High School Racing - Background

The Orcas High School Sailing Team was one of the original 5 teams that started the Northwest Interscholastic Sailing Association. The team was started by Bob Harris, Chris White, Burke Thomas and Andy Saxe in 2001. Longtime coach and current Sail Orcas Board President, Burke Thomas, led the team to qualify for ISSA national championships in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Orcas high school sailing alumni, Hannah Tuscon-Turner, after running a successful sailing program in San Francisco took over the coaching of the team from 2015 to 2018. Hannah led the team to qualify for ISSA national championships in 2017 and 2018.

The program largely stopped operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and was rebuilt thanks to coach Julia Soes dedication. Julie led the team to the PCISA Girl's Invitational in 2024.

Our racing team competes against all high schools, regardless of size, so we are very proud of the accomplishments of our sailors. We are very thankful for the many teen sailors from years past that have continued to give back to the program as instructors and assistant coaches during our summer programs.

Thank you to Head Coach Tate Wester, Mango our Mascot, Justin Blevins, Matt Battles, Burke Thomas and a host of other volunteers!

Race Team — Fall 2026 Schedule

High School and Middle School Racing

We welcome all Orcas students 7th through 12th grade with an interest in continuing their sailing progression to join us this fall for local practices and competitive opportunities. Practices will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school, with opportunities to travel regionally for regattas, clinics, or joint practices with other teams. We primarily sail the double-handed Flying Junior (FJ), a 13ft dinghy with two sails. Additionally, we will have Laser Radials and Laser 4.7s to accommodate additional sailors in smaller single-handed boats.

Race Team Director: Burke Thomas, orcassailingcoach@gmail.com
Coach: Tate Wester, tatewester@gmail.com, 808-351-9081
Lead Parent Contact: TBD
Volunteer Parent Committee: Matt Battles, Tricia Minnett, Alex Bernhardt

Registration ($250, open now):
Register for Race Team Fall 2026 via UltraCamp

Highlighted Team Events

Regatta Schedule

Gear List

Bring to all practices, clinics, and races. Sail Orcas has some gear available — just ask!

• PFD
• Wetsuit
• Non-cotton socks
• Sailing booties
• Gloves
• Start watch
• Warm hat
• Sun protection
• Water bottle
• Gear bag

Helpful links:
NWISA Regional Authority
Sail Orcas page on NWISA
The Spring Street Team on NWISA
Northwest Youth Sailing
The Sailing Foundation