Kona Sailing Club 2022 Board of Directors

Michaela Draper, Commodore

Michaela is first female commodore of the club, previously having served on the BOD in various capacities.  This is her second term serving as commodore; she was elected again by the BOD in January.

Hailing from Tamworth, England, she moved to the island a few years ago.  Her first encounter with KSC was in 2009 when she met a couple of members at a match racing event being held at Kaneohe Yacht Club.

She participated in the 2012 Pac Cup on Buzz Off, with several other club members. She also owns and races a Johnson 18, Quackers, and participates in as many club events as possible.

Alicia Starsong, Treasurer

I started sailing in college after meeting my 1st husband on a sunset sail.   We cruised the Calif coast around Cabos San Lucas into the Sea of Cortez.  Upon arriving in Hilo in 1980 we received such a warm welcome decided return a few years later and stayed for a couple of years.

After another stint on the mainland I returned again in 1997 and stayed.  I met husband #2, Daniel Starsong at the Kona Sailing Club.  20 years ago I founded the Big Island Sailing Foundation and have been striving to facilitate youth and women’s sailing. In 2021, I helped the club convert to 501(c)3 status.

​Daniel Starsong
Vice Commodore

I became interested in sailing as a young teen and read a book on the basics from the library.  I applied my book learning by renting a dingy on San Diego’s Mission Bay.   Evidently, the operator of the rental place had cut down the centerboards or their boats to prevent capsizes.  When I turned up wind to return the boat, I made about as much leeway as forward motion, so I had to pay extra for returning the boat late (learning a valuable lesson about leeway).

I have made three Trans-Pacific crossings on vessels ranging from 24 – 70 ft.   The smallest vessel was my Islander 24, Injoy, on which I was captain, navigator (celestial) with my girlfriend at the time.  It took 23 days from Santa Cruz, CA to Kawaihae.

I’ve been a member of KSC since the early 1980’s.  Currently I am a KSC Board member, as well as treasurer of Big Island Sailing Foundation, which does kids sailing programs; and Partner in Aloha Sailing LLC which teaches adults.   I also work as a boat captain for Kamanu Charters, and self-employed doing welding, boat & trailer repair.