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In in the pastime, I go sailing.
Whether that's running a summer program, helping deliver a raceboat across Bass Strait, or taking out a dinghy on a long layover in Dubai.
I teach sailing in Northeast NC and Southeast VA and founded a community sailing program on the Eastern Shore offering sailing camps and adult sailing. Check out Cape Charles Community Sailing
Here are a few stories from sails around the globe.
What to do on a 10hr layover in Dubai?
What to do on a 10hr layover in Dubai?
Go Sailing...
When puchasing a recent flight to Nepal, I had options as to where I wanted to have a long layover. Of course, the options of what to do on a long layover weighed in.
Somewhere on the water...yes. Do they have sailing...yes. Good price...yes.
And there we go, just like that a simple decision was made. I contacted the Dubai Offshore Sailing School and booked an appointment to rent a sailboat. A passport stamp, a quick taxi ride, and a wardrobe change was all that was keeping me from the water. It wasnt until security had to check my name on the list did I realize exactly what I was getting myself into.
Before I knew it, I had chosen a Laser to rig and was headed out the channel for my check-ride.
The best way to see a city is from the water.
Little did I know that I was going to walk away with a sunburn, because sailing in the desert, a dunk in the water, due to an accidental capsize, and fancy RYA Level 3 certificate.
Whatever you do, do it to the fullest, even if thats a layover.
11_2023
Crossing Bass Strait
Crossing Bass Strait
Hobart to Sydney Reverse Race
Hobart to Sydney Reverse Race
Boat delivery back from the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht Race on a Welbourn 50ft racing vessel. 30+ knots breeze on the quarter for almost 24 hours. Top boat speed 29knts. 3 days. Faster sail back then the crew raced down. Crossing Bass Strait is no joke; grateful for this experience with a great crew. This is the most treacherous part of the famous Sydney to Hobart race.
Boat delivery back from the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht Race on a Welbourn 50ft racing vessel. 30+ knots breeze on the quarter for almost 24 hours. Top boat speed 29knts. 3 days. Faster sail back then the crew raced down. Crossing Bass Strait is no joke; grateful for this experience with a great crew. This is the most treacherous part of the famous Sydney to Hobart race.
Read about our trip here by my watchmate Dougal Jackson
1_2023
85% of Olympic sailors started in an Opti
85% of Olympic sailors started in an Opti
The Optimist class is the biggest youth racing class in the world. In fact, at least 85% of boat skippers in the 2016 Olympics were former Optimist Sailors1.
Commonly referred to as the "bathtub," the Opti was designed in 1947 by Clark Mills in Clearwater, Florida to offer low-cost sailing for youth2. It is a simple design that can be built from 2, 4’x8’ sheets of plywood. The idea to incorporate a cheap sailing boat stemmed from the locals need to expand the local soap box derby event. The design was slightly modified before being presented in Europe, but is now a standard one-design boat, being sailed in over 120 countries. Typically, perfect for ages 8-15, this boat can be sailed in up to 30 knots of wind (because of its stability, construction, and small rig).
A few details about the boat: The IO insignia on the mainsail is a registered trade-mark to be used under the International Optimist Association. It is single sail, sprit-rigged boat with sail ties running along the main and the boom to allow for huge adjustments in sail shape. The hull is a pram design, originally built from 5 sheets of plywood; however typically now made from fiberglass. There are buoyancy bags installed in the event of a capsize to aid the boat in floatation.
Instructor Challenge....sail an opti standing up.
5_2018
1. Former Optimist Sailors at the 2016 Olympics2016; 2. Bird V. “Optimist” Classic Classes.A&C Black 2013.The finale of every sunset is a green flash
The finale of every sunset is a green flash
Boat delivery from Harbour Island, Bahamas to Stuart, FL. Another part of this trip as exciting as seeing the green flash at sunset was when we were able to facetime the customs agent to clear into the country..... wow, technology...
Boat delivery from Harbour Island, Bahamas to Stuart, FL. Another part of this trip as exciting as seeing the green flash at sunset was when we were able to facetime the customs agent to clear into the country..... wow, technology...
2_2017
Teaching through the years
Teaching through the years
The 2019 sailing season will be my 5th year with the Norfolk Naval Sailing Center. From teaching the 8-12 year old junior camp to running the sailing program, I have basically done everything between. In the past couple years working with the sailing center, I have had the opportunity to lead the Junior Camp and Junior Big Boat program, as well as moving to the Adult Sailing program. In addition to sailing, they let me have some fun teaching an intro Stand-up Paddleboard class and SUP Yoga. When I am not teaching sailing, I am pursuing a PhD in Exercise Science and traveling the world, one sailboat at a time.
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