Age/Name/Years on the water

My name is Greg Moates and I am 63 years old. My husband, Tommy, and I were liveaboards for 4 years.

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

We were a Colorado mountain couple and our sailing experience began with a copy of Cruising World magazine in the mid 1990's. We were intrigued and began making trips to the Texas gulf coast to learn how to sail over several months. The first was a Hans Christian sloop that belonged to a friend who taught us and eventually allowed us to take it out for 2-3 days at a time. We fell in love with the idea of living aboard and began our search for our own boat.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

Eventually we purchased a Formosa 41' Ketch in the Buzzard's Bay area and began making our way south. It was the beginning of a 4 year adventure that we both loved so much. Over the years we laughed that when we first began we had just enough experience to not know when to be concerned or frightened. We just thought it was all supposed to be that way and just sailed on and took it as it came.

Over the years I gave Tommy small, gold necklace trinkets, a small gold bar jokingly to be used for barter if captured by pirates, a gold dolphin to commemorate our first sighting from our own boat and a small gold nugget from Colorado that we could use for trade for boat parts, should it become necessary. I still have all those things.

What made you fall in love with sailing?

It was the peace and tranquility. The feeling of being in complete harmony with each other and our surroundings. We learned more about each other during those years than at any time in our 33 year relationship. The bonding and trust allowed us to visit and explore everything along our way knowing that we could always count on each other to make safe passage.

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

Our lives changed dramatically after four years aboard and we had to sell our beloved SV Pisces III and return home to care for family. The years rolled by quickly and though we often talked of returning to live aboard, we just never did. Then, this past June, 2020, I lost Tommy to an unexpected PE blood clot that entered his lungs and took his life within minutes. He passed with me telling him how much I loved him. With his passing, my life has changed dramatically and I am seriously considering returning to sailing and living aboard while my health and strength holds up and enjoy as many years as I can doing the one thing that brought me, and us, so much enjoyment and wonder.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

Our favorite boat was our Formosa Ketch, Pisces III. Full keel, heavy, practically bullet proof, easy to sail and incredibly comfortable to live aboard and sail. We cruised the US east coast, three trips to the Bahamas and various other places. We spent time anchored in the Indian River watching a few space shuttle launches as well. We always preferred to live on the hook as opposed to marinas.

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

Our biggest achievement I believe was that two mountain guys would learn to sail, buy their own boat and make a life living aboard. The learning curve was straight up. As we went along we tried to learn all the proper terminology but that didn't stop us from creating our own from time to time! One example was the day we accidentally dropped a screw into the bilge. It was in a place that just couldn't be reached and suddenly Tommy said he would get the "bilge tweezers". Turns out he meant the cooking tongs...but for ever after, even to this day, they always remain "bilge tweezers". We always laughed at those type of moments aboard.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Do it. Just do it. It will be the most rewarding and life fulfilling time you may ever experience. Each and everything is a wonderful, sometimes frustrating, sometimes scary, but always incredible experience that you will spend the rest of your life happily remembering.

What’s something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

Take the young and inexperienced under your wing. Teach them, allow them their mistakes, offer advice but keep a judgemental opinion to a minimum. You'll never get wet sailing from the safety of your armchair, get out and enjoy the wonder of it all.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

I enjoy photography and...spending morning coffee time sailboat shopping on the internet and marveling at everything that is currently available. Being newly single after 33 years, I am considering sailing again. Not entirely certain about single handing and at some point might search for someone who may enjoy the same thing in a friends only situation and spend time cruising again. The world is big, life is short and I feel we must take advantage of what we are blessed to have.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

I identify as gay, was blessed to have my partner for those decades, and am determined to take that memory into the next chapter of my life and follow it where ever it may lead. Hope to see you all in the near future from a sailboat heading toward the horizon. Fair winds!

