About SafeSail
SafeSail is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting positive adult sailing experiences by help sailors and organizations develop processes and procedures by becoming a platform for resources and reporting. Our primary activity is maintaining this website and encouraging its use with sailors, race organizers, and class officers.
SafeSail encourages sailing classes, yacht clubs, and events to register here with the contact information of whom should be contacted in the event a report is filed. Then if a report is filed by an individual, it will automatically be forwarded to Race Organizer on file. If one does not exist, SafeSail volunteers will work to find one.
SafeSail is not affiliated with any national or international organizing body and has no investigative resources or reprimanding authority. We are a grassroots organization looking to create awareness and accountability in our sport among it's participants on and off the water for safe and equal treatment.
What is SafeSail
SafeSail is a volunteer grassroots organization dedicated to providing resources and reporting mechanisms for sailors. Our mission is to be a connection point for sailors and organizations, fostering a culture of inclusion and ensuring everyone's voice is heard at events.
What SafeSail is NOT
SafeSail is NOT any kind of investigative or punitive organization. We don't replace Law Enforcement, US Sailing, International Jury Members, or SafeSport. Reports are not stored on our servers; they are automatically forwarded to local individuals registered with us.
How It Works
First, we challenge all sailing classes, yacht clubs, and events are encouraged to register with SafeSail, providing contact info for the designated person to handle reports.When an individual files a report, it automatically goes to the designated Race Organizer. If none is listed, SafeSail volunteers step in to find one.
How can you support
Maintaining this vital platform, creating free resources, and handling sensitive matters require time and resources. You can support SafeSail by contributing to our Donation page. Every donation helps us continue our mission of fostering a safe and inclusive sailing community.
Meet Our Board
We are a group of volunteers looking to use our skill sets to help create a positive sailing experience for all.
Kate Somers
Kate started sailing at a young age because as the child of a Naval Officer she was fortunate to always live near the water with access to community boating programs from Hawaii to Japan. Her family settled in Rhode Island when she was in high school where she competed at the junior and high school level before heading to Hobart and William Smith as a college sailor.
Kate Somers
Kate started sailing at a young age because as the child of a Naval Officer she was fortunate to always live near the water with access to community boating programs from Hawaii to Japan. Her family settled in Rhode Island when she was in high school where she competed at the junior and high school level before heading to Hobart and William Smith as a college sailor.
Now a designer, educator, media specialist, and technology enthusiast with a passion for learning, sailing, and helping others. Kate started a business risingT Media and Marketing after working for the America's Cup and Volvo Ocean Race to help other marine industry organizations with web, marketing and communications.
A passionate sailor, Kate has coached the local high school teams for years and designed a summer program that focused on both sailing and environmental education for elementary and middle school students earning her RIMTA’s Boater of the Year 2016.
She has an undergraduate degree in architecture and mathematics from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Master’s degree in Educational Media and Technology from Boston University. When not working, she can be found with her husband, their son and their dog, Scruffy cruising onboard their C&C 34 in the New England waters.
Kate co-founded SafeSail because she believes everyone has the right to fun and safety in the sport she loves.
Nikki Bruno
Nikki started sailing as a freshman at the University of Miami where she was recruited as a walk-on to the team. A marine science enthusiast, she quickly latched onto the spirit of the sport sailing Snipes while in college and remains a very active participant in the class. In 2020, she moved from NJ to Annapolis to be closer to her Snipe “family” and generally sail more often.
Nikki Bruno
Nikki started sailing as a freshman at the University of Miami where she was recruited as a walk-on to the team. A marine science enthusiast, she quickly latched onto the spirit of the sport and has never looked back! She started sailing Snipes while in college and remains a very active participant in the class. In 2020, she moved from NJ to Annapolis to be closer to her Snipe “family” and generally sail more often. Nikki is also active in the local Etchells and J/70 fleets and often travels to sail with them, as well as in many other one-design classes. While she typically clocks over 100 days a year on the water, Nikki’s “day job” is as a Virtual Performance Coach, helping students and young adults excel in school and their careers. She credits sailing for helping her achieve one of her life goals - being a snowbird!
Nikki believes everyone deserves to experience the joy of sailboat racing in an environment that promotes inclusivity and respect, and co-founded SafeSail with that mission in mind.
Ed Furry
Ed started sailing on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana on Sunfish, Hobie 16’s and Scows. He attended Culver Summer Schools where he sailed boats between a Cat Boat and a 60’ Three Masted Square Rigger. He then coached sailing during summers in Culver. He went on to coach in San Diego, The Bitter End, American Yacht Club and KO Sailing before becoming a sail maker.
Ed Furry
Ed started sailing on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana on Sunfish, Hobie 16’s and Scows. He attended Culver Summer Schools where he sailed boats between a Cat Boat and a 60’ Three Masted Square Rigger. He then coached sailing during summers in Culver. He went on to coach in San Diego, The Bitter End, American Yacht Club and KO Sailing. He has worked for Quantum Sails and North Sails One Design as a sailmaker. Ed returned to Indiana and completed his degree at Indiana University. A brief stint in Banking was cut short by 9/11 and led Ed back into the Sailing Industry as a boat captain for Farr 40’s and the TP52 Morning Light, for Disney’s documentary movie by the same name.
This experience and the contacts Ed made along the way helped Ed and his wife Becky start Sail22 in 2007. Sail22 is a Sailing Concierge and Rigging business. For the last 16 years Ed has been working hard to make it easier for clients to sail their race boats as Sail22 supports regattas around the US onsite. The Sail22 online store ships products worldwide. In addition to Sail22, Ed has been a pro sailor and coach. He continues to be very involved in all aspects of sailboat racing, by serving as a PRO, Class Measurer, MarkSetBot operator and more.
In 2022, Ed helped create the Mixed+ Sailing Division, with the goal to create more opportunities for female sailors on all levels of racing. In order to compete in this division, a team must include 50% or more females. Ed and his wife Becky live in Culver, Indiana and have three children, Cole, Lucy and Nora. The entire family relocates to St. Petersburg, Florida in the winters in order for Sail22 to support winter sailing regattas.
Alli Gutenkunst
Alli started sailing Optis and Scows as a child in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school she took a break from sailing to pursue her undergraduate and master degrees in accounting. She was introduced to keel boat racing in 2017 via J80 North Americans and hasn’t looked back! Since 2017 Alli has been active in many Annapolis fleets, especially the J/70.
Alli Gutenkunst
Alli started sailing Optis and Scows as a child in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school she took a break from sailing to pursue her undergraduate and master degrees in accounting. She was introduced to keel boat racing in 2017 via J80 North Americans and hasn’t looked back! Since 2017 Alli has been active in many Annapolis fleets, especially the J/70.
©2024 - SafeSail Inc, a 501(c)3 charitable organization - EIN 93-2363948 - PO Box 485 - North Kingstown, RI 02852