Learn more about our team
Rick Yoder
FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CAPTAIN
Rick’s passion for sailing began over 20 years ago. He has had the opportunity to race many different types of sailboats in several national regattas as well as sailed in many inland lakes and the Great Lakes. Rick has always placed a strong value on serving others and has years of involvement in EMS and Volunteer Firefighting, and has acquired his US Coast Guard Captain’s license. After he and his wife purchased their first Hunter sailboat and sailed around the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior for several years, they decided to take a friend sailing for a day who had suffered a life-altering bronc riding accident years prior which resulted in losing the use of his legs. Little did they realize the impact it would have on that gentleman’s life and others to follow throughout the years. After a full day of sailing and enjoying the peacefulness of harnessing the wind and enjoying the sunshine while riding the waves Rick heard a comment that would forever pierce his heart and propel him to pursue a dream that later would become “Liberté Sails” - That comment… “I felt free” - Nate Morrison
Dana Yoder
CO-FOUNDER / BOARD MEMBER / FIRST MATE
Dana has enjoyed sailing with her family for many years. What began as an impromptu venture in a little day-sailer on a small lake in Wisconsin with her husband, Rick, turned into years of sailing including the big waters of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Sailing has always been a family experience. “Our kids grew up sailing with us and those times are some of the best family memories to me.” Coupling the love of sailing with the love for country and it makes perfect sense why this foundation is important to Dana. With numerous family members having served and are actively serving in the military, Dana’s patriotism runs deep and she is ever so grateful for all those who serve. “it’s one way we can give back for all the sacrifices others have made”
Joe Horan
INSTRUCTOR / BOARD MEMBER
Joe has been sailing for most of his adult life. After getting hooked on the sport in college, Joe started sailing small boats on the local lakes around Eau Claire WI. In the 80s the opportunity to crew on the big boats of the Great Lakes gave him experience and passion for racing. It was that passion for racing that got him involved in One Design Racing. He has crewed and skippered boats in regattas all over the country including several national championship regattas as well as the Annual Queens Cup, Chicago Mac race, and Key West Race Week. His love of sailing also has involved him in giving back to the sport. Joe is a 35-year member of the Lake Wissota Yacht Club serving on the board for more than 25 years and as commodore for three terms. He is also a supporter of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center and the co-founder of the Eau Claire Junior Sailing program. He served on the re-licensing advisory board for the Lake Wissota Hydro Project and is a co-sponsor and adviser of the local Sea Scouts Ship in the Chippewa Valley. “I have always found sailing to be my serenity. Being out on the water brings me Peace.”.
Russ Bauer
INSTRUCTOR / BOARD MEMBER
Bio
Jason Bridge
CHAPLAIN / BOARD MEMBER
Jason’s desire to partner with Liberte Sails comes from spending time on the water and knowing the real-life parallels that can be observed through sailing. Jason truly has a pastor’s heart. A man whose passion is to see others succeed and come into a loving, thriving relationship with God experiencing the joys and freedom that relationship brings.
Pastor Jason has been faithful in ministry for over 25 years; serving in multiple capacities. Formerly his resume included: professional portrait photographer & business owner. He is currently also serving his local community as a volunteer firefighter.
Jasons hobbies include running, hunting, fishing, boating, SAILING, riding ATV’s and motorcycles as well as camping and spending time with family.
Michelle Bridge
BOARD MEMBER
Michelle knows firsthand the peaceful serenity that sailing can bring. Enjoying time on the sailboat with dear friends are memories she recounts with a smile. Watching the sun’s reflection dance along the water, feeling the wind gently blowing on your face, watching the sky as pillowy clouds give changing weather cues. Sailing is a beautiful adventure.
Michelle wears many hats. Her desire to see people experience peace, joy and freedom has found another avenue for expression, SAILING! She is excited to see lives touched and changed through Liberté Sails.