Meet the Staff 

Kristi Mills - 2026 DIRECTOR/Instructor

As a kid, I raced Butterfly’s, M-16 scows, E-28 scows and Lasers. As a teen I raced Lasers all over Michigan for several years and participated in many regatta’s including the North American Laser Championship held in Traverse City with over 400 boats racing.

Moving to the UP from Muskegon in the late 70’s introduced me to Ensign class sailing on Lake Superior, crewing and skippering where needed. Currently I advise and instruct students in the Junior Sailing School on the refurbished Ensign, the “Little Dipper” in the Wednesday night racing series.

In 1980, I advised the local Sea Scout Troop Ship #303 and attended several scout UP rendezvous. The current sailing school now meets and sails out the same little boathouse we used for the Sea Scouts!

I enjoy working with young sailors and am pleased and excited to help beginner sailors ‘learn the ropes’ and have a positive experience on the water. Here’s to another great summer of youth sailing lessons!

2026 Instructor

ANNA RAYHORN

Anna Rayhorn is a life-long resident of Marquette, MI. She is a junior at Northern Michigan University, where she is studying art and design, and is an avid member of the club sailing team. NMU sailing is where Anna learned to race c420s, and she has loved getting to know the Marquette sailing community through club sailing.

Through NMU sailing, Anna was able to learn about the environmental education program called Sea Change. In spring of 2025, Anna worked as a crew member aboard the Amicus II, sailing up the north shore of Minnesota teaching elementary schoolers about climate change and environmental sustainability. Anna loves working with kids, and looks forward to spending time out on the water with excited young sailors!

Anna loves illustrating, and finds an abundance of inspiration from Marquette’s beautiful nature. She hopes to someday illustrate children’s books, and would love to write and illustrate a book about sailing!