Age/Name/Years on the water/location

57 / Heather Stewart / 20+ years / mostly San Francisco Bay 

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

Hobie Cat Getaway. I had never sailed but always dreamed of it. I spent countless hours reading and watching videos to learn as much as I could. One day I had enough of virtual sailing and decided to rent a sailboat. I remember pushing off and thinking, "I better know what I'm doing cause if not, I won't be able to bring the boat back." Needless to say, I figured it out after a few failed tacks and I caught the sailing bug... never going back. 

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

My first race was in a Lido 14 at Cal Sailing Club (CSC) in Berkeley, California. In 2000, we in SF heard about the 2002 Gay Games being in Sydney and it included sailing for the first time ever. I barely knew how to sail and knew nothing about racing. So, I spent those 2 years learning how to do both. CSC has a dinghy regatta every Sunday morning, so in addition to sailing as often as possible on the dinghies, I went to my "Church of Sail" just about every Sunday to race. The skippers rotated boats and the crew stayed with the boat, so I was exposed to a variety of skippers, styles, and racing tactics. Took a few dunks with bad downwind gybes while I'm hanging out holding the jib...but it was a good way to lose some of that fear of capsizing. I eventually became a skipper too, but I've long since realized that I'm better crew in a race than a racing skipper!

What made you fall in love with sailing?

The summer after my first Sabot sail, I found myself directing a Girl Scout summer camp on Catalina Island. Lots of water sports, canoeing, snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing, and of course, sailing. I worked at that camp for 3 summers and fell in love with sailing, even if I wasn't able to sail very much or develop any advanced skills...I learned just enough to help the girls learn. One time I helped sail some of our girls over to a different cove for them to have an overnight campout. I sailed our small McGregor (yuck!) and was able to sail 3 different groups of girls around for a bit of a lesson while there was a pod of dolphins frolicking around the cove. It was magical. When I moved to the SF Bay Area about 5 years later, it took me about another 5 years before I said to myself...I want to sail! I found a group of lesbian sailors, got out on one sail, and then we heard about the 2002 Gay Games. I jumped onto that boat and I've grown fonder and fonder since then. 

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

After 7 years of focusing on racing on all kinds of boats, I wanted to be the skipper and just go out for *fun* on a big boat with friends AND I wanted to be a skipper so that I could charter my own boat for my birthday down in BVIs in 2008. So, in 2007, I joined OCSC Sailing and cranked out my US Sailing certifications up to Bareboat Chartering all in one year and achieved my birthday goal. After that, I've been primarily chartering boats for day sails here in SF Bay and sailing with friends on a couple of coastal cruises to Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. I've also become a "Club Skipper" for Modern Sailing School & Club in Sausalito, which is the host skipper for member sailing days. I primarily focus on casual sailing, but I - with my teammates Jan & Dorothea Crosbie-Taylor - have also attended every Gay Games since Sydney 2002 and participated in the regattas in Chicago, Cologne, Cleveland, and Paris (Le Havre). With the improvement in the Covid-19 pandemic, I'm looking forward to get back out on the water as often as possible as soon as possible!! 

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

OCSC Sailing (closed, now will be Inspire Sailing) had a J109 in their fleet that I used to charter often, Knots2d. I loved that it was a comfortable day sailor that was also fast and very easy to sail. I typically have friends aboard who are not sailors, so comfortable boats are a must for them, but the racer in me also loved the responsiveness and speed of the J109. Funny story about that boat, one year I went to watch the Fleet Week airshow in SF and parked myself along the seawall. I was chatting with my neighbors who mentioned "J109". I mentioned I happened to have a J109 reserved for a charter the following weekend, the couple asked me where I was chartering and told them OCSC. They then told me that that was THEIR BOAT! Sure enough, they held their jackets such so I saw their boat's logo. I exclaimed, "I LOVE YOUR BOAT!" How random was that?! They live in the central valley of California and didn't get to sail it much any more, but I shared I'll keep trying to sail her as much as I could for them. :)

