When Connor Bayless started seriously considering the Naval Academy, he had several sources on which to rely for valuable information.
A standout sailor at Severn School, Bayless planned to pursue that sport at the collegiate level. Therefore, it was quite helpful that he had a strong relationship with both Navy intercollegiate sailing head coach Ian Burman and assistant Dillon Paiva.
Burman is a member of Severn Sailing Association and routinely serves on the race committee for junior regattas hosted by the Eastport club. Paiva was a junior instructor at both Severn Sailing Association and Annapolis Yacht Club, so he was also acquainted with Bayless through the junior circuit.