Nicolai Basen
Head instructor
Nicolai learned how to sail at the OYS Sailing School just after he moved to Oakville. He has spent countless summers sailing and teaching and is now the Head Instructor for the Learn to Sail division of the school. Nicolai can’t wait for the summer to start, and he looks forward to sharing his love of sailing in the safe and friendly environment of the OYS Sailing school. Nicolai just finished his 3rd year at Queen’s University where he studies Geological Engineering and will be taking a year off to work in Brisbane, Australia as an engineer before finishing his degree. When Nicolai is not at OYS, you will find him on the golf course or at his cottage.
Jack Bruce
Head race Coach
Jack Bruce is returning as Head Race Coach. This will be his 9th summer coaching sailing and third year as a LearningFacilitator for Sail Canada certifying new instructors. Jack graduated from Teachers College at Brock University in 2024.Since finishing school he has sailed 1000’s of nautical miles and won the Corinthian division at the ORC world Championship. His vast sailing, coaching and teaching experience will be a great asset to our OYS race program.
Liam Bruce
ILCA Coach
Liam is a trained Competition Development Coach with extensive racing experience. He has been a member of the national team since 2018 and some notable results include winning ILCA Canadians 2x and finishing 3rd at the 2024 North American ILCA Championships in an ILCA 7. Outside of sailing he enjoys golf and cycling.
Alex Batek
420 race coach
Alex learned how to sail and progressed to racing at PCYC. After years spent sailing, racing, and coaching, he’s now the Double Handed Race Coach. Alex is going into his third year of Marine Engineering and has gained hands on experience working aboard cargo ships in the engine room. He’s passionate about problem solving and loves finding the small details that make big things work, both on the water and below deck! He’s excited to hit the racecourse with the team and is ready to win this season.
Xavier Steiginga
Race Team
Xavier Steiginga has been a sailor at OYS since 2017, racing in both OPTI and his laser boat. He has competed in numerous regattas including the ILCA Canadian Championships and multiple appearances at CORK. He is excited to coach this year as he enjoys instructing and being out on the water. He is attending both University of Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier in the fall and will play varsity baseball for the Waterloo Warriors.
Cole Redwood
Cansail coach
Cole is a passionate sailor and second-year coach who brings enthusiasm, experience, and a love for the sport to every session. He has been sailing for 9 years, beginning in Echo’s and later racing competitively in C420s as a member of the Oakville Yacht Squadron’s double-handed race team, earning multiple podium finishes at national regattas. With a strong interest in weather and aviation, Cole enjoys applying his knowledge of atmospheric conditions to his coaching, helping sailors gain a better understanding of the environment around them. This fall, he will be attending Western University to study Commercial Aviation Management as he works toward his dream of becoming a pilot.
Alexandre Petit Dufrenoy
Cansail coach
Alex has been sailing at the Oakville Yacht Squadron (OYS) since 2019, starting in CANSail 1 and progressing to the C420 Race Team. He has competed in various regattas over the summer seasons and successfully achieved his CANSail 6 certification. This year, Alex looks forward to helping others grow their skills on the water and sharing his passion for sailing with new sailors.
Mathias Basen
CANsail coach
Mathias grew up sailing and racing at OYS, and he’s excited to return to the instructor team this summer. Since 2022, he has been an active member of our C420 and Laser race teams, bringing valuable racing experience to his coaching. Last year, he began instructing in the Wetfeet program, where he enjoyed introducing young sailors to the sport. This fall, Mathias will begin studying Commerce at Queen’s University. Outside of sailing, he plays football and rugby and enjoys skiing—staying active both on and off the water.
Nicolas Prete
CANSail Coach
Nicolas took his first sailing class at OYS Sailing School when he was 11 years old. Since then, he completed CANSail 6 and was on the 420 race team for 2 years. With one year of successfully coaching young sailors to the podium, he can’t wait to spend this summer further teaching racing and tactics to young sailors and propel them on their sailing journey. When Nicolas is not coaching, he is sailing or studying, with his second year completed at York University for Civil Engineering.
Mostafa Arafa
CANSail coach
Mostafa is in his third year of coaching and has spent all three years working with the Wetfeet department. This year, he was recognized with the Coach of the Year award.
Before coaching, Mostafa spent several years sailing and competed in the 420 racing class. His experience on the water has contributed to his understanding of the sport and his ability to support younger sailors.
Outside of sailing, Mostafa plays football and runs track for his school. He also enjoys playing video games. In the fall, he will begin studying Business Administration at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Caden Dudley
CANSail coach
Caden is a student at Oakville Trafalgar High School and will be part of the graduating class of 2027. He plays on the school rugby team and is in the French Immersion program. In addition to being a sailing instructor, Caden is a certified lifeguard. Beyond sailing and rugby, Caden enjoys playing golf, hockey, and skiing in the winter. After sailing at OYS for the past four years, Caden is thrilled to be joining the coaching staff this year to share his love for sailing with aspiring sailors.
Emma Scalabrini
cansail coach
Emma Scalabrini is excited to be part of the OYS coaching team this summer. She started sailing at OYS and worked her way through CANSAIL one to four at Oakville Yacht Squadron. That’s also where she discovered her passion for sailing and decided to share it by becoming an instructor.
Outside of sailing, Emma climbs competitively and plays on her school’s volleyball team. She will be going into Grade 11 this September. Whether it’s on the water, on the court, or on a climbing wall, she
loves to stay active and spend time outdoors. This summer, she is excited to help young sailors gain confidence, have fun, and enjoy the same amazing experiences that first got her hooked on sailing.
Samantha Dwivedi
Opit coach
Hi everyone! My name is Samantha and this will be my second year coaching a race team. I’m so excited to be back on the water with the Opti race team sailors and I cannot wait to teach them everything about this sport from fun tactics on the course from different ways to get the perfect hole on the start line to the small adjustments for speed. See you soon!
Harrison Lucas
CANSail coach
Harrison is a new Instructor who began sailing in 2021. He has been volunteering with the Oakville Yacht Squadron since 2023 and is excited to finally begin coaching for real. Harrison enjoys playing football and rugby and can’t wait to start working at the OYS.
Anna Deards
CANSail coach
Anna Deards is excited to be part of the OYS coaching team this summer! She first discovered her love for sailing right here at OYS, where the fun and community on the water sparked a lasting passion for the sport. She has completed CANSail levels 1 to 4 and has competed in a few regattas. She’s a dedicated athlete who plays competitive soccer year-round and is also a member of her school’s volleyball team. Bilingual and going into Grade 11 this fall, Anna enjoys being on the water, learning new skills, and helping others discover the excitement of sailing. She’s looking forward to helping young sailors build skills, grow their confidence, and have a great time on the water this summer.
Spencer Marsden
CANSail Coach
Spencer moved from South Africa to Canada at age 11 and learnt to sail through OYS. He’s a certified CANSail 1–4 instructor and has raced at OYS for many years. Spencer is currently studying at UCLA and brings both energy and technical know-how to the dock. Outside of sailing, you can find him doing stand-up comedy, mountain biking, or in a good book.