I started sailing from repairing hurricane damaged boats in Florida while at Florida Institute of Technology, that led to crewing on race boats at Melbourne Yacht Club. I raced in the Indian River on Sunfish, Lasers, FJ’s, 420’s, Lindenberg 28′, Hobie 16, Hobie Wave, San Juan 21′, FloydBryan-Custom, Baltic 40, and Beneteau 40.7 First.
I raced in the ocean from Ft. Lauderdale to Charleston, SC (408nm); Ft. Lauderdale to Keywest; and Ft. Lauderdale to Palm Beach. I raced in Florida for 4 years. The majority of the time I was Foredeck. I learned to do all the jobs on the boat, and learned to love cleaning the bottom to win races.
When I moved to California I started racing in an Express 37′ one design fleet thanks to a great mentor Bud Fraze. I have raced on the same boat in San Francisco Bay for 5 years. We have a crew of 10. I have raced the boat in the Three Bridge Fiasco with the captain (only 2) we had 4 spinnaker sets and 2 gybes.
Escaping the Flood. Get as close as you can to the North Tower
I trim the main on the boat. My goal is to make the boat go fast Upwind and Downwind. Maximize lift, minimize drag, compensate for conditions and work with Bartz driving.
Racing in Big Wind and Fog
I dabbled in madness with a friend on a Hobie 18′, we went outside the gate!
Outside the Gate, screaming along on a Hobie 18′
The Bay sometimes shows you its power.. and you are humbled. When a 65ft mast disappears in the swell.. its on!