Naples Model Yacht Club
2024 NMYC Executive Committee
Sam Westbladh
Commodore
Sam is from Stockholm Sweden. He worked as a pilot for both the Air Force and commercial airlines. Now retired, he has lived in Estero with his wife since 2018.
Although he hadn't had previous race experience, he spent years enjoying recreational sailing in the beautiful Stockholm archipelago.
Sam Joined NMYC in 2019 which was his first contact with the radio controlled sport.
Sam has steadily increased his racing skills and currently competes in the DF65, DF95, and IOM fleets.
Ted Flack
Vice Commodore
Ted started sailing Lightnings with his father and sister when he was 10 years old. Then the car bug hit him and he went drag racing for 15 years, returned to sailing and had much success racing catamarans and iceboats, including several National Championships. He retired after 41 years at Chrysler and started RC sailing in the IOM class. He was on the Board of Directors in the Detroit Model Yacht Club for 12 years. He now races IOM, DF95, and DF65 boats and has been coming from Michigan to Naples for the winter since 2017
Ron Stryker
Treasurer/Secretary/Webmaster
Ron retired in 2017 after 40 years of small business ownership and joined the NMYC in 2018. Although new to RC sailing, he has been an active racer in the DF95, DF65, Soling 1M, and IOM classes. He grew up in Chicago and spent his summers in Wisconsin racing C and A scows. Ron has served as Treasurer in multiple sailing organizations and raced on the MC Scow circuit for 30 years.
Dick Hedderick
Rear Commodore
Dick started RC sailing Soling in 2004 when he joined the NMYC. Soon after he purchased an EC12 and sailed the Florida regatta circuit for several years. With the advent of the DragonFlite 95, Dick sold his 25 pound EC12 and now enjoys sailing the 4 lb. DF95. Dick is also the fleet Captain for the DF95. Recently, Dick purchased an IOM.
Dick and his wife moved to Naples in 1995 and Dick retired in 2004. His big boat experience started with a Laser in 1972 and ended with his last boat, a C&C35.
Kirk Horrocks
Race Committee Chairman
Kirk Joined NMYC in 2019 and sails all five classes supported by our club. He's semi-retired and enjoys the competition very much.