United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics

York Bergin-Pugh is the latest addition to the Coast Guard Academy’s coaching staff. Prior to becoming the Assistant Offshore Racing Coach, York was the Head Sailing Instructor at the Shelter Island Yacht Club on Shelter Island, NY as well as a big-boat skipper and instructor in the British Virgin Islands.

York grew up racing in the Shelter Island Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program. He has taught both introductory and dinghy racing courses at Devon Yacht Club in the Hamptons and Noroton Yacht Club in Darien, CT. In 2005, York crewed aboard 88-foot steel schooner “Ocean Star” during an 80-day cruise through the Caribbean. His experience aboard “Ocean Star” ignited a passion for big-boat sailing and led York to a position instructing with ActionQuest Programs in the BVI. At ActionQuest, York skippered Beneteau 50s, Gibsea 51s, and Bahia 46 Catamarans during 21-day live-aboard sessions for co-ed high school students.

York is a graduate of Rutgers University majoring in American Studies and Geography. He also lived in Juneau, Alaska where he received instructional training in the University of Alaska-Southeast’s Outdoor Skills and Leadership Program.

York is a US Sailing Level 2 Coach, Wilderness First Responder, and US Coast Guard licensed captain who just relocated to New London.