Turning the Tide for Youth
ABOUT SEALANDER SAILING ACADEMY
Our Mission
Sealander Sailing Academy provides coastal sail training and racing opportunities for youth 14 to 24 seeking an immersive experience that teaches leadership and inspires stewardship of our coastal waterways regardless of socioeconomic background, skill level or physical ability.
Our Responsibility to the Next Generation
The opportunities and challenges facing young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 shape their long-term health, family, education, and work outcomes. Big boat sailing offers a unique mix of skill development, personal growth, and teamwork in a challenging, real-world environment. Unlike smaller boats, larger vessels demand more physical effort and synchronized crew action, which builds character and team bonds and provides transformative life lessons.
Sealander Sailing Academy has two areas of focus.
1. Training and development of youth sailors through our Intro to Big Boat sailing and racing courses.
2. Creating opportunities for academy grads to participate in coastal racing Youth on Yachts program. The YOY program actively solicits participation from the sailing community to include our trained youth on their race crews.
Sealander student scholarships are 100% funded by the generosity of our corporate sponsors. We believe that sponsors benefit from having direct opportunities to support good work while receiving a quantifiable ROI. We are a purpose-driven company seeking corporate sponsorships to fulfill our mission. We have a number of initiatives that help to amplify our sponsors brands such as the Regatta for Entrepreneurship which will be held on Wednesday July 22, 2026.
Our Fleet
More Cowbell – Beneteau First 40.7 Turbo – Kittery, Maine
The Beneteau First 40.7, designed by Farr Yacht Design, is widely considered one of the most successful and popular 40-foot racer-cruisers ever built. The 40.7 has an impressive track record on the race course, winning numerous regattas and offshore races worldwide under various handicapping systems. Notably, a 40.7 won the Sydney Hobart in 2003. Purchased by the Starr Family in 2025, More Cowbell means an extra quality that will make something or someone better.
Orion Pax – Highfield Sport 420 – Kittery, Maine
The Highfield Sport 420 with its 70 HP Yamaha engine and 8person capacity makes it the perfect yacht tender. Purchased by the Starr Family in 2022 this little pocket rocket is the perfect boat to navigate the powerful Piscataqua River Tides with relative ease and in comfort.
Our Core Crew
Bill Starr (“Hollywood”), Founder and CEO
Billy has lived and sailed extensively in Canada, Bermuda, Australia, Southern California and New England. He’s an ASA qualified sailing instructor and has crewed in some of the world’s classic blue water ocean races including the Sydney Hobart Ocean Race, Newport Bermuda Race, Sydney Southport Race and Marblehead Halifax Ocean Race.
For more information about sponsoring Sealander candidates, contact bill@sealandersailing.com
Shelagh Starr (“Tickets”), Founder and COO
Shelagh grew up on the seacoast of New Hampshire and did not know how to access sailing. She started racing in her 30s in Marblehead, MA, Frostbites and PHRF. The challenge and excitement of working foredeck captured her love of operations, and she is never happier than when she hears that spinnaker pop. She handles company and sponsor communications, including media coverage and social engagement.
For all media inquiries or to receive our press kit, contact shelagh@sealandersailing.com
Maura Collins, (“Radar”), Director of Student Experience
Maura grew up sailing on the coast of Massachusetts, from Opti to crewing with her family on a CNC tall rig 40. She is responsible for the administrative and logistical management of Sealander Sailing programs, including scheduling classes and managing registrations. She serves as a primary point of contact for students, parents, and school administrators.
For more information about applying for Sealander’s inaugural class or bringing a Sealander presentation to your school, please contact maura@sealandersailing.com
Sealander Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board is made up of professional and amateur sailors with thousands of sea miles. Collectively they have more than 300,000 sea miles having raced in multiple Sydney Hobart, Newport-Bermuda, and Transpac races. These sailors are the foundation of what it means to be a Sealander! They know what makes good crew, and we have designed our Sealander programs with their input and guidance.
SEALANDER SAILING ACADEMY 