Justin Penna

On-Site Supervisor

Andrew Dinger

Head Instructor

I am entering my second year at the University of Miami, where I study Neuroscience. During high school, I was the captain of CBA's sailing team. I have been an instructor at River Rats for two years. I love working with everyone at camp and hope to maintain a fun environment.

Aidan Welch

Instructor

Pier Downie

Instructor

Alex Calabretta

Instructor

Lucas Raymond

Instructor

Noah Klein

Junior Instructor

Brendan Villa

Junior Instructor

Orian Shorshi

Junior Instructor

Oliver Levine

Junior Instructor

I am Oliver Levine. I am 15 years old from Fair Haven and attend Biotechnology High School. I have been a six full year return student at River Rats' sailing school. I started at 9 years old. During my starting year I was a little timid, but the welcoming atmosphere from students and instructors alike made this school home. Not only did this school turn into a home for me, but it taught me to conduct myself in stressful situations proving useful in my day to day life. Part of my goal for being an instructor is to teach these kids the importance of enjoying the river safely and without damaging the integrity of our water and in a way that helps them in their journey to becoming responsible adults.

Logan Demcsak

Junior Instructor

Logan is a rising sophomore at Middletown High School North. He's been sailing for the last 6 summers. He has won the Junior Olympics sailing tournament and placed in the top three in sailing sweeps. During the off season he plays hockey and lacrosse. Logan loves anything on the water including fishing, boating, and surfing. He's looking forward to his first summer as a Junior Instructor at River Rats.

Dylan Thoms

Junior Instructor

Ellie Kilkeary

Junior Instructor

Sophia Sturdy

Junior Instructor

Jacek JP Polubiec

Adult Sailing Instructor

Sailing since 1978. He earned his initial sailing patent through the Polish Yachting Association in 1979 and has continued to build decades of experience as a sailor, skipper, instructor, and a boating safety advocate. His sailing background includes ownership and command of multiple sailboats and powerboats across the Hudson River, Raritan Bay, Navesink River, Haverstraw Bay, and inland and coastal waters in both the United States and Poland

JP is an ASA-certified sailing instructor, holds boating safety certifications in New York and New Jersey, and is a certified windsurfing instructor. He has served in leadership roles within sailing organizations, including trustee, secretary as well as instructor positions, and has contributed to the broader sailing community through instruction, mentorship, and published writing.

Dennis Luba

Adult Sailing Instructor