Jay Kehoe named Training Program Director for Oakcliff

by Oakcliff Sailing on 29 Nov 2012 Oakcliff Sailing in Oyster Bay, New York is excited to announce the addition of Jay Kehoe to its team as Training Program Director. Kehoe will continue to strengthen Oakcliff’s comprehensive training programs, which prepare sailing athletes, Acorns (15-­?18) and Saplings (18+) for professional careers inside and outside the sport of sailing.

Kehoe brings a unique mix to Oakcliff, with 20 years of elite-­level coaching combined with program management at top Ivy League schools and leading Yacht Clubs. Kehoe served in the U.S. Coast Guard and has sailed on and coached everything from Olympic Dinghies to grand-­?prix keelboats.

His accolades include national and world titles in numerous classes as well as being named US Sailing Development Coach of the year in 2010. Executive Director Dawn Riley says of Kehoe, 'Jay’s unique sense of humor and coaching style will fit right into the dynamic programing that Oakcliff offers. Furthermore his industry and university contacts will help our graduates find meaningful work and gain access to top educational institutions.'

'I am very excited to help create the next generation of great American sailors' says Kehoe, who has already coached some of America’s most successful sailors, including 2012 Olympians Zach Railey, Erik Storck, Amanda Clark, Stu McNay and Mark Mendelblatt . 'It was awesome watching my junior sailors march into the London Olympic Stadium. I hope to see some of Oakcliff’s Acorns and Saplings rise to the top level of the sport in the next few years,' he adds.

Jay will join an extensive group of world-­?class guest coaches as well as industry leaders who volunteer their time to educate Oakcliff’s trainees. Race Program Director Bill Simon commented, 'it will be great to see Jay guide a new crop of young sailors through Oakcliff’s multifaceted programs from IRC offshore racing to our 16 graded match racing events.'

Oakcliff Sailing is a completely unique non-­profit training and coaching center, open to all and dedicated to raising the level of sailors and sailing in the US. Oakcliff’s boats include two Farr 40s, three Ker designs (11.3, 11.5 and 50), a Farr 47, six Shields, six Melges 24s,a Nacra 20 and various small keel boats. At the core of the fleet are 10 Match 40s, which are used for match racing as well as coached fleet racing.

All supporters benefit from regularly scheduled training while Acorns and Saplings train fulltime, learning every position on the water, match and fleet, nearshore and offshore. They also receive instruction in every position in the boat shed and the front office. The 2012 class of Saplings are seeing 100% employment.

Applications are now being accepted. Supporters and donors are always welcome. Oakcliff Sailing website