Pilo Rocha – Opti Gold Fleet Coach
Pilo Rocha has been the Gold Fleet Opti Coach at LYC since 2016. Pilo grew up sailing Optis in Argentina where he won many regattas such as Mar De Plata and was 2nd at the 1993 Opti Worlds (ARG 1st in Team Racing). Pilo brings over two decades of experience coaching the Optimist Class in the United States. He has coached 4 different sailors to Team Trials victories, as well as numerous wins by his sailors at Nationals, Orange Bowl, and other major regattas. In 2018 he was selected as the Team USA Coach for the World Championships in Cypress and had 2 sailors in the top 5. When not coaching Pilo is an avid surfer and enjoys tennis and soccer.
Hernan Peralta – Silver Fleet Coach
Hernán Peralta is a Miami-based high-performance sailing coach with over 40 years of competitive experience and more than 26 years of international coaching success. A 3-time World Sailor Athlete and former national champion in Optimist, Laser, and Snipe, Hernán has guided sailors to national and world championship podiums across South America, the United States, and Europe. He has led national teams, developed multiple USODA Team Trials qualifiers, coached a US Optimist National Champion and a 3-time Open Bic World Champion, and consistently produced top finishes at premier events including the Orange Bowl and major international Optimist championships. Known for his technical expertise, disciplined training approach, and ability to inspire young athletes, Hernán is passionate about developing confident, resilient sailors who excel both on and off the water.
Alex van Puffelen – Opti Program Manager & Ocean Fleet Coach
Alex grew up in Miami, Florida sailing Optis, Lasers, and double handed boats and also was a competitive rower for five years. He has used his years of experience in competitive sailing and crew to culminate an extremely professional training environment that focuses on a meticulous routine, analytics on techniques and boat handling, and life lessons for developing sailors. Alex has coached internationally ranked sailors amongst the United States Development and National Teams and has led sailors to wins and podium finishes at many local and national events. In his off time, Alex enjoys sailing, flying airplanes, spearfishing, and training for endurance events.