Meet the Crew
You will be in good hands with out experienced crew!
Michael Harris-
Captain, Director of Operations
Michael Harris started his formal sailing experience and education on Lake Michigan on an 18 foot catamaran and also on a 34 foot sloop as part of the curriculum for the American Sailing Association's (ASA) coastal cruising class. He has sailed on Long Island Sound waters since 1999, first on a 26 foot sloop, and more recently on a 32 foot ketch. He has driven the pump out boat in Mystic, New London and Clinton, and as a holder of a Coast Guard captain's license has driven the launch on the Mystic River as well as piloting a tour boat in Chincoteague, Virginia. He has been with Sail CT Access since 2019 in the capacity of Skipper and continues to sail his own boat, Bird, out of the Thames river.
He has also provided energy consulting services under his professional engineering license in the state of Connecticut since 2008. In addition to being technically competent as an engineer and teaching the physics of sailing, he has an artistic streak that includes painting and playing music. He has been playing the fiddle since 2018 and other instruments since college.
Rob Rackliff – Captain
Irene Rackliff – First Mate
Anne – Sea Puppy
Rob Rackliff served as SCTA’s Director of Sail Operations from 2004 to 2025 and continues to volunteer as a Captain with his wife Irene and their dog Anne. Rob earned his USCG Captain’s license from Northeast Maritime Institute, and Sailboat and Towing endorsements from Martha’s Vineyard Ocean Academy. Rob has a lifetime of sailing experience that ranges from small and medium sized sailboats on Long Island Sound to large sailing yachts in the Caribbean, and everything in between!
Chris O'Neil -
Skipper
Chris O’Neil started sailing over 40 years ago. He was on the Northeastern University Sailing Team in college and taught sailing at Community Sailing in Boston. Chris began as a volunteer Skipper with Sail CT Access in 2014, has a passion for making sailing accessible to all, and loves teaching young people to sail, passing along the enjoyment of the sport to the next generation. Chris prefers “chill” sailing versus “thrill” sailing and does his best to make every trip comfortable and enjoyable for all aboard!
Anthony Benoit -
Deck Hand
Anthony has been involved with Sail Connecticut since 2015, beginning as a volunteer before becoming a deckhand. During his time with the organization, he has helped support sailing programs and has sailed aboard the historic schooner Amistad. Anthony is also a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he is involved in promoting recreational boating safety and maritime education. He enjoys sharing his passion for sailing and helping others experience the maritime world.
Abby Butchyk -
Deck Hand
Abby is a student at The Master’s School in Simsbury and has been sailing since she was 8. She loves being on the water and working with Sail CT Access because she loves meeting all kinds of new people! Her plan for College is to go into Law school and become a Lawyer.
Miysha Nicholas -
Deck Hand
Miysha is a student at Simsbury High School and has been sailing since she was 7. She loves the ocean, reading, baking, and of course sailing. This program has given her the opportunity to do what she loves for nearly 10 years and is so happy to be a part of it to help give a community to people. She is hoping to go into Marine Biology after high school and this program has helped prepare her for and shown her what she wants to do with her life.
Clair Connors -
Deck Hand
Claire is a student at Westbrook High School. She enjoys sailing, volunteering, and building community through shared experiences.
Bob F.
Deck Hand
Is an accomplished sailor of many years including serving as crew on large sailing vessels.
YOU!
If you are an accomplished sailor or someone who would like to learn to sail, we have a place for you. Come check us out during our Open House events, usually the last Saturday of the month from June-September. Come meet the crew, the sailors, the boats, and come for a free ride on Long Island Sound!