About Us
Out of a passion for both education and sailing, our founder (Mark Boehme) decided to start YSP in 2018. He realized a sailing program specially designed to provide high school students with both an affordable means to learn of open-water sailing and develop team building/ leadership skills was needed. Our goal is to bring the remarkable experience of open-water sailing and all the advantages such an experience brings to public school students all across the country.
Having taught public school for five years over three districts and conducting educational research for non-profit organizations, he has worked in the classroom with some of the most disenfranchised students as well as affluent in the USA. While he has seen diverse programs and curriculum designed to promote team building, leadership, work ethic, grit, and SEL, none of them provided the same opportunities one can learn out on the open water. There is something magical and inspiring about sailing. It has the ability to build both self resilience and camaraderie, while also teaching a person the practical aspects of team work and leadership.
Most students will never have an opportunity to step on a large yacht let alone live aboard one as its crew. While many partake in pleasure cruises, this is nothing akin to being out on the open water amongst a small close knit group of colleagues. The experience a student gets piloting and crewing a large sailing yacht can not be replaced nor overlooked.
Having taught public school for five years over three districts and conducting educational research for non-profit organizations, he has worked in the classroom with some of the most disenfranchised students as well as affluent in the USA. While he has seen diverse programs and curriculum designed to promote team building, leadership, work ethic, grit, and SEL, none of them provided the same opportunities one can learn out on the open water. There is something magical and inspiring about sailing. It has the ability to build both self resilience and camaraderie, while also teaching a person the practical aspects of team work and leadership.
Most students will never have an opportunity to step on a large yacht let alone live aboard one as its crew. While many partake in pleasure cruises, this is nothing akin to being out on the open water amongst a small close knit group of colleagues. The experience a student gets piloting and crewing a large sailing yacht can not be replaced nor overlooked.
Founder and Chaperone
Mark Boehme
Has extensive experience sailing, receiving his American Sailing Association accreditation in Keelboat, Coastal Cruising, and Bareboat Cruising. Mark has also spent the last several years sailing here in Texas on Lake Travis, Canyon Lake, and the Gulf. Last summer he traveled to the BVI's to sail with Sailing Virgins and experience the sailing first hand. Over the last two decades Mark have also worked with students of all ages an skill sets--from coaching high school lacrosse, summer camps, early childhood programs, and public school he has worked with a wide range of students and ability. Currently, he is teaching Advanced math in Eanes-ISD. Mark will be both a chaperone aboard, maintaining a safe and secure learning/working environment and also the point of contact for all parents.
Has extensive experience sailing, receiving his American Sailing Association accreditation in Keelboat, Coastal Cruising, and Bareboat Cruising. Mark has also spent the last several years sailing here in Texas on Lake Travis, Canyon Lake, and the Gulf. Last summer he traveled to the BVI's to sail with Sailing Virgins and experience the sailing first hand. Over the last two decades Mark have also worked with students of all ages an skill sets--from coaching high school lacrosse, summer camps, early childhood programs, and public school he has worked with a wide range of students and ability. Currently, he is teaching Advanced math in Eanes-ISD. Mark will be both a chaperone aboard, maintaining a safe and secure learning/working environment and also the point of contact for all parents.
Thanksgiving in Dripping Springs with Wife and Daughter
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Sailing in the BVI's with Sailing Virgins
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Getting Ready to teach a lesson
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Chaperone
Stephanie Carter
She is a born and raised Texan who loves being active. Stephanie graduated from Texas State University in 2012 and has been teaching in Wimberley ISD ever since. She also coaches volleyball, basketball, and track-mentoring students at every opportunity. Even though she enjoys spending the majority of her time in the gym or outside coaching, she does looks forward to relaxing in front of the TV to watch sports. She is currently completing a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration through Lamar University. She has been on multiple trips with students exploring Washington D.C. and New York City. Stephanie is excited to be a chaperone with YSP and continue to explore as much as possible!
She is a born and raised Texan who loves being active. Stephanie graduated from Texas State University in 2012 and has been teaching in Wimberley ISD ever since. She also coaches volleyball, basketball, and track-mentoring students at every opportunity. Even though she enjoys spending the majority of her time in the gym or outside coaching, she does looks forward to relaxing in front of the TV to watch sports. She is currently completing a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration through Lamar University. She has been on multiple trips with students exploring Washington D.C. and New York City. Stephanie is excited to be a chaperone with YSP and continue to explore as much as possible!
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Chaperone
Laura Davis
A native Texan who loves the great outdoors, Laura can't get enough of exploring new place. She has been teaching elementary school in Austin ISD for many years now and shown a real passion for working with students. Currently, a kindergarten teacher at Hill Elementary, she enjoys getting to spend her days playing with the little ones. She is very excited about being a mentor, teacher, and chaperone for YSP and looks forward to all the amazing sailing trips she'll be coming on.
A native Texan who loves the great outdoors, Laura can't get enough of exploring new place. She has been teaching elementary school in Austin ISD for many years now and shown a real passion for working with students. Currently, a kindergarten teacher at Hill Elementary, she enjoys getting to spend her days playing with the little ones. She is very excited about being a mentor, teacher, and chaperone for YSP and looks forward to all the amazing sailing trips she'll be coming on.
Just lying down for a minute
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Taking a leap
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Explore the Outdoors
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Captain
Jack Karger
Is our head Instructor/Captain out of the British Virgin Islands. Jack has being sailing almost non-stop for the last four years. Crossing the Atlantic twice and skippering many charter boats. As the head instructor with Sailing Virgins, Jack has extensive experience teaching students of all sailing skill levels. He also happens to be an amazing guy who is great at creating a safe, fun, and positive atmosphere.
Is our head Instructor/Captain out of the British Virgin Islands. Jack has being sailing almost non-stop for the last four years. Crossing the Atlantic twice and skippering many charter boats. As the head instructor with Sailing Virgins, Jack has extensive experience teaching students of all sailing skill levels. He also happens to be an amazing guy who is great at creating a safe, fun, and positive atmosphere.
Just doing a little lesson on plotting a course
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Showing the kids how it's done
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Some white boarding on ride-of-way
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