Captains & Staff

CAPTAIN DASIEL MOLINA

As a Yacht Captain and Sailing Instructor, Dasiel is dedicated to helping people turn their sailing dreams into reality. Whether you're taking your first steps on a boat or working toward a captain's license of your own, his priority is creating a safe, supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and fall in love with the water. Every lesson is built around fun, adventure, and genuine education — because the best way to build confident sailors is to make the journey enjoyable along the way.

As Owner and Director of South Portland Sailing Center, Dasiel has built a place where that same philosophy comes to life every day — a welcoming, hands-on training ground for sailors of all levels, from complete beginners to those pursuing advanced certifications.

Dasiel was recently named one of American Sailing's Outstanding Instructors, a distinction placing him in the top 1% of instructors nationwide, based entirely on feedback from his own students. It's a recognition he's especially proud of, since it reflects the experiences of the people he's taught, not just his own credentials.

Certifications: USCG Master MMC, American Sailing and NauticEd sailing instructor, Marine Engineer, ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) Certified

SAMANTHA WALLACE

Samantha Wallace has sailed through some of the most stunning and remote destinations in the world and brings competitive racing experience from events across both the US and Europe. She has also pursued technical sailing classes to continue rounding out her skills and knowledge on the water. Though relatively new to the sport, what truly sets Samantha apart is her infectious passion and unwavering positivity — qualities that make her an invaluable part of any crew. She's often the one holding the whole team together, and more often than not, the wisest voice in the room. And let's be honest: she's basically the boss of everything.

CAPTAIN TYLER MARTIN

Currently based in Key West, Tyler regularly teaches classes with SPSC during the summer season. He recently upgraded from a Cape Dory 30 to a semi custom Gary Mull designed IOR race boat. Tyler came to sailing in his early twenties at Cal sailing Club in Berkley, California and was instantly hooked.  He bought his first boat and began living aboard and learning everything he could in 2008.  Tyler got his captain's license in 2010 while cruising the east coast and has been teaching and sharing his love of sailing ever since. 

Captain Kyle Jacobs

Kyle has been dedicated to the marine trades since high school. He trained to be a Marine Technician at Marine Mechanics Institute and worked for a Portland boat yard for over six years. Kyle started sailing in high school as well, when he bought his first boat (a $500 Chrysler 22) named “Juliette” and quickly became passionate about the sport.

Kyle and Tyler met by chance when Kyle sold a sailing dinghy to Tyler (a Paceship P-12). A friendship quickly formed between the two California natives and shortly after, Kyle bought Tyler’s first boat “Nomadic”, a Paceship Chance 32/28.

Kyle currently holds a USCG captains license with sailing endorsements as well as holding multiple ASA instructor certifications. Kyle participates in Centerboard Yacht Club's Wednesday night race series throughout the summer and fall on our Ensign.  If you want to talk sailboat racing, Kyle's your guy.  Kyle manages our fleet and also teaches select classes throughout the season.

Kerry Jacobs

Kerry joined the SPSC staff in 2014 as office administrator and is a competent sailor in her own right. She acted as first mate on a trip from Key West to Havana and participates in the occasional Wednesday night race during the summer. She keeps things organized, is dog mom to Chief, regular mama to a new little sailor, and also acts as our resident photographer.  If you schedule a class or have questions about our courses, Kerry will probably be the one you speak with. 

Chief Martin

Our best boy crossed the rainbow bridge on 8/30/18 at the ripe old age of 14. He spent countless hours on the dock, in the boatyard, and would never turn down a ride in a dinghy, although he was a terrible swimmer and hated getting water in his ears. Chief was a part of SPSC from the beginning and will always be a member of the crew.