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

I feel that my biggest achievement in sailing was the move to get my certifications and become a confident big boat skipper. Getting to that 'confident' part was not easy for me. As noted before, I was very much an adult when I was introduced to sailing, so I had all those concerns and fears most adults have when they didn't grow up sailing. In all the years I raced, I was not the skipper, I never had the direct responsibility of managing the boat and the crew safely and I didn't have much confidence in myself to know what I was doing. So that's something I've grown into with thanks to all the people that have gone day sailing with me. When I've taken out folks who have never sailed before and were certainly anxious as we headed out on the water, so many of those same folks say to me at the end of the day, "That was so much fun, I'd sail with you again any time." Every person who said that or something similar to that or the positive comments on how I managed the boat after a few "exciting" moments have contributed to building my confidence and my love of sailing. 

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

I've been there about how to get involved & have fun. Trust in one's self and the equipment take some time to build, but if you are at all interested, give it a try...it's a blast! I know it's not inexpensive, but there are a lot of different ways to access sailing: local parks/marinas, friends, sailing schools, MeetUp, GoSailing, local sailing clubs, etc. I missed an opportunity in high school to get involved with a Mariner Girl Scout troop because I thought I was more of a mountain gal. I lament not taking them up on the offer and especially after the past 20 years of sailing and realizing what I missed out on. If you're a competitive kind of person, you may really like racing and the teamwork it takes to do that well. Or, if you're up for learning how to safely sail a bigger boat and sail more 'casually' with day sails, take either ASA or US Sailing (in the US, or equivalent wherever you are!) classes. It's never too late, but the sooner the better. ;) 

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

Sailing is not all about the party. Sailing will survive and thrive if the focus is on safe, competent, inclusive, cooperative, and fun experiences. It also needs healthy & clear communication, patience, and the acknowledgement that you don't know it all...you really don't. Sailing is a never-ending opportunity to learn more. As a woman, I will also share that it's not as easy to be taken seriously in the sailing world...which is a sad truth. There are some badass, talented, knowledgeable, and extremely competent women sailors out there, and those that *could* be. It's important to invite, include, and respect each other equally and help others learn so that they can enjoy and take the helm confidently as well.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

Hiking, walking, watching and supporting indie musicians, travel, road trips, genealogy stuff, volunteering in multiple ways on a national level in the organized camp world (aka summer camp, day camp, etc.). 

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

After San Francisco Sailing Team (SFST) was created for our 2002 Sydney adventures, we primarily gather or organize for the next Gay Games. However, for the past 10+ years, I've been trying to keep SFST visible with the dream of really helping to connect more LGBTQI sailors, particularly here in SF. We're not an "active" or official club with any bricks & mortar presence or any boats. But I'm a single gal who invites others to charter & sail with me, cajole other skippers to host SFST sails, host land-based socials, and generally just support sailing and keeping our sailing rainbow as visible as I can...and I would LOVE to have more folks join in the fun!

https://www.facebook.com/SFSailingTeam

Age/Name/Years on the water/location

54 Day G. Fire Starter 52y on water and 62 Chuck Barrow 10y on the water Puget sound

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

My first time sailing was At 6 years old with my college aged brother on his slow 28’ wooden boat. I clearly remember the moldy smell of canvas in the bilge. But I LOVED it.  She was a drop keel with a 10 horsepower engine. Rigged as a cutter she was designed and built here in town by a first time boat builder. She was made of one inch marine plywood and glassed. Built in 1958. 

Chuck is relatively new to sailing/boating; He has learned all those Sailor Man things very quickly, and now proves himself to be a most trustworthy Sailor. Day on the other hand grew up, from the very early age of 2 in, on, and around boats and The Puget Sound boating experience. Our first boat together as a couple was a sweet little 1968 Coronado 25; that we purchased from one of Chuck's coworkers. We called her the Daisy Mea, after Day's mother. The Daisy Mea was a restoration project that we both much enjoyed. Once we finally launched her, we both very much enjoyed the overall sailing experience. Soon we both realized however, that 25 feet was simply not enough. It was then, that S/V Magnolia came into our lives. After one more restoration boat project, Columbia 50 S/V Magnolia, sails again.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

Neither of us are really much into the racing thing.

