney has had a lot of fun in the sailing program during the years that she was a sailor in it. She has made many great friendships with people from all over the world! Sailing is Sydney’s favourite sport and she hopes to help her young sailors become the best sailors that they can while having fun and making lasting friendships, just like she has. Sydney has coached for two years, and is very excited to get back to the yacht club and all of the fun that happens there!
Hometown: Summerside, PEI
Favourite Sailing Memory: I think that my favourite memory from sailing at LYC would have to be the first time that I ever trapped. I was sailing with someone I didn’t usually, and my coach came over and told me to start trapping. I did, and the moment I was up there, with the only thing holding me being a bungee, I decided that I never wanted to get back into the boat, but instead I wanted to keep feeling like I was flying.
Favourite Ice Cream Flavour: mint chocolate chip
Nickname: Syd
Helena Gow
Helena has been sailing for as long as she can remember, and has loved every minute of it. She began sailing Opti's, the class in which she also competed in her first regattas, including two national championships. After Opti's, she raced c420s for a few years before moving into the laser class. She spent 10 years in the LTS program, and this summer will be her third year coaching here! Helena is very excited to share her passion for sailing with her sailors this summer!
Hometown: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Favourite Sailing Memory: I’ve made so many incredible memories over my summers spent sailing. I think I have to mention my last summer in the LTS program here at LYC here though. I was super determined to pass my CANSail 6 that year, taking every chance I had to improve my skills. That summer I put in so much effort on my own, as well as discussing sailing theory with my fellow sailors on our off-time. I really felt that summer that my teammates and I pushed each other to improve. I think the hard work we all put in paid off for each of us at the end of the summer! I loved how we all pushed each other to become better through collaboration and healthy competition, it was definitely one of the best team dynamics I’ve ever experienced!
Favourite Ice Cream Flavour: Chocolate
Helena has been sailing for as long as she can remember, and has loved every minute of it. She began sailing Opti's, the class in which she also competed in her first regattas, including two national championships. After Opti's, she raced c420s for a few years before moving into the laser class. She spent 10 years in the LTS program, and this summer will be her third year coaching here! Helena is very excited to share her passion for sailing with her sailors this summer!
Hometown: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Favourite Sailing Memory: I’ve made so many incredible memories over my summers spent sailing. I think I have to mention my last summer in the LTS program here at LYC here though. I was super determined to pass my CANSail 6 that year, taking every chance I had to improve my skills. That summer I put in so much effort on my own, as well as discussing sailing theory with my fellow sailors on our off-time. I really felt that summer that my teammates and I pushed each other to improve. I think the hard work we all put in paid off for each of us at the end of the summer! I loved how we all pushed each other to become better through collaboration and healthy competition, it was definitely one of the best team dynamics I’ve ever experienced!
Favourite Ice Cream Flavour: Chocolate
Zac Barbara
Hi I'm Zac and I have been sailing at LYC since I was 10 years old. I love sailing and I enjoy helping kids discover to love it as well! I also coach skiing and so I am very experienced in working with young kids.
My favourite sailing memory is Island Day. We would race to the island in our boats which was a ton of fun. We would then tie up the boats to the buoys on Bachman's Island and spend the entire day there on the beach. Getting to race and then being able to spend the entire day on the beach with everyone was awesome!
I love racing with my dog Gracie. She is a pirate dog and is very comfortable on sailboats.
Hi I'm Zac and I have been sailing at LYC since I was 10 years old. I love sailing and I enjoy helping kids discover to love it as well! I also coach skiing and so I am very experienced in working with young kids.
My favourite sailing memory is Island Day. We would race to the island in our boats which was a ton of fun. We would then tie up the boats to the buoys on Bachman's Island and spend the entire day there on the beach. Getting to race and then being able to spend the entire day on the beach with everyone was awesome!
I love racing with my dog Gracie. She is a pirate dog and is very comfortable on sailboats.
Franscesca Elliot
Francesca: I have been sailing for the past 10 years. I started out learning how to sail on an Opti, in both Chester’s Learn to Sail Program, and by the sea in England. I sailed an Opti for quite a few years, before moving onto sailing a c420 for 4 years, which I just loved. In my free time i also help teach drama lessons which i've enjoyed so much, so i can't wait to get to work with kids this summer, as i loved doing that. Through sailing I have learnt so many skills, made lots of brilliant friends, and have had many great experiences, which is why I’m so excited to coach this summer, so that I can help others share my love for sailing.
Favourite sailing memory: When I took part in my first Regatta. I remember it was a very windy day and I was not feeling that confident about racing, but a few seconds into the race it very quickly became the most exciting thing ever, as we began flying across the racecourse, with me dangling out on trap, which I thought was extremely cool!
