Native New Englander, Ella Withington grew up sailing on Cape Cod Bay. At the age of 7, she began assisting her father on the family’s oyster farm. She cruised extensively throughout the coastline of New England from New York to Maine, exploring the great sailing areas and exploring small coves, and hidden anchorages. Her other interests include surfing, mountain climbing, backpacking and backcountry skiing.
While attending Tabor College Preparatory Academy Ella participated in a 4-year student- run sail training program and graduated with Naval Honors. She attended Hobart William Smith College and graduated with a dual BA in Computer Science and Religious Studies. Following graduation, Ella went on to work as a Computer Software Engineer for several years. But her joy has always been found on the water.
Now having sailed over 15,000 ocean miles, Ella is a competent sailor and captain, and her qualifications include holding a commercially-endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, STCW, US Sailing Level II Instructor certification, plus certifications in First Aid, CPR, Celestial Navigation, Radio Operation, yacht maintenance and TIG Welding.
Ella has also sailed in the East & West Mediterranean, Northern Europe and throughout the Caribbean. Her sailing experience includes a wide range of vessels up to 38m - with an emphasis on classic & traditional sailing yachts. She has raced classic schooners across the Mediterranean in Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, and run Sail N Ski expeditions across the Norwegian Sea and Arctic Ocean.
Ella enjoys chartering and sharing her passion for sailing with guests on board NORTHERN STAR and is pleased to offer sailing instruction.