Meet your crew!
Our fun, supportive staff will get you ready for the water in no time.
Captain Don Doggett
Owner, Visionary
Captain Don Doggett, owner of Sea Safaris Sailing School, grew up sailing inland lakes in northern Wisconsin. Over 20 years ago, he purchased his first sailboat on Lake Michigan – which was a 22 foot Southcoast – since then he has owned and operated a variety of boat sizes and models. Captain Don is an active and longtime member of Milwaukee Yacht Club and spends his time cruising the Great Lakes, racing regional sailboat regattas, and teaching adults how to sail.
Captain Don is known for his dedication to teaching adult sailing and liveaboard cruising courses throughout Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Southern Florida, and the Caribbean. Through years of teaching, Don has developed an acute understanding of why each student wants to learn how to sail and how to patiently work with students at their own pace.
He currently holds a USCG 100-ton Master Captains License and an ASA Instructor Evaluator. He offers all levels of ASA certifications and USCG Merchant Mariner courses, including Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV or 6-Pack) and Master Captains courses. He enjoys sharing his expertise to promote sailing and maritime skills at several organizations from the East Coast to the Mid-West.
Captain Angie Doggett
Director, Marketing & Business Development
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Angie fell in love with Milwaukee and the marine/boating lifestyle. As a sailor, she has competed in a number of sailing regattas plus serves as a US Sailing PRO (Principal Race Officer) for local and regional events. She has a passion for teaching spouses/significant others/guests of boat owners what should happen if they find themselves "suddenly in command". She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience sailing with others. She has been trained as a first responder and maintains first aid and CPR certifications.
Captain David Neesen
Lead Instructor
Captain David Neesen is originally from Nebraska and grew up sailing small boats in northern Minnesota. After moving to Wisconsin and sailing on inland waters, David took ASA 101 with Sea Safaris and quickly fell in love with sailing the great lakes. After taking ASA 106, David went on to get his USCG Master’s License and become an ASA sailing Instructor. Milwaukee is home port for David who, when not teaching, is often cruising to other destinations on Lake Michigan. David has a passion for sailing and enjoys teaching others how to safely sail and navigate as well.
Captain Jean DeKeyser
Instructor
Capt. Jean (John) De Keyser is a native of Belgium, a USCG 100T Master and ASA instructor for ASA101-105, 114, and 118. In 2006 he moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, and bought Yachting Vacations, the leading sailboat charter operator in southwest Florida. Jean has sailed on Lake Michigan, the Adriatic, Mediterranean, the Florida Gulf and offshore from Bermuda to the USVI. He and wife, (Admiral) Mila, organize annual flotillas in Croatia and the Balearic Islands and are looking at expanding into other sailing grounds as well – a perfect way to expand your sailing Horizons.
Captain Tim Dittloff
Instructor
Captain Tim Dittloff has received world-class training in business, speaking, and sailing – and he puts all of his knowledge to good use, helping students learn the foundations of sailing. He provides sailing instruction and coaching to transform individuals. His credentials include a Master of Science in Education. He is also a Certified Franklin Covey Trainer, Licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain, Certified John Maxwell Facilitator, and Certified ASA Sailing Instructor.
Captain Justin Gallion
Instructor
Captain Justin Gallion has more than 15 years of sailing experience on many different types and sizes of boats, from racing dingys to large keel boats on the Great Lakes, Atlantic Coast and Virgin Islands. Justin has been an ASA instructor at Sea Safaris Sailing School for several years and holds a USCG license. Having raced on across Lake Michigan for several years; he now enjoys teaching and sharing his experiences with newcomers and seasoned sailors alike.
Captain Frank Jaeger
Instructor
Captain Frank has not only sailed for years on a number of vessels in both national and international waters, he also worked his way through the ASA certification ranks as a student at Sea Safaris Sailing School. Frank is passionate about helping support the need for quality sailing education in the Northern Illinois area. Frank will work primarily from our newest location in Burnham Harbor. Burnham uniquely situated at Northerly Island, offering perfect access for students from the City, western, south and southwestern suburbs – not to mention a growing number of students from Michigan, Indiana and Missouri. Burnham Harbor will be our hub for ASA103, ASA104 and ASA105 Instruction aboard Frank’s 38’ Hunter.
Captain Brian Kendzor
Instructor
Captain Brian’s love for sailing developed during his Navy career in the 80’s & 90’s, where he served 15 years as a USCG- trained safety and survival specialist. Port Washington is his home port, but offshore is definitely his “happy place”.
Brian is a long-time member of the Port Washington Yacht Club, where he has served as the Fleet Captain for many years. He enjoys day sailing as well as longer journeys and participates in local and long-distance races throughout the season. Racing & cruising sailboats are definitely his passion, but sharing that passion with others, and watching sailors develop with him has become equally rewarding.
Captain Casey matthews
Instructor
Captain Casey has worked in the marine industry for over 20 years, and began his sailing career 7 years ago.
After the first day of his ASA101 class, he knew was hooked, and bought his first sailboat shortly thereafter – a 25’ Catalina. Since then, Capt. Casey has owned multiple sailboats, and advanced his ASA certifications.
After receiving his USCG Master’s license in 2021, he began teaching sailing so he could share the joy of sailing with others.
Casey’s home port is Milwaukee, WI, but also sails out of Galveston, TX in the winter, where he is looking to continue his teaching opportunities.
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