Chuck O'Malley, Owner & Sales
Chuck O'Malley, owner of Doyle Chesapeake, has been a lifelong cruising and racing sailor. Among his racing career highlights are six High Point championships, two Lady Anne Arundel trophy wins and two Labrot Trophy wins (awarded to the one boat among all of the handicapped classes that has the highest cumulative score for the season on the Chesapeake Bay). He has successfully participated on boats ranging from 25 to 73 feet at World Class events like Key West Race Week, Block Island Race Week, New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta, Miami Race Week and numerous offshore races.
Chuck's years of cruising the east coast growing up on his family's Islander 34 and Tartan 41 have fueled his passion to cater to an ever-growing cruising market. He actively has participated in cruising rallies and has made some nice passages aboard clients' yachts.
At Doyle Chesapeake, Chuck has made education the cornerstone of his operating philosophy. In addition to conducting seminars at the Doyle sail loft in Annapolis, Chuck has been a featured speaker at Cruising Rally Association Offshore Seminars, Sail Expo and Sail America seminars. He currently races and cruises his J-30 with his family.
John Balano, Service Manager
John Balano came to Doyle Chesapeake Sailmakers in November 2007. John brought with him 25 years of diverse maritime experience as both a licensed deck officer on ocean going cargo ships and also as a commander in the Navy. As part of his maritime experience, John has enjoyed cruising and racing on boats as diverse as Shields, C&C 37s, Catalina 30s, Hobie Cats, 470s, J-80s, J-35s, B&H 36s, Farr 40s and TP-52s. A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, John has frequently called on his marlinspike seamanship skills to repair rigs, canvas, sails and rigging in his sailing experience. As a naval officer, John supervised the rigging and canvas shop aboard USS San Jose (AFS-7) and was responsible for all of the ship's running rigging, bunting and canvas. A true craftsman, John blends the strength of materials and aesthetics in every sail repair project. John is a key member in Doyle Chesapeake Sailmaker's service department and frequently handles all repairs involving hand sewing, slides, webbing UV covers and rips and tears. John enjoys coaching newcomers to sailing and enjoys teaching the lost art of knots and splicing. In 2010 John logged over 4000 ocean miles, placing 2nd in the Newport to Bermuda race and then sailing from Camden, Maine to Dartmouth England via Halifax and three Islands in the Azores. John speaks locally at seminars on heavy weather sailing, emergency sail repair, and care and maintenance of sails.
Dorlene Turner, Canvas Department
A native Annapolitan, Dorlene Turner brings a wealth of experience in canvas and sailwork to Doyle Chesapeake Sailmakers. Dorlene's experience in canvas and sailmaking spans nearly thirty years and includes experience in many of the local lofts and canvas shops. Specializing in canvas work, her new canvas creations include main sail covers, winch covers, banners and StackPacks. As well as new canvas creations, Dorlene has logged countless hours repairing biminis, dodgers, wheel and pedestal covers and virtually any canvas creation above and below decks of both sail and powerboats. Dorlene raised two daughters in Annapolis, has served on the PTA and is actively involved in community projects as a member of the Eastport Peerless Rens Club.
Ann O'Malley, Administration and Marketing
Ann O'Malley handles administrative and marketing functions at Doyle Chesapeake. Her background includes nearly 20 years working in account service for full service advertising agencies and marketing firms. So, she understands Doyle Chesapeake's focus on developing long term client relationships.
Walle, Official Loft Dog
Walle, the official loft Beagle, greets clients and welcomes their pets for playing and sharing his toys and treats. Although he likes relaxing with dog naps at work, he's happiest when he's interacting with clients and visitors and taking leisurely walks through Eastport.