WIMHF President: Pete Wells (2024)

I have been involved with some aspect of the marine environment for most of my life. Growing up in NY I spent most summers at the beach, on the water sailing with friends, and learning to SCUBA dive when I was 15. My undergraduate degree is in Ocean Engineering. Professionally, I have worked for International Underwater Contractors as a commercial diver, and American Bureau of Shipping as a structural engineer. These were followed by program management positions on civilian space programs and commercial aircraft. I am the proud owner of a 1955 Nordic Folkboat and am restoring a 1969 Eric Jr. sloop. Serving as a Director for the Whidbey Island Maritime Heritage Foundation is a great honor for me as it provides me an opportunity to help preserve the S/V Suva as well as improve the quality of our marine environment.

WIMHF Vice President: Jason Magee (2024)

WIMHF Secretary:  Kathy Cotner  (2025)

I have always loved being out on the water on all kinds of watercraft, but sailing on SUVA has been a unique and wonderful experience. I have a great deal of respect for this group of dedicated volunteers and have thoroughly enjoyed working with and getting to know them.  SUVA is a beautiful ship, and sailing on her has been inspirational for me. It is inspirational for our passengers as well, and I am pleased to be a part of continuing the SUVA mission to bring maritime history to life in Coupeville.

WIMHF Treasurer:  Joe Blanchette (2026)

A retired Navy Commander, Aviator and Instructor of 20 years, with over 15,000 hours of large jet time,  Joe's been a member of the WIMHF since 2022.  Currently on the 2023-2026 Board of Directors as Treasurer and on SUVA as a Bosun after 40 years of sailing in the Pacific Northwest. 30 of those years on Whidbey island; a Native Seattleite and graduate of the University of Washington's School of Business.  Joe's currently a Real estate Broker, Investor and Property manager throughout Island, Skagit and King Counties.  He see's Schooner SUVA as a conduit for people to enjoy life and to be at their best as there is no better teacher than the Sea.

Operations:  Gary McIntyre (2025)

Gary has been a sailor for over fifty years, starting on a 16 foot sunfish.  He has owned sailboats most of his life and currently has a 30 foot Catalina in Oak Harbor.  Gary obtained his U.S. Merchant Marine Officers License in 2008 when he moved to Whidbey Island.  When he was the Commodore for Whidbey Island Naval Sailing Association (WINSA), he trained navy personnel for recreational sailing.    

 Gary joined the Coupeville Maritime Heritage Foundation in  2016 and has been skippering Suva since that time.

Maintenance:   Kirby Stevens    (2026)

Kirby has a BS in Engineering from San Jose State University.  He started sailing on San Francisco Bay in 1964 on the 65ft. schooner "Brigadoon" of Boothbay.  He has lived in Coupeville for the past 20 years.   Kirby has taught USCG captains' classes and was a USCG captain from 2000 until 2021.  He was a charter member of CMHF/ WIMHF and Captain of Suva 2015-2021.

"My interest in being on the Board is to expand the Foundation’s focus from just Suva, to include the Island’s maritime heritage as outlined in our charter, through outreach to the community by broadening our appeal to people that are not sailors."

Kirby chairs the Maintenance Committee.

Marketing:  Tim Neal  (2026)

My wife and I moved here in 2017 from San Antonio, TX to be near family. We joined the SUVA family in 2018 to meet other people in the community. We found crewing on the SUVA to be a learning opportunity and have met fascinating people in the community.

My background in aviation and computer technology has given me the ability to promote awareness of SUVA.  

My experience in sailing was limited until I joined SUVA. Prior to that, I sailed the Turkish Riviera on a 35 ft Beneteau sail boat.

I’m a strong supporter of SUVA, participating in training, marketing and web design.

Member Emeritus:  Dr Wylie Vracin  (2024)

I moved here in 1982 to Coupeville with wife Ginny and 4 children, becoming the First Internal Medicine Specialist on our Island. My family has always enjoyed water-based activities, always involving power-boating. I retired from my active medical practice in 2010, and met up with our Schooner SUVA about 8 years ago. I served the WIMHF as Board President from its inception in 2015 until 2022, and find myself having SUVA discussions quite often when newcomers ask questions as they pertain to our historic vessel.