What we do enjoy very much however; would be sailing for pleasure along the thousands of miles of shoreline of The Puget Sound. Eventually, once we both retire here in the next 2 to 3 years, we will be doing more extensive sailing cruises. Day would love to get back up to the Alaskan waters just one more time; But the overall plan is to head much further South into warmer waters.

What made you fall in love with sailing?

In Chuck's words, " I have just always been interested in it. Nature, travel, and being dirty for days on end." That's my Charlie ...

But as for Day...

Day is the sort of fellow who through many certain life experiences, tends to march straight into his fears. Day's boating life history has consisted mostly of power cruisers of many sizes, from 22 all the way up the scale. In sail craft specifically, Day does not have a lifetime of experience, but does have some tales to tell. After losing a Catalina 38 as a youngster during a violent storm at the age of 14, Day literally did not step foot on board another sailcraft until the purchase of the Daisy Mea. "This was a relatively scary experience for me, " says Day; "To board a sailboat after so many years had passed since losing the Water Music. I never did even mention it to Charlie, until after Daisy Mae had been launched." Day still gets a little nervous at times while sailing, enough on that....

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

Currently as a couple, Day and Chuck are getting to know Magnolia more by sailing the Puget Sound. At this point in our lives, we really don't have all the time we truly desire, in order to be off dock for nearly as long as we really want to. Both our careers still keep us tied to land far too much for my desire.  However, such is life, and it's really only a couple of short years before we can cut lines.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

SV Magnolia since she sails so beautifully well and with such ease. Tacking is a sweet dream with her. Day has quickly learned he can bring both the huge high cut yankee jib and the staysail over to tack simultaneously while Charlie handles the main. We have been told by onlookers time and time again just how gorgeous it is to watch Magnolias sails all just move over to tack all at once. Magnolia really is a pretty sweet and easy and comfortable boat to sail.

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

As a couple, I would have to say that the monumental task of making SV Magnolia seaworthy again would have to be both of our largest sailing related accomplishments. Too many projects to even list here. Replacing 6 feet of her foredeck, for instance? We have done 100% of the work ourselves, excluding the new engine install. But that's another story.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Start out at the very youngest age that you possibly can.

Look at it as your singular major hobby and expense.

Get comfortable.

Trade up, and then trade up some more....

Just do it!

Learn to enjoy ALL the potential and even probable aspects of it.

Currently, as full time liveaboards, there are and always will be challenges. However, you get used to all that and after a while it just becomes your lifestyle where you just roll with all the punches and enjoy all the more those really sweet times. Embrace it, and it will embrace you ...

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

What might I please learn from you kind sirs ?

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

In Day's words, " I get land sick when not on board, or at least on the docks. It can be terrible. dizzy, nauseous, and yes there have been dry heaves. I kinda just don't like being off board. Been that way all my life. And yes! Sometimes I even get seasick!” 

But despite that, Day does enjoy sitting at the table of one of his favorite establishments filling his belly with good foods and enjoying a glass or two (or three) of a nice red wine.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

Day is a professional estate gardener by trade; In his off work time both he and Chuck enjoy walking around the marina and Port Peninsula, cooking, sipping a bottle of red, a really nice cigar, single malt Scotch, the rare occasion they get to get on their bikes, reading, suning on a sandbar at low tide somewhere, swimming, and need they mention sailing? They both enjoy bringing along on board guests for some sailing. Day says, "I really enjoy bringing some of my clients out for a luncheon and/or dinner cruise. A few things are at play here I guess. For one; just spending that kind of time with the people I work for, entertaining with good food, good times, and good spirits, and then just being able to say to them, "Thank You, Thank you for keeping me running, Thank you for making my/our lifestyle possible, thank you for helping to make Magnolia possible in our lives. Just giving something in return far beyond the service I provide."

