Program Director

This is my third year as program director of FHSS. In addition to running the Falmouth program, I teach and coach the sailing team at Cape Cod Academy.

Hey Everyone! My name is Henry Gesing and I’ll be a floating senior instructor this summer. This is my fifth summer at Falmouth and my fourth year on staff. I am a rising sophomore at Boston University, where I am also a member of the sailing team. I am originally from West Newbury MA and have experience in a variety of dinghy’s and larger boats.

Hi everyone! My name is Kaitlin Hynes, and I am a rising sophomore at Boston College. This year, I will be the Opti 2 head instructor. I have been at FHSS for eleven years, and this will be my seventh year working here. I am super excited for this summer!

Hello, I’m William Thrasher. I recently graduated from Falmouth Academy and will attend Colby College this fall. Since joining FHSS at age seven, I’ve completed every class offered, raced each summer, and finished my final season in 2025 by winning the Top Gun Trophy with Molly Seney. After years of learning and competing on the water, I’m excited to return as a full-time instructor and help students discover the fun and excitement of a summer of sailing.

Hello! my name is Summer Girard, I am 17 years old and from Bridgewater, Massachusetts. This sailing season I will be teaching the Opti-1 class and I couldn’t be more excited! I have been sailing at Falmouth Harbor Sailing School since I was seven years old and have been part of both the Opti and 420 race teams for many years. This summer will my fourth summer teaching Opti sailors and I am looking forward to another great season!

Hi! I am Katie McNeill, I am a rising senior and I will be the head instructor for Learn to Sail this summer! I have been sailing for 9 years with experience in Optis, 420s and Sonars! I can’t wait to teach Learn to Sail!

Hi! I’m Ava Pimental I’m a rising senior at Phillips Exeter Academy and I will be the head instructor for 420-2. I’ve been sailing at FHSS for 9 years in 420s, optis, and sonars. I love racing and I can’t wait to teach 420-2 this summer!

My name is Shawn I am from Franklin and I have been sailing for 8 years. I am a jr in high school at Xaverian. I am looking forward to running the adventure class and sailing this summer.