Susan Ryan, Community Contributor

Born in England, educated there and in France, and spending a decade in French West Africa, Susan has lived with her family in Old Greenwich since 1987. After a few years realizing that Long Island Sound was her backyard and she needed to be ON it rather than just LOOKING AT it, she took Greenwich Community Sailing classes and then worked through all the U.S. Power Squadron courses to celestial navigation. In that time she bareboated in the Caribbean, day-sailed and raced Ideal 18s at Greenwich Point, cruised on the Chesapeake, and helped deliver a 55-foot Bristol to Tortola in ten days of harrowing conditions. All too often it’s the man of the family who skippers the boat, and she believes strongly that the more boating theory women know the more they will enjoy it.

So she started the Women’s Sailing Program at Old Greenwich Yacht Club and got involved in the Greenwich Sail & Power Squadron. In that capacity she has thoroughly enjoyed getting as many waterfront people together at various events and classes and celebrations. April 2012 she becomes District Commander, heading 16 squadrons in NY, CT and MA.  For Greenwich Squadron information and courses check out www.GreenwichSPS.org

One of the quotations Susan identifies most with is from Mark Twain:  “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore. Dream. Discover.”

If you want to sail with her – give her a call: 203-698-0441  or susanpryan@sbcglobal.net