We are excited to announce that Scott Norman has joined us full-time to build on last year’s momentum and bring even more energy to our program. Scott’s extensive bio is listed below. Whether your sailor is returning to LBSS or just starting, it’s going to be an incredible summer of learning, racing, and fun!

Meet the Instructors / Coaches of the Lake Beulah Sailing School

• Scott Norman - Program Director Scott is a long tenured sailing coach and businessman. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa he first took to sailing when he was just eight years old when he started in his father’s lap on a 25-foot Catalina. From that magical moment as a young boy, he’s always loved sailing and the special memories that are created with it. He’s never looked back since!

  Scott got his educational start at the University of South Florida. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Communications. Following this, Scott received his certifications as a US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Trainer and US Sailing Level 3 Coach. He has also trained in Intermediate Marina Management, CPR, First Aid and SafeSport. During the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Scott worked with Optimist sailors from Lake Beulah as both a clinic instructor and a USODA international team coach.

  For 23 years (1995 to 2018), Scott was the Executive Director and Head Coach at U.S. Optimist National Team. In this role, he led twenty-five international teams for USODA. Scott also ran the quarterly USODA Development Team practices.

  In addition to his USODA roles, Scott worked with Lauderdale Yacht Club for five years (1995 to 2000). He was also the Director of Intercollegiate Sailing and full-time varsity head coach at Eckerd College (2000 to 2005). In 2017 Scott was the Sailing Director for the Lake Forest Sailing, where he was responsible for overseeing the staff, courses, and the school's harbor and launch basin.  In 2019, Scott was the Waterfront director at the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club. As the director, Scott managed 20 employees and ran the youth and adult programs as well as overseeing the marina management.

  Scott has had a varied and full career in the sailing industry and he continues to follow his passion and make sailing accessible to the greater community. When he’s not working, Scott loves to spend time with his family. He enjoys staying active in the great outdoors, playing tennis, running, and skiing! That’s not to mention getting his hands dirty with the occasional boat restoration project. For more regarding Scott, see his CV here .

• Elise Brandt - X/Opti Coach. Elise is returning for her third year of coaching for LBSS. She has completed in both Opti and X during her career. She is also a varsity skipper for Lake Forest Academy where she competes in 420’s. “Hi, I’m Elise Brandt. This upcoming year I will be a Senior at Lake Forest Academy in Illinois. I have grown up sailing on Lake Beulah, first starting in Optis at 8 years old. Shortly after, at 11 years old,  I started skipping an X-boat which I have sailed for 7 years now.”

• Christian Connor - X/Opti Coach. Christian is going into his first year as a sailing coach for LBSS after a long and rewarding Optimist and X Boat career. Connor was selected by his coaches as the 2022 LBSS Student of the Year for his demonstrated Leadership, Sportsmanship, Effort and Improvement, and Helping. “Hi my name is Christian, I’m going into senior year at Catholic Memorial High School. I’ve been sailing since I was 7 years old, starting with Optis and then quickly working my way into crewing and then eventually skipping an X boat. This summer I plan to start crewing on a C boat along with going into my second year of skipping an M15.“

• Chandler Jarecki - X/Opti Coach. Chandler is in his second summer of coaching following campaigns X, MC, M15. & E boats. Chandler also sails ICLA 6 (aka Laser Radials). Jarecki was selected by his coaches as the 2021 LBSS Student of the Year for his demonstrated Leadership, Sportsmanship, Effort and Improvement, and Helping.

• Caroline LeRoy - X/Opti Coach. Caroline is in her third year of coaching for LBSS following a successful X boat career. “Hi, my name is Caroline LeRoy. This fall I will be a Senior at Catholic Memorial High School. I began sailing with Optis at LBSS when I was 6 years old and started with crewing on an X boat when I was 8. A year ago, I graduated from X boats. I plan on sailing MCs, but I love exploring different boats.”

• Alex Mueller - X/Opti Coach. Alex is in his second summer of coaching following campaigns X, C, & MC. He plans to sail his MC and M15 this summer. Alex also sails ICLA 6 (aka Laser Radials).

• Junior instructors include Mia Brandt, Hailey Greeson, Avery and Mason Keane. These instructors will assist the above listed coaches with the Optimist classes.

Additional instructors

Throughout the program, LBSS may periodically introduce experienced coaches/sailors to share their diversified experiences with students. We have found this approach to be a leading practice.