news release

Chair Bill Krueger passed the helm of YSF Community Sailing to Vice-Chair Skip Willauer at the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on March 18, 2026.  Citing his ten years on the Board, the last four as Chair, Bill said it was an appropriate time to retire as Chair.  

Over the last four years Bill has guided YSF through a period of rapid growth.  In calendar year 2025 YSF served 358 junior sailors up from 260 when Bill assumed the Chair in March 2022.  A thirty-eight percent increase.  Annual revenue and sailing staff grew commensurately to support the high level of instruction that has become a trademark for YSF’s sailing programs.   Simultaneously Bill oversaw a successful $6.5 million capital campaign to build the Pat Harris Community Sailing Center: named in honor of his predecessor.   Construction is well underway with an October 2026 completion date.

Lead Board member George Hinman paid tribute to Bill’s contributions with a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the entire YSF community.   In part he said: “Bill you have made an enormous contribution to the growth and success of YSF over the last ten years.  Your leadership has stayed the course through a period of tremendous growth that transitioned YSF from a small niche non-profit to major youth program making a significant impact on hundreds of children each year”.

In turning over command Bill said: “I want to thank everyone at YSF for their support.  The YSF community of sailors, volunteers, parents and donors is truly remarkable for its dedication to our mission to empower the youth of Indian River County to succeed.   This is an opportune time for me to step aside.  I have full confidence that Skip Willauer will make this a seamless transition and provide leadership for the next phase at YSF as the sailing center and marine recreational park come online later this year.”

Skip Willauer thanked Bill for his kind words and praised his tenure as transformational in the life of YSF.  “Bill, you have set me up for success.  I am grateful for the solid talented staff you assembled, the strong financial position YSF enjoys, and tremendous broad-based support we enjoy in the community.”

Skip Willauer has spent a lifetime on the water and a career in financial planning and management. A sailing instructor for more than 50 years, his professional work in Boston encompassed corporate and personal financial planning and private wealth management. He also taught investment management at Boston University. He is Fleet Captain of the Nantucket Yacht Club, has served on the YSF Board for five years, and has been Vice Chair for the past year.

Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF) of Indian River County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to eliminating cultural and financial barriers to sailing. Founded in 2009, YSF uses sailing as a medium to help children achieve their full potential. Operating as YSF Community Sailing, the organization makes it easy and affordable for children, adults, and families to enjoy the sport on the Indian River Lagoon. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit ysfirc.org.  Email: info@ysfirc.org  Phone 772-492-3243