ROCKLAND — After an extended search, the Rockland Community Sailing committee and the Apprenticeshop have welcomed Tori Willauer as the new RCS Director. Of the new appointment, RCS committee chair Jim Cutherbertson said in a news release, “The search committee was very pleased to have found such a strong candidate for the position of Sailing Director. The mission of RCS is to offer sailing and seamanship experiences to all and Tori’s vision and passion were a perfect match.”

Willauer has trained staff and designed curriculum for various programs: from wee ones in Optimists up to those applying for their U.S. Coast Guard license. She has worked for yacht clubs and other experiential education programs such as Outward Bound and NOLS, and has a history of sharing her passion for teaching and sailing, both in racing small boats and through ocean voyaging.

Of youth sailing opportunities, Willauer said in the news release: “Every kid on the coast of Maine should have the opportunity to learn to row a boat and tie up properly to a cleat. Those who want to should have the chance to travel to regattas and compete with hundreds of other boats on the starting line, or to be a decent crew on local keel boat races, or do some offshore racing, or building their own wooden boat. These are all life-changing events which start with our community programs.”

Willauer has a strong sailing background in cruising, yacht racing, and dinghy racing. She grew up sailing out of Norton Yacht Club in Connecticut and participated in the 420 racing circuit throughout New England. She began as a junior instructor and worked her way up to head instructor, all with U.S. Sailing certification.

Her experience designing and teaching junior sailing programs and as a USCG (100 TNC) licensed Watch Officer for HIOBS, TIOBEC and NOLS brings a wealth of perspective to her new role as Sailing Director. She is eager to continue building partnerships with area schools through sailing, seamanship, and boat building curricula.

“My goal is to grow the Rockland Community Sailing program in the midcoast so that we may continue to provide students of all ages with the tools and skills required to enjoy a lifetime of sailing enjoyment, whether their goals are competitive or recreational,” she said in the news release.

Find the complete course catalog online at rocklandcommunitysailing.org and register for 2015 classes at rocklandcommunitysailing.org/register-for-classes.

Rockland Community Sailing and The Apprenticeshop are dedicated to inspiring personal growth through craftsmanship, community, and traditions of the sea. They are located at 655 Main Street, Rockland. For more information visit them online or call 207-594-1800.

Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.