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C. H. Ritt: President
Born in Marblehead, ma 1955 Graduated from Marblehead High 1973 graduated from Univ. of Pennsylvania 1977 22 years in the operational side of Investment Management 13 years as a painting contractor Competing at all levels since 1960 Past Commodore of the Boston Yacht Club 2005-2006 Michael Basch: Vice President
I grew up in New Jersey, but my parents moved to Englewood in 1957 when I went to college. We live in their house now. As a teenager, I purchased a Sailfish kit and built the boat in my bedroom. Later, we've had Sunfish, Hobiecat and recently a 25' Irwin. Karen and I have lived all over the country-22 states in all. We have three kids and seven grandkids. It's been fun working with our fellow volunteers and especially our youth students. One of the best organizations I have ever been part of. People give a lot and ask little. Craig Borton: Treasurer
My wife Deanna and I are both from Onsted, Michigan, a small town in the Irish Hills area of southeastern Michigan. After marriage we both graduated from Ferris State University and fell in love with the northern Michigan landscape and outdoor activities. We bought a lake home and raised our two children near Cadillac, Michigan. Deanna worked as a special education school teacher and I utilized my degree in Accounting working in a number of management roles at a not-for-profit, member-owned electric utility cooperative. As a family, we would spend as much time as possible on the water primarily with motor boats and kayaks, but also dabbled with some sailing opportunities. After retiring to Florida, I searched for ways to learn more about sailing and came across Englewood Sailing Association in the fall of 2020. I joined ESA and immediately signed up for an Adult Sailing. I began volunteering as part of the ground crews and safety boat operators during the summer camps, the fall and spring courses, adult sailing courses, and the Lemon Drop Regatta. I have found the people involved with ESA to be very open, inviting, fun, and full of sailing knowledge that I continue to learn from as I develop and hone my sailing skills. Mark Bowen: Director at Large
I grew up in Massachusetts and retired to Englewood in 2018 after a career in engineering. I immediately attended the ESA learn to sail class and fell in love with the organization and its mission. In the past I have been a ski instructor and a cycling coach, and I hope that experience helps me as a sailing instructor. I’m trying to improve my skills every time my hard is on a tiller, and I look forward to the opportunity to help ESA continue to improve as well. Mike Fijas: Director at Large
I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. After visiting the area and my in-laws for many years, we moved to S. Venice five years ago. My children Michaela and Connor became involved in ESA three years ago and after seeing what a great organization it is, I started to get more involved as well. I believe my many years of working with the public and youth in the Theme/Water Park business will aid me in being of service to the ESA team. I am also excited to continue my growth of sailing knowledge and experience. Leandra Allbrook: Student Advisor
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John Riehl: Immediate Past President
I grew up in Venice, FL, but I’m a relative newcomer to the sport of sailing, having started on keelboats in 2008. When I retired from the Air Force and moved to SWFL, I was introduced to ESA by another member. I was taken right away with the spirit of generosity of our members, who give of their time, talent, and treasure to introduce sailing to the next generation. It’s been an honor to serve in a leadership position in ESA, and I hope that this coming year brings our family even greater successes. Rob Naylor: Secretary
I grew up in Minnesota. As a youth I sailed small boats with my siblings on a lake in northern Wisconsin. My wife Loretta and I raised our two sons in Indiana where I worked as an engineer in the defense industry. My first exposure to ESA consisted of watching kids clean up and put boats away after a day of sailing. I was impressed by the teamwork exhibited and thought I would like to be involved in an organization that fostered such behavior. Since joining ESA I have been continually impressed by the attitudes, abilities, and commitment of my fellow ESA members. Becky Drum: Director at Large
I was born and raised in Venice Florida and have always been active in water sports. My great grandparents moved to Englewood in 1925 and owned a gas station on Dearborn Street, very close to where ESA is today! My husband, Keith, also grew up in this area. We are avid boaters and love fishing both inshore and offshore. I have been involved with ESA since the summer of 2020 when my son participated in his first summer camp. Since then, our family has been hooked on ESA due to their incredible mission and volunteers! I took the adult learn to sail course in the summer of 2021 and hope to continue to grow my sailing skills and knowledge. I currently work as an administrator in Sarasota County schools and love that ESA brings so many affordable opportunities to the youth in our area! Steve Rosen: Director at Large
Has been involved in sailing for over 30 years, logging many miles on a 32' Paceship on Lake Erie before moving to Florida. Owns a 26' Grampion which last year alone logged over 1500 miles daysailing in the Gulf. Joined ESA in 2009, became Safety Officer in 2012, became a US Sailing certified Level 1 Instructor and joined the Board as a Director at Large in 2018. Also devotes much time to maintaining the over 40 boats in the ESA fleet and the Warren Spear Sailing Center. "If the wind and weather are right and there are no scheduled ESA activities, I'm off to the Gulf." |