Favourite ice cream flavour: Mint Choc Chip.
Hometown: London, England.
Nickname: Cesca.
Francesca: I have been sailing for the past 10 years. I started out learning how to sail on an Opti, in both Chester’s Learn to Sail Program, and by the sea in England. I sailed an Opti for quite a few years, before moving onto sailing a c420 for 4 years, which I just loved. In my free time i also help teach drama lessons which i've enjoyed so much, so i can't wait to get to work with kids this summer, as i loved doing that. Through sailing I have learnt so many skills, made lots of brilliant friends, and have had many great experiences, which is why I’m so excited to coach this summer, so that I can help others share my love for sailing.
Favourite sailing memory: When I took part in my first Regatta. I remember it was a very windy day and I was not feeling that confident about racing, but a few seconds into the race it very quickly became the most exciting thing ever, as we began flying across the racecourse, with me dangling out on trap, which I thought was extremely cool!
Favourite ice cream flavour: Mint Choc Chip.
Hometown: London, England.
Nickname: Cesca.
Amélie Monvoisin
Amélie started sailing when she was 8 at LYC. She was part of the LYC race team, racing C420s. She has loved sailing for as long as she can remember and looks forward to spending her summers in Nova Scotia on the ocean! Amélie was always inspired by her coaches over the years and she is very exited to have the opportunity to be an inspiration for new young sailors!
Favourite sailing memory: My favorite sailing memory is definitely when I finally got the hang of trapping. It was my second week back sailing after a long school year and it was crazy windy out. My coach was following behind my boat yelling at me « flatter! Flatter! » and I just let myself be held up by the bungee. It felt like I was flying it was truly special!
Hometown: Ottawa
Favourite ice cream flavour: cookies and cream or rainbow swirl
Nickname: Ames
Amélie started sailing when she was 8 at LYC. She was part of the LYC race team, racing C420s. She has loved sailing for as long as she can remember and looks forward to spending her summers in Nova Scotia on the ocean! Amélie was always inspired by her coaches over the years and she is very exited to have the opportunity to be an inspiration for new young sailors!
Favourite sailing memory: My favorite sailing memory is definitely when I finally got the hang of trapping. It was my second week back sailing after a long school year and it was crazy windy out. My coach was following behind my boat yelling at me « flatter! Flatter! » and I just let myself be held up by the bungee. It felt like I was flying it was truly special!
Hometown: Ottawa
Favourite ice cream flavour: cookies and cream or rainbow swirl
Nickname: Ames
Stephen Cramm
Stephen: I've been sailing since I was able to stand. I began my sailing career at RNSYS with wet feet and worked my way up through the cansail levels and into the racing squad. I believe that the learn to sail program is the heart and soul of any yacht club, and I'm delighted to join a new one. With my time at LYC, I wish to pass on my love of the ocean to as many people as possible and to help make experiences with the sailors that will last a lifetime.
Hometown: Halifax
Nickname: Stevie
Favourite Sailing Memory: I recall a very windy day at St. Margarets. The waves were massive, the rain was pouring, and the big dirty rips were awesome. We traveled from one side of the bay to the other and back again while reaching. Another memory I have is sailing out beyond Devil's Island in Halifax Harbour during a tropical storm. The waves were so powerful that my boat violently pitched poled, throwing me out into the ocean, and snapping my tiller extension.
Stephen: I've been sailing since I was able to stand. I began my sailing career at RNSYS with wet feet and worked my way up through the cansail levels and into the racing squad. I believe that the learn to sail program is the heart and soul of any yacht club, and I'm delighted to join a new one. With my time at LYC, I wish to pass on my love of the ocean to as many people as possible and to help make experiences with the sailors that will last a lifetime.
Hometown: Halifax
Nickname: Stevie
Favourite Sailing Memory: I recall a very windy day at St. Margarets. The waves were massive, the rain was pouring, and the big dirty rips were awesome. We traveled from one side of the bay to the other and back again while reaching. Another memory I have is sailing out beyond Devil's Island in Halifax Harbour during a tropical storm. The waves were so powerful that my boat violently pitched poled, throwing me out into the ocean, and snapping my tiller extension.
Patricia Pac
Patricia joined LTS when she was 6, and has come back every summer since. At first, she was one of the wetfeet who cried sitting in the echos, but over the years she grew to love it so much that she joined the team at her high school. She attributes her growth as a sailor and her passion for the sport to the excellent coaches she had through the years. Now she can’t imagine a summer without going to LYC. Patricia hopes to inspire young sailors just like her instructors did for her.
