Work Hard - Stay Kind!
This is how our teams run themselves and it rubs off everywhere. All our staff have one thing in common - sailing is our passion. We understand the benefits of sailing, seamanship, and the demands of the process first hand. This allows us to empower others with an understanding and affinity for the sport. Teaching sailing and running the operations in LF Sailing are challenging jobs. We realize our opportunity for impact and show up with intention every day!
Photos: Curt Kalousek (C) 2024
Cristina Ortiz Vivas - Head Sailing Coach 
Cristina Ortiz Vivas brings world-class experience to her new role as head coach at Lake Forest Sailing. A five-time national champion in Mexico, she represented her country in eight World Championships and two Olympic campaigns, earning the prestigious Luchador Olmeca Trophy. As a coach, she has developed sailors who have competed at national and international levels. Ortiz Vivas is committed to building a program where young sailors grow in skill, confidence, and love for the sport.
Summer Staff
We are fortunate at LF Sailing to have returning summer staff and current race team sailors coach the summer programs. Many of the instructors who teach in the Summer Sailing School, are the same sailors competing year-round in youth racing. The athletes breaking ice off their boats to start training in March are the same people teaching the next generation in the summers. Many summer staff complete 4 or more summers with LF Sailing and bring experience, passion, and immense value to our novices. On every program there is an instructor who has been specifically trained through U.S Sailing.
