Our Team

Alan Veenstra

Owner and company president
It is said that if you follow your passion you will always be happy. This is certainly true for Alan Veenstra, owner of Chicago Sailing. While occasionally distracted by non-sailing life events, Alan has never lost his passion for anything having to do with the world of sailing, vocationally or avocationally.

His life of waterborne adventure started as a child, growing up in Naples, Florida, then an outpost on the edge of the Everglades. His father operated a sportfishing marina. By the time he reached grade school, Alan was living in Racine, Wisconsin, directly overlooking Lake Michigan. He learned to sail at age 11 and has never wavered from that course.

For many years Alan pursued competitive racing in Penguins, Finns and Thistles, then turning his attention to offshore racers. As crew and skipper he has won numerous regional championships and even some national events. Today he mostly competes in singlehanded races, including the Bermuda 1-2 and numerous solo Mac races.

When Chicago Sailing Club became available in 2000, Alan seized the opportunity to pursue sailing as a vocation with share his passion for the sport with thousands of new sailors. And while the corporate name changed to Chicago Sailing, Inc in 2003, Alan has insisted that the ‘club’ atmosphere remain unchanged. He is most proud of his professional staff whom he credits with making sailing easy, safe and fun.

Alan and the crew are always looking for ways to improve their service to you. Please contact us personally or via phone or email.

Heather Clark

Director of Operations and Marketing
Heather joined Chicago Sailing just prior to the 2009 Season. She manages the marketing activities and office operations for Chicago Sailing year-round.

A native of Upstate New York, Heather moved to Chicago 6 years ago to pursue a career in theater. After years spent working with some of Chicago's finest theater companies, she left the arts community to pursue a passion for marketing and business operations. She fortunately landed at Chicago Sailing!

Although not a sailor, Heather did grow up on a lake and water skied in the summer. The 2010 Season is the start of her sailing adventure, so look for her out on the water.

Email Heather at any time.

Ray Novak

Director of Sailing Services
Sailing is a way of life. The feeling of freedom and dependent on nature is the ultimate thrill. Ray has been sailing since he was born. Involved with Sea Scouts from the age of 5, a passion for sailing grew each year. Growing up Ray sailed Prams, Lasers, Penguins, Lightings, Solings and many larger boats.

The thrill of the sea guided Ray to join the United States Navy at the age of 18. Traveling around the world and seeing other cultures helped him realize how lucky we are. After the Navy, Ray wanted to give back to the scouts as a leader. Since 2000, Ray has been teaching kids of all ages in scouts how to sail. Ray continues to volunteer year-round as a scout leader.

Ray's commitment to sailing and educating people is a lifelong passion and he is always looking for ways to improve the quality of programming. During the 2010 Season you will see him teaching classes or helping out on the dock. He is always available to speak to you and give you a helping hand. See you out on the water.

Email Ray at any time.

Magda Gaca

Reservations Manager
Magda has been with Chicago Sailing since the 2007 Season. You'll often speak to her on the phone or see her in the Houseboat Office - she oversees scheduling operations and manages the office staff.

Originally from Poland, Magda keeps pursuing her passion for travelling around the world. Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London and Tokyo are just few from among the cities she has visited. And so is Chicago, where she returns each year for the exciting sailing season. She tries to focus on advancing her sailing and having mastered the small boats, she is now moving on to sailing cruising boats. You might be passing her on your fireworks charter this year!