All programs are taught by US Sailing–certified instructors and junior counselors who create a supportive, hands-on environment where students learn the fundamentals of sailing, safety, and seamanship while building confidence and connection on the water.
Charlotte Engin – Head Sailing Instructor
Charlotte began her sailing career 5 years ago as a camper at RCS where she learned to sail the Sunfish and eventually caught the racing bug, and started to compete. Wanting to expand her skills she learned how to sail JY15s, the Flying Scott, and a Precision Cruiser. She can’t wait to share her love and knowledge of the sport with new and returning sailors.
Steve Rozella – Sailing Instructor
Steve started his adventure in sailing in 1997 as race crew on an Ensor while working at Canandaigua Yacht Club. Soon after he was adopted into the thistle class by members of Seneca Yacht Club in Geneva NY. He moved to Rochester in 1999 and joined the Rochester Canoe Club. In 2003, through trial and error he learned how to Skipper on the Laser and JY15. Over the years Steven has been taking people of all ages on Irondequoit Bay for adventure, cruising and sport. As a returning instructor with RCS he has developed excellent formal teaching practices that are safe and informative resulting in sailing fun for all.
Liam Henrie – Senior Sailing Instructor
Liam was born and raised in Naples and Rochester, NY. He has spent the last decade working on tall ships such as the Clearwater, Pride of Baltimore II, & Corwith Cramer; maintaining them, operating them, and using them as platforms for experiential education, adventure tourism, and youth empowerment on the Hudson, the Chesapeake, the North Atlantic and the Great Lakes. 2024 marked a return to his home and his first real foray into small boat sailing, purchasing an Albin Vega 27, joining the Rochester Canoe Club, and working for RCS. He is looking forward to bringing his enthusiasm for being on the water back to the Irondequoit Bay for a second summer.
Lincoln Fien – Junior Sailing Instructor
Lincoln began his sailing journey five years ago in the youth beginner class at RCS, where he learned the basics in an Optimist Dinghy. He went on to sail a Sunfish and eventually started racing JY15s and Sunfish. He now races 420s for his school’s sailing team. Lincoln’s experience with various boats and racing formats has fostered a strong appreciation for the sport, and he’s eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with new sailors.
Max Wiesner – Junior Sailing Instructor
Max began sailing at a young age with his grandparents and quickly developed a passion for being on the water. He’s a ROC City Sailing alum, participating in both beginner and intermediate classes, gaining skills and confidence along the way. This year marks his first year as a junior sailing instructor, and he’s excited to share his love of sailing with others and help new sailors get out on the water.