officers

Captain Nitzan Levy brings 25+ years of worldwide sailing experience to her role as Vice Commodore of Liberty Yacht Club. Born in the US and raised along Israel's Mediterranean coast, she previously served the club as Marketing and Digital Communications Officer and Rear Commodore.

A US Coast Guard licensed Master and certified instructor, Capt. Levy has organized numerous NY Harbor regattas and events. As co-founder of Neptune's Daughter charter brokerage and founder of Sailors NYC, she has introduced hundreds to local waterways through instruction and community building.

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Capt. Levy's commitment extends to volunteering as a sailing instructor for underserved youth, embodying the perfect blend of maritime expertise, business acumen, and community leadership within the NY Harbor boating community.

Ed Guy is a member of Liberty Yacht Club for the past 6 years, and formerly served as the club's Race Director and Fleet Captain. Ed has sailing in his genes – he descends from pirates that were located right here in NY Harbor – New Amsterdam privateers.  Keeping in the family tradition, he started sailing as a youth using small boats in Barnegat Bay and scout camps. 

In 1990, he crested an oasis-topped hill in Austin Texas and became enamored with the sailboats on Lake Travis.  A few months later, he bought his first sailboat.  Upon relocating back to Boston, he brought this 24’ boat along and finally back to his native NJ where he enjoyed sailing on the lower bay and beyond.  A few years later, child-rearing took precedence and boating dreams sailed away.

When his youngest became seaworthy, his family bought a 33’ foot Hunter and enjoyed it nearly every summer weekend, until it was (Hurricane) “sandyed.” Next spring brought his current ‘Sea Gazer II,” a Hunter 40.5, which he has been staying aboard for the last 5 years and active in the club for about the same time.  His youngest is now racing on Wednesday nights!

He and his business partner, Nitzan Levy (who is also an LYC member), own and operate Neptune’s Daughter, a boutique boat charter brokerage company that helps clients to plan and book fun sailing trips all over the world. Neptune's Daughter has organized and led several LYC flotillas in the Caribbean - including St. Martin, Guadeloupe, and the BVIs. He also works as a software engineer at a NY financial firm.

Paula Zwiren races on Wednesday nights with her father, Steve, on his boat Carrera, a C&C 37/40 Plus. Paula began to get more engaged in the Club by volunteering for Race Committee.   Connecting more with the community and getting to know other members of the Club was all she needed to inspire her to look for more ways to get involved.

Although she’s been on the water since childhood and has some courses under her belt, Paula still considers herself a novice on board and remains open to lots of feedback from Captain and Crew alike.  Paula took Basic Sailing A.S.A. 101 at True North Sailing School in Jersey City, NJ and then advanced her knowledge and experience taking solo lessons A.S.A. 103 Coastal Cruising in Coconut Grove, Florida by Captain Jeff. 

Professionally, Paula owns Zwiren Title Agency, Inc. and is a licensed attorney. She is designated as a Certified Title Professional, the highest honor for title professionals in NJ.  Paula understands the value and importance of furthering an education.  She often teaches continuing education to other professionals and also provides well-being and business coaching through her consulting company Routya.

Paula is honored to accept her first leadership position within the Liberty Yacht Club.  She really enjoys working with the leadership team and getting to know the members.  Paula is looking forward to this and many future seasons together!

Rachel Ryll’s passion for sailing took root during the COVID era. Fueled by her competitive spirit, she swiftly embraced racing during Liberty Yacht Club’s Wednesday night racing and Best of the Bay series. Holding certifications as a Skipper via ASA 101-104 and qualified crew via NauticEd, Rachel's expertise in sailing is beyond textbook as she strives to gain as much experience as possible.

Beyond the sea, she's the board president of Riverview Jazz, organizers of the Jersey City Jazz Festival, and the CEO of The Statuary, a live music venue in Jersey City heights. With two decades of experience in Quality Assurance and Regulatory roles in the biotech and medical devices industry, Rachel's expertise extends far beyond the waves. Together with her husband, club member Ted Chubb, she explores the world, integrating sailing into their annual holidays.

Hearing of a co-worker learning to sail, Barry went down to Annapolis Sailing School in the mid 1990's to take his first course.  A few courses and sailing experiences later, he bought a 1975 Columbia sloop and sailed on different protected waters in Central NJ for a number of years.  With family life starting, sailing took a back seat.  In 2021, Barry joined friends for LYC Wednesday night racing, the sailing passion returned full force.  Barry became a boat owner once again naming her Vita Grata (meaning "grateful life") and joined Liberty Yacht Club in 2022. 

Marc De Souter is a seasoned sailor and United States Coast Guard-licensed Captain with over 20 years of experience on the water, with a strong emphasis on competitive racing. An active and dedicated member of the racing community, he currently serves as Race Director at Liberty Yacht Club, where he oversees race management, course design, and on-the-water execution for a wide range of events. His combined perspective as both competitor and race official gives him a well-rounded understanding of the sport at a high level.

Amanda had always been a water bug rather it be in a pool or various beaches along the Jersey shore.  As she grew up her friends introduced her to jet skis, which she quickly decided were less appealing to her.  Then came the idea of buying a boat!  Owning various power boats from 21' to 27' with years of experience from the Raritan to the Barnegat she decided the shore was where she wanted to be.  Hurricane Sandy offered the opportunity to buy and renovate a waterfront home.  However, after many trips to the Annapolis and being welcomed aboard a Saba 50, dreams flourished!  Endless nights of watching You Tube and looking at Yachtworld 2018 welcomed Escapism, the Lagoon 410 she co-owns and learned to sail on.  After moving to Jersey City recently and seeking out the water a member of AHYC suggested LYC and she has been a club member since 2023.  She is very happy to have been introduced to the club as it has offered great sailing experiences with new friends and the opportunity to crew on Wednesday nights.  

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