Jay Kehoe named On the Water Director at Chicago Yacht Club

by Dwight Jenson on 26 Apr 2014 Chicago Yacht Club is happy to reveal the hiring of Jay Kehoe as the new On the Water Director. Kehoe comes to Chicago from Oakcliff Sailing, a US Sailing Team Sperry Topsider Training Center, where he served as the Director of Training.

With stints at Annapolis Yacht Club as their Waterfront Director and college Head Coaching positions at Stanford University, Kings Point and Yale University, Kehoe will bring a wealth of experience to the Waterfront at Chicago YC.

A 2010 US Sailing Coach of the Year, Kehoe has spent a fair bit of time working with his sailors to help them reach new heights. His passion and unique sense of humor has made him a sought-after coach and PRO. Most recently he was the PRO of the FX, 49er and NACRA 17 National Championships at Oakcliff Sailing, and last spring he ran the IC 24 and cat circle at the Rolex in St. Thomas.

Kehoe said he was 'humbled' when he was offered the position by Chicago Yacht Club’s General Manager Dwight Jenson. 'I’ve been to Chicago for many events including the recent Farr 40 Worlds and the Etchells 22 Worlds and I’ve been impressed with the racing and organization,' he said. 'I feel that Chicago YC has set a high bar with its Waterfront programs for its members. I hope I can continue to grow the Waterfront experience and bring some new members to the Club.'

At Annapolis YC Kehoe brought in stand up paddleboards, kayaks and windsurfing to give members unique experiences at the waterfront. He also led the Club to the New York YC Invitational and a second place in the 2010 Qualifying series, followed by a third in the Cup in 2011. 'That was an event that brought the whole Club together, it was amazing to have members texting me while I was at the event asking what was happening,' Kehoe said. 'I have a feeling that the same type of excitement can happen here at Chicago.'

Kehoe plans to move to Chicago in mid-May, with his family following in late June. He is married to Amy Gross-Kehoe, an accomplished sailor and coach in her own right (she was a US Sailing Coach of the Year in 2000). The couple has a 10-year-old daughter, Merrick.