Meet the Staff

At Thorfinn Expeditions, all staff members are experienced sailors, adventurers and outdoor educators. The diversity of our program offerings, areas of operation and high-performance aspect of our vessel require competent leaders to fulfill our mission of providing outstanding adventures and instruction.

The primary role of our staff is to facilitate the experience, meet the goals of our clientele and minimize risk. All lead instructors are U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains and all staff are medically trained to the Wilderness First Responder level with current CPR for the Professional Rescuer. In addition, we carry other certifications, including Leave No Trace Master Educator, Maine Guide Certification, ACA Sea Kayak Open Water and numerous other certifications, reflecting our time and skill working in the outdoors. Quality staff are the backbone of our program. Our high level of experience allows us to adapt to any individual or group.

Thor Emory
Owner / Lead Instructor

Thorfinn owner and lead instructor Thor Emory is a life-long sailor, outdoor enthusiast, and passionate outdoor educator. Born and raised on the beautiful island of Mount Desert, home of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, he has spent most of his life exploring and leading groups in the outdoors all over North America.

For a decade, Thor worked as Senior Instructor/Captain, Staff Trainer, and most recently as Program Manager for the Outward Bound Sea Program. In addition to sailing (inshore, offshore, and racing), he has taught climbing, sea kayaking, backpacking, skiing, outdoor leadership and environmental ethics.

Known for his strong leadership skills, creative/humorous teaching style, and absolute commitment to safety, Thor has created Thorfinn Expeditions with the primary goal of providing outstanding sailing adventures. He has also worked as a commercial fisherman and as a professional ski patroller on both eastern and western mountains.

Thor lives in Lincolnville with his two sons, Finn and Carver.

Chris Laughlin
Owner/Shop & Basecamp Manager

Thorfinn owner Chris Laughlin has spent the last 18 years paddling along the east coast in kayaks, surfskis and paddleboards. After spending 12 years working in the paddlesports industry, in both retail and manufacturing, Chris joined Thorfinn to help create a true specialty retail shop in Midcoast Maine, committed to high-end/performance paddlesports.

Chris spent seven years working with Epic Kayaks, an industry leader in high performance kayaks and paddles. During his time with Epic, Chris was able to work alongside some of the most accomplished kayakers in the industry, and spent time in several different positions with the company, including customer service, marketing & promotions and a season as their New England Sales Representative, giving him great experience and perspective on paddling as a sport.

A graduate of the University of Maine, and Outward Bound alum/Hurricane Island volunteer, Chris lives in Lincolnville with his wife Sadie.

Wendy Jordan
 

Wendy Jordan is an experienced sailor and outdoor educator. Raised on Long Island, New York, Wendy began her sailing career racing one designs (Laser's, 420s) and larger boats. Wendy held several positions with the Outward Bound School including Program Director for the Sea Program, Staff Trainer, and Lead Instructor. Over the course of her twenty-two years with the school, Wendy instructed a wide variety of student groups including Vietnam and Iraqi veterans, and business school students, to name a few. Her past students would tell you that Wendy is extremely competent, acutely aware of safety at sea, and most importantly, she is able to have fun teaching.

She has sailed extensively along the eastern seaboard, Caribbean, and has made transatlantic trips. She has roots in the mountains, ski racing and coaching and a member of the U.S. Telemark Ski Team. Wendy believes strongly in the importance of our natural world, and living simply yet comfortably while exploring the nooks and crannies of the beautiful coast of Maine. She brings a deep love of the ocean and teaching to her work at Thorfinn Expeditions.

Additional staff bios coming soon. Stay tuned.

Do you have what it takes?

This is what it feels like to start an adventure sailing business... We will be looking for experienced outdoor educators with extensive sailing experience. If you have a sense of adventure/humor, a strong work ethic, and the ability to relate to a wide range of populations please contact us.