George Yioulos, Founder and Owner of West Coast Sailing

George Yioulos is the president and owner of West Coast Sailing, one of North America’s leading marine retailers focusing on dinghy racing. He recently brought together Zim Sailling and Dwyer Mast & Rigging under Starting Line Sailing.

He’s a whirlwind of energy, passionate about expanding the sport of sailing and supporting the local community.

Professional Career

George Yioulos is the founder and owner of West Coast Sailing, one of North America’s leading marine retailers focused on the dinghy racing and small keelboat markets. He brings a passion for sailing and customer service to his business, which has expanded its presence internationally and serves sailors all over the world. He is also a former University of Oregon sailor, a recipient of the 2005 ICSA James Rousmaniere Award for Student Leadership and an elected member of the College Sailing Hall of Fame. In 2021 he brought West Coast Sailing, Zim Sailling and Dwyer Mast and Rigging under common ownership with the goal of expanding support for sailing in North America.

He is a big-picture thinker who is passionate about the future of sailing and the sport’s youth development. He spends a lot of his time working on regional and international initiatives to expand sailing opportunities for youth.

Achievements and Honors

George Yioulos is the founder of West Coast Sailing, a leading marine retail firm focusing on dinghy racing and small keelboats. In 2021, he brought Zim Sailing and Dwyer Mast and Rigging under common ownership – expanding support for sailing throughout North America.

As a member of the University of Oregon sailing team, he received the 2005 ICSA James Rousmaniere Award for Student Leadership. He is passionate about the sport of sailing and the companies he has founded.

He is a well-respected figure in the Greek community and has held a number of leadership positions within the Order of Ahepa. He is a past Supreme President and District Governor. He was also the chairman of the MEDICO organization, which provided invaluable medical assistance, knowledge and health facilities for many people around the world.

Personal Life

Aside from his work as president and CEO of West Coast Sailing, he also found time to travel around the globe on a regular basis. His gregarious demeanor made for many interesting encounters with a wide range of people, and he loved nothing more than sharing a meal together or catching up on life’s biggest milestones.

George was proud to have been a part of the West Coast Sailing family for 13 years, and he’s always happy to see his friends and colleagues from afar. Aside from his burgeoning empire, George also kept busy raising four kids and helping to make a difference in the community, at home and abroad.

The best part is that he’s still with us, in good health and spirits. In fact, he’s looking forward to the next chapter in his life – a trip to the Bahamas for the long-awaited grandkids’ birthday!