Sophie sailed 420s, lasers, and Cotuit Skiffs in her youth, skippering for Tabor Academy before attending college in Newport, RI. After completing her post-graduate studies at UMass, Amherst she earned a commercial captain’s license working on private motor yachts. She recently returned to MA, joining Tabor’s coaching staff. In addition to coaching and teaching sailing, she continues competitive dinghy racing in boats like skiffs and Knockabouts in the summer, frostbiting in Lasers in the winter and working on her kitesurf and kite hydrofoil sailing efficiency throughout the year. In her free time, she’s also a gardener, apprentice beekeeper, novice but relentless skateboarder, aspiring boat builder, Lab lover, and all around enthusiastic explorer of Nantucket Sound with her brother, Schuyler. She brings to the HPYC team an unprecedented respect for the ocean, a profound belief in the power of teamwork, and a solid ambition to help create a safe and fun space to learn about good seamanship and dinghy sailing. 

James McCullough

Sr. Instructor

Hi! I am James McCullough and I live in New Jersey during the school year. I go to school at Newark Academy where I play soccer and baseball. I have been sailing my whole life and competed competitively in opti’s and in 420’s as a skipper. I have always sailed at Hyannis Yacht Club until last year when I sailed for Wianno. I love being on the water more than anything else whether it is sailing, fishing, or driving a boat around. The most interesting thing I have ever done is sail from Eleuthera to the Northern Exumas and back on a 21 foot sailboat. I was with 13 other people and it took 9 days. This was while I was attending The Island School last spring. I see myself as a leader when I am out on the water teaching and I can’t wait to show that at Hyannis Port!

Jessica Andrews

Assistant Instructor

Hi, I’m Jessica Andrews. I live year round in Andover MA, and I’m a rising high school senior at Middlesex. I play field hockey, and tennis for my school, as well as sing and play the guitar and ukulele. I also love traveling; it's always been a big part of my life, and I take photography at my school, which is something I've really enjoyed. My family has been coming down to Hyannis Port all my life, and I’ve been a part of the sailing program for as long as I can remember. Last summer I was a Junior Instructor, and I enjoyed seeing the kids in my class become more confident and learn to maneuver and captain a boat on their own. I was also a student in the 420 class, where we participated in our first 420 regatta, learned new racing tactics, and even traveled to Tabor to race with their sailing team. I’m excited to have another fun summer this year! 

Lindsey Filoon

Assistant Instructor

Ella Niehoff

Assistant Instructor

 

Ahoy, my name is Ella Niehoff. I am sixteen, and have been sailing since I was eight. I am an experienced sunfish racer, and also enjoy racing seniors and 420s. I am a person with great integrity who loves any type of challenge. I attend Hingham High School. During the school year, I row varsity crew and run varsity track. I have tons of experience with children as a result of my many hours of babysitting and previous year of instructing. I am determined to make Summer 2020 an engaging sailing experience for all junior sailors.

 

Tiernan O’Kane

Assistant Instructor

I have been sailing since the age of 8, first through my local rec program and then on my highschool team starting as an eighth grader. I have also always had a passion for science and engineering. I will be a junior at Sturgis West next year, although I was a student at Sandwich HS through ninth grade.

 

Since I first asked “why?” I haven’t been able to stop. The water is one of the most unexplored places in the world, this is probably the reason I love it so much. My favorite part of being on the water is feeling free, like I could go anywhere. Other than that I like robotics, traveling to new countries and playing chess with my siblings. I can’t wait to meet you and I hope we have a fantastic time sailing this summer.

 

Abbie Catalano

Junior Instructor

Hi my name is Abbie Catalano and I will be a Junior Instructor at HPYC this summer! I
live in Hyannis Port year-round and I will be a freshman in high school at Cape Cod
Academy this fall. My favorite subjects at school are science and Spanish. Growing up
on the water, I have always loved boating and sailing. For the past five years I have
sailed at Wianno Yacht Club, in Optis and 420s. I love to sail all types of boats, such as
Optis, 420s, 29ers, RS Fevas, and Hobie Cats. I also have racing experience, and I will
be on the 420 Race Team this summer at HPYC. I love to work with kids of all ages,
and I have been assistant teaching Spanish in elementary school for the last two years.
I look forward to helping each sailor improve and develop their sailing skill sets. When
I’m not sailing, I enjoy swimming, baking, playing tennis, and spending time with my
friends and family. I am so excited to meet everyone and have a great time at sailing
together!

Halle Dempsey

Junior Instructor

Hi! My name is Halle Dempsey and I am a junior instructor at HPYC. this year, I am going to be a freshman  at Needham High School. I enjoy participating in school activities such as theatre and basketball. This year, I am looking forward to trying out for the high schools volleyball team. I also enjoy playing golf and tennis during the summer time. I have been spending my summers in Hyannisport since I was a baby. I started HPYC sailing program at the age of seven and at the age of 14 I am still participating. I have sailed beetlecats, typhoons, wianno’s, optis, sunfish, and 420s. I have taken part in many sailing races such as the Hyannis Invitationals and the Junior Commodore Cup. I am so excited to be a part of the HPYC staff this summer!