Hadley Wheeler, Head Sailing Instructor
Hey! My name is Hadley Wheeler, and this is my third year with Sail To Prevail. I grew up spending time on Narragansett Bay and began sailing when I was seven years old with the Saunderstown Yacht Club. There, I learned to race Optimists and later, raced 420s until joining Sail To Prevail. I am a second year at the University of Virginia. I am looking forward to spending another great summer with everyone at Sail To Prevail!
Cole Amaral, Sailing Instructor
My name is Cole Amaral, this is my third year at Sail To Prevail. I have been sailing in Newport since I was six. I have been competitively racing in Optis, Lasers and Snipes for over thirteen years. I will be a Sophomore on the Bowdoin College Sailing team. I am beyond excited for another amazing summer of memories at Sail To Prevail! See everyone soon!
Ursula Budd, Sailing Instructor
Hi! My name is Ursula Budd, and this is my first summer with Sail To Prevail. I am originally from Sandwich, MA, but I have spent my past five summers sailing, racing and living in Newport! I have been sailing since my grandfather threw me into his sailboat at the ripe age of 5. I fell in love with the sport and started racing in Optis, J22s, C420s and FJs. I now sail for the University of Rhode Island’s sailing team. I am currently a rising junior, studying marine affairs and minoring in journalism. I can’t wait for an awesome summer on the water!
Matt Cramer, Sailing Instructor
I started sailing in the summer of 2023 when I bought and taught myself on an 8-foot dinghy in Madison, WI. From there, I joined Northern Michigan University’s Sailing team in Marquette, MI, where I raced 420s. That winter, I sailed with my friend on his Hobie 16 in Marquette as well as bought a Catalina 27 from another student that I had in Lake Superior from March 28 until November 15 and sailed it 101 times. I still practice and race for NMU’s team. At NMU, I study Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management. I’m excited to enjoy the adventure of Sail To Prevail and positively impact those around me!
Ella Gibson, Sailing Instructor
Hello! My name is Ella Gibson, and this will be my first summer at Sail To Prevail. I am from Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where I grew up sailing on Buzzards Bay out of New Bedford Yacht Club. I have sailed, raced, and coached many types of boats ranging from 420s, Lasers, Quests, a J44, and now FJs collegiately. I am a rising Junior at the University of Rhode Island where I am studying Geological Oceanography with a minor in Music Performance. I am so excited to share my love of the ocean with others this summer!
Morgan Spring, Sailing Instructor
Hello, my name is Morgan Spring, and this will be my second season at Sail To Prevail. I have lived in Newport my entire life and have spent many summers sailing on Narraganset Bay through programs at the Newport Yacht Club and Sail Newport. I am currently a senior at Rogers High School where l am the captain of our sailing team. I am excited to spend another amazing summer out on the water!
Libby Toppa, Sailing Instructor
Hi there! My name is Libby Toppa, returning for my third year at Sail To Prevail. It’s been a privilege to work with such an amazing organization, bridging the gap between the ocean and opportunity through the experience of sailing. I have a strong passion in supporting people through sailing and growing their love for being on the water. Looking forward to another fun season ahead!
Nolan Wiggins, Sailing Instructor
Hello, I’m Nolan Wiggins. I started sailing Scows when I was 11 at a summer camp in Minnesota. I then moved to Washington where I joined my high school’s sailing team and raced 420s. I also have experience racing J70s, Melges 15s, 20s, and 24s, along with other keelboats. Currently, I race FJs at University of Rhode Island, where I’m a student and a member of the sailing team. This will be my first year at Sail To Prevail. I’m excited and look forward to sharing my love for sailing with others.
