RALF STEITZ

A member of the staff since 1995, Steitz brings a lifetime of sailing experience with the top racing programs around the world, where he has developed an expertise in the fields of sailboat racing and crew management. He has competed three times for the America’s Cup, sailing as bowman with Team Dennis Conner. In 1995, he sailed aboard the defender, Young America in the America’s Cup Finals against Team New Zealand’s Black Magic.  In 2000, he competed aboard AmericaOne, skippered by Paul Cayard.

In addition to the America’s Cup, he has regularly competed in such events as the Newport Bermuda Race, Key West Race Week, Cowes Week, the St. Francis Big Boat Series, the Kenwood Cup, the Maxi World Cup, the Knickerbocker Cup, and the Admiral’s Cup. Steitz has served in leadership positions aboard some of the best most successful boats in racing, including Infinity, Gaucho, Gem, Il Moro De Venezia, Champosa, and Insatiable. He currently sails aboard John Thomson’s Farr 40, Infinity. Steitz, a native of Helgoland, Germany, is a member of the Storm Trysail Club and the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. He and his wife Jamie Gross reside in Port Washington, NY.

Rick Dominique serves as Director of Varsity Programs.  In this capacity, he oversees the recruiting of waterfront athletes, the production of waterfront public relations materials.  He also is the Department representative to speak on behalf of midshipmen needing assistance academically and regimentally.

Rick's diverse sailing talents include national-level Laser sailing (22nd at 2004 Olymic Trials in the Laser Class) and many regatta wins in inshore and offshore sailing.  Rick has served as the Safety Officer during the 2002 & 2004 Newport to Bermuda races with KP.  A 1993 graduate of SUNY Maritime College, Rick was a four-year member of their Sailing Team.  He returned to his alma mater in 1994 to serve as Varsity Sailing Coach and Assistant Waterfront Director.  He left SUNY in 1996 and became General Manager of Mariner Resource Corporation in Port Washington.  During his tenure with MRC, he directed the start-up of the Capri Sailing School in Manhasset Bay.  Rick holds a USCG Unlimited Third Mate License and a 25-Ton Master of Auxiliary Sail Vessels License.

Rick is a member of the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, a US Sailing Certified Level 2 and Keelboat instructor-trainer.  He is a recipient of the DOT Outstanding Unit Award for his participation in the Academy's support operations following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.  Rick, his fiance' Tracey and his son, Jamie, reside in Carle Place, NY.