Hometown: Wayland, MA, US
Favourite Sailing Memory: When we would race around for seamanship day. I loved getting together with all the different levels of sailors all squished into the echos, and being given tasks all around. From start to finish, it was filled with fun, friendly competition, and laughter. Gathering at the top of the driveway to race down and grab the “best” echo. Then being told to sail to Little Herman’s to design your team’s dream home in the sand, before sailing over to do stake rodeo. Hurrying to another beach to pitch a product pulled together from whatever we could gather there, and making one final stop to cannonball at Sunnybrook before heading in. Planning with my team who would cover each piece, and having the older sailors help the younger sailors sail to each location. I loved the sportsmanship and camaraderie that everyone displayed on those days.
Favourite Ice Cream Flavor: whatever has the most chocolate
Patricia joined LTS when she was 6, and has come back every summer since. At first, she was one of the wetfeet who cried sitting in the echos, but over the years she grew to love it so much that she joined the team at her high school. She attributes her growth as a sailor and her passion for the sport to the excellent coaches she had through the years. Now she can’t imagine a summer without going to LYC. Patricia hopes to inspire young sailors just like her instructors did for her.
Hometown: Wayland, MA, US
Favourite Sailing Memory: When we would race around for seamanship day. I loved getting together with all the different levels of sailors all squished into the echos, and being given tasks all around. From start to finish, it was filled with fun, friendly competition, and laughter. Gathering at the top of the driveway to race down and grab the “best” echo. Then being told to sail to Little Herman’s to design your team’s dream home in the sand, before sailing over to do stake rodeo. Hurrying to another beach to pitch a product pulled together from whatever we could gather there, and making one final stop to cannonball at Sunnybrook before heading in. Planning with my team who would cover each piece, and having the older sailors help the younger sailors sail to each location. I loved the sportsmanship and camaraderie that everyone displayed on those days.
Favourite Ice Cream Flavor: whatever has the most chocolate
Hailey Nichols
Hailey is a Mechanical Engineering student at Dalhousie University as well as a 49erFX skipper with her crew, Kat Lowe, who also sailed out of LYC. She is excited to coach at LYC where she spent many years racing out of and has so many fond memories. Hailey started sailing the Echo at LYC when she was 13 years old. She then sailed the opti for a season, and then began skippering c420s with her crew Kat Lowe. She competed in the c420 circuit for a few years then transitioned to the 29er at the end of 2021, and was named to the Nova Scotia Sailing Team in 2022 and the Canadian Youth Sailing Squad in 2023. Since then she has transitioned to the 49erFX where she continues her sailing journey. She is excited to share her love for sailing and experiences with her sailors this summer.
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Favourite Sailing Memory: My favourite sailing memory would have to be competing in the 2023 29er World Championships in Weymouth, UK. It was an awesome experience to represent Canada and race against 200+ boats. It was 30 knots almost every day, sometimes on the downwind if you hit a big wave at those speeds the boat would become airborne! It made for some of the most thrilling and fast paced racing I have ever experienced.
Favourite Ice Cream Flavour: Sea Salt Caramel
Hailey is a Mechanical Engineering student at Dalhousie University as well as a 49erFX skipper with her crew, Kat Lowe, who also sailed out of LYC. She is excited to coach at LYC where she spent many years racing out of and has so many fond memories. Hailey started sailing the Echo at LYC when she was 13 years old. She then sailed the opti for a season, and then began skippering c420s with her crew Kat Lowe. She competed in the c420 circuit for a few years then transitioned to the 29er at the end of 2021, and was named to the Nova Scotia Sailing Team in 2022 and the Canadian Youth Sailing Squad in 2023. Since then she has transitioned to the 49erFX where she continues her sailing journey. She is excited to share her love for sailing and experiences with her sailors this summer.
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Favourite Sailing Memory: My favourite sailing memory would have to be competing in the 2023 29er World Championships in Weymouth, UK. It was an awesome experience to represent Canada and race against 200+ boats. It was 30 knots almost every day, sometimes on the downwind if you hit a big wave at those speeds the boat would become airborne! It made for some of the most thrilling and fast paced racing I have ever experienced.
Favourite Ice Cream Flavour: Sea Salt Caramel
Hudson Amery
My name is Hudson and I have been sailing for 13 years of my life. I grew up on the water living on an island just off of Vancouver where I found joy in sailing and have been consistently sailing for my entire life. I have sailed at LYC for the past 3ish years, sailing 420s and lasers and this past year I was a coach for the last bit of the summer. I’m excited to be coaching with many of my friends and am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing familiar faces.
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Favourite sailing memory being of this past season with the laser team having “tip time” with Charlie Barbra and Zack Hall.
Nickname: Huddy
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Favourite sailing memory being of this past season with the laser team having “tip time” with Charlie Barbra and Zack Hall.
Nickname: Huddy
