Mateo Maldonado
Optimist & ILCA HP Coach, Summer Coach
Our paths crossed with Mateo while sailing in Mexico in 2023. A young sailor was carrying her Opti sail to her boat when the wind picked up to over 18 knots. Two people hustled to catch the sail and pick up the child. Mateo was one of them, and I was the other. It was the perfect example of the kind of person he is: always watching, always ready to help, patient, with high standards, and an amazingly talented sailor. Sebastian and I ate tacos with him every night on that trip. When we returned, I made sure we found a way to get Mateo to Seattle the following summer. We have been sailing and traveling with him since. I later learned that Jesiel and Mateo sailed Optis together in Mexico—it's no wonder they are both such wonderful people and coaches.
Mateo is Argentinian and started sailing Optimists (small, beginner boats) in Mexico at age 7 when his family lived in Cabo San Lucas. He was a very successful Opti sailor, reaching regional and national podiums and qualifying for IODA North American and South American Championships.
After Opti, Mateo moved on to Laser/ILCA (formerly known as Laser boats) in 2016, competing in Nationals, four South American, and five World Championships for the Argentinian National Team, where he continues to sail. He is currently bidding for the 2028 Olympics.
Mateo has been coaching for Hot Wind Escuela de Vela in San Juan, Argentina, since 2018 and as a Head Coach since 2020. He has coached Opti, ILCA 4, ILCA 6, ILCA 7, J24, Hobie Cat, Wing Foil, and Kitesurf. He is a certified World Sailing Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor. He has also coached destination summer camps in 2022 and 2023 involving sailing, camping, and environmental care activities. Mateo has been the CYC Summer Camp Program Director in 2024 and 2025.
Sailing Highlights
