Meet the Crew

Who is our crew?

Our team is dedicated to delivering a premier, adventure–based maritime summer program. With extensive backgrounds in marine studies, underway experience, and deep roots in New York, our staff offers an unmatched environment for learning and connecting to New York City.

Young man instructing a group of teenagers on a sailboat, with water and a clear sky in the background.

Our Staff

Young man on a boat, adjusting his life jacket, with water and rocky shoreline in the background.

Gino Santana

Founder / Instructor

A young woman wearing blue gloves and orange waterproof overalls holding a lobster on a boat in the ocean.

Illusion Rivera

Education Advisor

A man with a beard and sunglasses on his cap is steering a sailboat on a body of water with a city skyline in the background during early evening or late afternoon.

Andy Leleux

Operations Manager

A young man with short dark hair and a beard stands outdoors near water with a city skyline in the background. He is wearing a green short-sleeved shirt and is handling fishing gear, including a small backpack with a water bottle and a carabiner, and a fishing rod.

Founder / Instructor

  • OUPV U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License

  • Decade of New York Harbor captain/crew experience

  • B.S. Homeland, Cybersecurity, and Emergency Preparedness, University at Albany

  • Vessel Operations Endorsement, New York Harbor School Graduate

Gino Santana

Captain Gino
Smiling woman wearing sunglasses on her head and a plaid shirt over a white California fish advocacy T-shirt, standing outdoors near water with sailboats and masts in the background.

Education Advisor

  • Education Outreach Manager, Billion Oyster Project

  • M.A. Marine Conservation and Policy, Stony Brook University

  • B.S. Coastal Environmental Studies, Stony Brook University

  • Aquaculture CTE Program, New York Harbor School

Illusion Rivera

Ms. Illusion
Man with sunglasses, beard, navy cap, wearing white shirt, smiling on a sailboat.

Operations Manager

  • Owner of Empire Yacht Charters and the Nanette Marie

  • +200,000 nautical miles experience

  • 100-ton Master U.S. Coast Guard Captain

  • Years of marine mechanic experience

Andrew Leleux

Captain Andy

Senior Deckhands 2026

  • A young man with dark curly hair, wearing a navy blue polo shirt, a blue cap with a white brim and logo, and reflective blue sunglasses, smiling on a boat with water and an American flag in the background.

    Brandon Santos

    Brandon Santos, a Chelsea native, brings a strong background in summer and after-school counseling to New Light Sailing. Currently enrolled at John Jay College majoring in fire science. Brandon has deckhand experience and is actively pursuing a future in New York City’s maritime industry.

  • A young person wearing a gray beanie, glasses, a red jacket with reflective strips, and gloves stands on a boat, holding a coiled rope with water and houses in the background.

    Joel Burdier

    Joel Burdier is a student in the vessel operations program at the New York Harbor School. Active in the waterfront club and rowing team, he continues to build experience on the harbor while developing his skills by teaching and working aboard vessels throughout New York City.

Senior Deckhands

Ebb Tide

A former Chesapeake Bay Deadrise fishing boat, now thoughtfully converted into a New York–based charter vessel. This vessel serves as a reliable secondary option during inclement weather or when our primary vessel is unavailable due to maintenance. Conveniently located at Chelsea Piers Marina, it also provides a unique vantage point to observe our powerboat operations while offering a spacious, comfortable, and weatherproof environment for classroom instruction.

    • Cheseapeake Deadrise

    • 40’ length

    • Motor powered vessel

    • Coast Guard inspected for 16+ passengers

    • Wheelhouse with seating booth and work tables

    • Outdoor access plenty of walk space

    • Restroom

    • Snack & hydration station

    • Indoor steering and lounging cabin

A white motorboat speeding through the water on a clear day with scattered clouds in the sky.