Adam Gesner – Sailing Program Director
Adam has been sailing for over 10 years, and racing for more than half that time. He has skippered a Thistle at numerous regional regattas, and finished near the top of the Rochester Canoe Club’s Sunfish fleet over multiple sailing seasons. Adam has taught both private, and group lessons as a sailing instructor with Roc City Sailing for the last five years. Adam studies engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology and has participated in multiple FIRST Robotics competitions over the last few years.
Natalie Hammer – Senior Sailing Instructor
Natalie has been sailing for about 13 years, having learned to sail through this program. She has crewed on dinghy boats and keel boats in races and for leisure. Natalie has been teaching sailing for the last 7 years and absolutely loves making connections with the students. Natalie has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently working in childcare.
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.
Heidi Riegel – Sailing Instructor
Heidi loves games, outdoor adventure, dancing, and tasty food. She’s excited to sail with everyone at ROC City Sailing for a second summer!