Sydney started as a first mate and educator with BaySail in 2019. She is back this season as Program Director and First Mate/Relief Captain. Sydney has a degree in marine science that led her to working as a sea turtle intern, a divemaster, and educator for the boy scout base in the Florida Keys and various state parks. She has multiple offshore voyages under her belt and is a seasoned Great Lakes sailor. When she's not on board educating about our waterways, you'll find her nose in a book or knitting a new pair of mittens.

Captain | Director of Marine Operations

Matt became a Captain and Director of Marine Operations with BaySail in 2019. He has worked on the water for 20+ years as a professional sailor, a merchant marine on freighters, and a police officer. Matt has been captain on numerous offshore transits on the east coast and is a well seasoned captain in the Great Lakes. His background in mechanics and rigging make him quite the MacGyver, and if he's not out sailing, then you will most likely find him tinkering with some engine or tools. Matt's glad to be back with BaySail this season to run his favorite program, Windward Bound!

BaySail Chairman of the Board

Greg brings a lifelong passion for sailing with over 35 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing management to his role as Chairman of the Board at BaySail.  Joining BaySail's Board of Directors in 2016, Greg was appointed Chairman in 2018.  As an experienced competitive sailor, Greg’s deep connection to the water and commitment to the sport have been central to his life’s journey.

Greg devotes his time and expertise to ensuring that everyone in the Great Lakes Bay Region has the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of Saginaw Bay through adventures on the Tall Ship Appledore IV. His leadership at BaySail reflects his dedication to promoting environmental stewardship and fostering a love of sailing for individuals of all ages

John joined the board of Directors in September 2019.  His interest in BaySail stems  from a life long acquaintance and admiration for sailing.  However, it was his experience as part of the crew of a race competitive sailboat on the Saginaw Bay that took interest to a higher level.   The raising of the sails, kill the engine, this results in a peace that leaves the stresses of the day way behind.  Comradery, teamwork, excellence and success breeds passion.  Supporting an organization that may introduce the experience to others is well worth the investment.

John comes to BaySail with 35 years of experience with accounting, finance , and insurance administration as the Controller for Bierlein companies, inc. of Midland, MI.

Joe Parker discovered his love for sailing at age 10 and has spent over six decades exploring and mastering the art of sailing. Since purchasing his first sailboat in 1977, he has logged more than 50,000 nautical miles, competing in prestigious races like the Port Huron to Mackinaw and Chicago to Mackinaw, alongside countless regattas across the U.S. Despite his competitive achievements, Joe treasures daysailing and cruising with his wife Debbie on their beloved 1968 Allied SeaBreeze 35, Stardust.

Joe’s passion for boats led to the founding of Bay Boat Works in 1982, specializing in boat building, repair, and rigging. He later joined Gougeon Brothers Inc., contributing to the WEST SYSTEM™ Epoxy line, while continuing to consult and work on sailboat projects. Since retiring in 2014, he has focused on Bay Boat Works and custom rigging projects.

A member of the BaySail Board of Directors since 2017, Joe has brought his vast sailing expertise to the Operations Committee, including overseeing the 2019 refit of Appledore V. Whether racing, cruising, or mentoring, Joe’s dedication to sharing his love of sailing remains at the heart of his endeavors.

Terry Miller is a native of Bay County, has a BS and MA from Central Michigan University, and an MAT from Saginaw Valley State University.  He taught in Saginaw City Public Schools for 30 years, and after retirement taught 20 years as an adjunct professor of history at Delta College.  In 1978, he and five other residents of Bay City founded the Lone Tree Council, a non-profit environmental group to oppose Consumers Power’s Midland Nuclear Power plant. With the power plant’s cancellation, the group continued to promote cleanup of watershed contamination, defend wetlands, and were responsible for publicizing through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) the extensive contamination of dioxin in the Tittabawassee River and floodplain by the Dow Chemical Company. He continues to serve on the Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the Tittabawassee and Saginaw Rivers cleanup. It was with this background in environmental activism that in 1998 he was excited to join the Board of Directors of BaySail, Inc., a non-profit that would introduce school children to the wonders of our local waters from the unique perspective of its schooner, Appledore IV. Through its Science Under Sail program students not only were giving an opportunity to be on the water, but to use the tools of science for hands-on aquatic research as well. Over the years thousands of Michigan school children have benefited, and Terry is committed to seeing the next generation join them.  Terry is married to Barbara Handley-Miller. They have five children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

 BaySail Secretary | Specializing in Education

In April 2001, I joined the BaySail Board while working as a curriculum specialist for BayCity Public Schools. My role on the board allowed me to contribute to outdooreducational programs that impacted numerous students. This opportunity enabled me toapply my expertise in science to address the regions educational needs.

The board needed someone to assist the director in aligning the Science Under Sail Program with Michigans content expectations. With my background in science education and experience in the Great Lakes Bay Region, I was qualified for this position.

I value hands-on learning experiences for students, and my involvement with BaySail has reinforced this approach. Seeing students engage with environmental science and recognize their role in ecosystem preservation has been beneficial.

BaySails mission to educate K-12 students about environmental stewardship and our watershed is consistent with my values of protecting the environment for current and future generations.

Retired Vice President | Soil and Materials Engineers | BaySail Vice Chairman | Specializing in Operations

Bill Joined the BaySail Board in 2005 to facilitate acquisition of property and initiation of Environmental Learning Center building design.  Bill has a long time passion of sailing and a desire of introducing students and area residents of the Saginaw Bay and River water shed environment.