Capper is a US Sailing Certified Level Two Master Coach Trainer.
US Sailing Background:
- Member of the National Faculty for Sailing Education since 1991
- One of three Program Workshop Clinic Directors
- Small Boat Safety at Sea Clinic Director
- Chairman, National Junior Championships Committee 1997-2000
- Member of the Olympic Path working party 1997-2000
- Member of the Youth Championship Committee
- Member of the Training Committee
- Regional Training Coordinator
- 1995: US SAILING awarded Capper the Community Sailing Councils “Outstanding Director of a Seasonal Program Trophy”
1996: Capper was honored with the highest award for sailing instruction “The Captain Joe Prosser Award.” Jo Mogle, Vice Chair, US SAILING Training, summed up Capper’s accomplishments in a letter to the President of the Lake Minnetonka Sailing School after a visit in July of 1996, “… you have one of US SAILING’s very Finest. His commitment to and pride in his vocation are shining examples to the many instructors, trainers, and volunteers who have benefited from his lectures and teaching demonstrations, worked with him in conferences and symposiums, or been in meetings in which he has played a pivotal role. His value to our National Faculty is unchallenged.”
High School Sailing Background:
Founded and served as President of the Midwest High Sailing Association (MISSA), 1987-93
Vice President of the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA) of North America, 1989-92
Coached several High School teams to the National Championship regattas including the first Minnesota team, Orono High School in 1996. Orono won the Midwest High School Championships in 2000 and 2001. Orono sailor Eric Oppen placed 2nd in the 2001 National High School Single-handed Championships.
Professional Background:
Capper is the former Sailing Master at the Columbia Yacht Club in Chicago (1984-1993), where he developed a nationally recognized youth racing team and an enrollment of 350 students.
He is a frequent speaker on youth sailing topics at major regional and national meetings.
Capper has co-authored two coaches training manuals and the Small Boat Performance Sailor Certification book.
Dave is recent graduate from the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in Commercial Recreation and Resource Manangement in 2009. He is a US Sailing Level 2 certified instructor and has been teaching sailing for over 8 years. He currently teaches at the Wayzata Community Sailing center during the summers and coaches the U of Minnesota sailing team, along with the St. Thomas sailing team and high school teams.
Sailing Background:
- US Sailing Level 1 and 2 Instructor Trainer Certified
- 3 time All-District Collegiate Sailor
- Commodore of the Gopher Sailing Team for 3 years
- 9 years experience in the sailmaking industry
Dave grew up sailing keelboats on Lake Michigan out of Racine, Wisconsin and has competed at both national and international regattas. He sailed for the U for 4 years while completing his undergraduate studies.