Ryan Squires is partnered with Nikole Barnes, racing the 470. Their team, American Wave is campaigning for the LA 2028 Olympics. Follow along on social media @AmericanWave2028 and subscribe to the
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About Ryan
About Ryan
Ryan grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where he discovered his passion for sailing at 7 years old in an Optimist. Ryan honed his racing skills in the Optimist and a variety of other boats, including the Thistle, VX One, Melges 15, c420, and a variety of keelboats. However, his strongest connection was with the Laser (ILCA), in which he achieved great success.
As an Ohio junior sailor, Ryan earned multiple youth titles, and in high school, he founded his school's sailing team, leading them to a state championship. Ryan also clinched the competitive Area E championship title four years in a row, in both the ILCA and Thistle. Ryan is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio with a B.S. in Commerce, majoring in Small Business Management with a concentration in Data-Driven Decision Making. While in college, Ryan won the MCSA Singlehanded College Sailing Championship in the ILCA-7, a first for Miami U.
At 15 years old, Ryan began his coaching career as a certified U.S. Sailing Instructor at Hoover Sailing Club. He traveled around the country as a coach, progressing to positions such as Head Optimist Racing Coach at Sachems Head Yacht Club, Head ILCA Racing Coach at the Carolina Yacht Club, and Sailing Director at the Columbia Sailing Club. Ryan received his Merchant Mariner's Credential at age 21 through the U.S. Coast Guard. He has served on various vessels including a Sabre 66' motor yacht, Two Oceans 55' motor-catamaran, Sabre 45' motor yacht, Lagoon 45' sailing-catamaran.
In 2024, Ryan competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials in the ILCA-7, demonstrating his dedication to representing the United States on the world's biggest stage. Following the trials, he earned a spot in the U.S. Sailing Olympic Development Program.
Seeking to expand his skills and work for U.S. victory at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Ryan transitioned from the ILCA to the 470 class with Nikole Barnes. Now more than ever, Ryan is determined to earn gold for the United States and make history in home waters.
Fun fact: When Ryan isn't sailing, you'll likely find him on a surf or foil board, throwing up a big shaka and shouting his favorite life motto, "Livin' Stoke!"
Career Highlights
Winning the 470 North American Championship
Winning the MCSA Singlehanded College Sailing Championship and earning the title for Miami University for the first time in the championship's history (ILCA)
Winning the Area E Junior Championship 4 times consecutively (ILCA & Thistle)
Winning the High School Sailing Ohio State Championship in the same year that I founded our team at Thomas Worthington High School (c420 & FJ)
Helping others discover a passion for sailing and competing!
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