There is a Fb page

https://www.facebook.com/sv.magnolia.7/

Instagram is SV_Magnolia

Website is SVMagnolia.Com

And there is a blog which at this point is rarely tended ; 2Men&ABaot!

All of the above are links on the Fb page.

Age/Name/Years on the water/location

Otis, and TJ Fury

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

The first time Otis or I had ever stepped onto a sailboat was the day we bought our tiny Catalina 27 Tall rig. We spent a lot of time mulling out the details and after bidding on a couple of larger motor cruisers it occurred to us that circumnavigation on the scale we were thinking was going to be costly and impractical on a motor yacht. We didn't want to live tied to a dock And we didn't want to spend the money on fuel. Now obviously we probably won't be crossing the pond on the Geminon Traveler, but we needed a cheap starter boat to learn the lines and practice without breaking the bank. We also wanted something to bring us to the gulf from Chattanooga via the Tn river and the Tombigbee waterway.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

We have never raced but have made arrangements to when we join up with the people at the sale creek marina. They race 4 times a month!

What made you fall in love with sailing?

Sailing is so magical. I have been fascinated with all things nautical since I was a child and Otis has a general love for adventure. We're big fans of multiple sailing YouTube channels and always dreamt of throwing the norm off and setting sail.

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

Currently, our sailing life is filled with the mundane tasks of planning. Sanding and painting and staining and checking hardware while we save up to pay for the boat to be trailered to Chattanooga, TN from Buford GA

Our next big adventure will be rewiring our new solar system.

Hardly riveting. We will be doing it at anchor nearby so I'll probably squeeze in some fishing, paddleboarding.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

I once got to sail with a couple on a Pearson 33 and I really like it.

Otis has only ever been out on anything but the Catalina. He seemed to like it.

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

Buying our own boat and just getting started is the only achievement we can boast at the moment but the excitement of even doing that is liberating and we're so excited for what the future holds for us as we plan to live aboard and very soon to get into something a little bigger.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

If you have the opportunity to get out there and go sailing you should. Rub shoulders with some salty sailors and learn the ropes!

If you put yourself out there and meet the right people you might set yourself on a good path to being your own Captain one day! Honestly what could be cooler?

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

Be patient with us newly christened sailors! I know it probably feels like there's a lot of us invading the seas at the moment but the sea needs new sailors too!

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

Well, when we aren't working we're very into hiking and secret swimming holes. We love spending time with our dogs in natural environments and we're both close to our families. Spending time with them now is important as we plan on crossing the Atlantic as soon as we move into a slightly larger blue water sailor.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

My husband and I both identify as gay. We have two dogs and we've been together for nearly 11 years.

We met and are from the great city of New Orleans and hope to return there once we reach the gulf for a long-awaited hiatus with our many supportive friends and chosen family. We hope to document everything and indeed have already started! Splashdown is this month with any luck! Feel free to check us out on Facebook @SailingGeminon and please definitely check out our YouTube. We have a patron as well if you wanna get us drunk. Paterson.com/geminontraveler. 

Age/Name/Years on the water/location

22/Alejandro Carriazo/My whole life

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

Hobie Cat Getaway. I had never sailed but always dreamed of it. I spent countless hours reading and watching videos to learn as much as I could. One day I had enough of virtual sailing and decided to rent a sailboat. I remember pushing off and thinking, "I better know what I'm doing cause if not, I won't be able to bring the boat back." Needless to say, I figured it out after a few failed tacks and I caught the sailing bug... never going back.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

First race was aboard a Navy 44 with one of my sailing mentors. barely any wind meant we were going a whopping 1.5-2 knots... how fun! I am more of a cruiser but a little friendly racing never hurt!

What made you fall in love with sailing?

The freedom of moving around with nothing but the wind. There is nothing like setting your sails and shutting your engine.. picking up speed as the boat gets quiet. The waves slapping the hull, the wind in your face, and the occasional wave over the bow make it for an unforgettable and indescribable experience. Words can never do sailing any justice. Go out sailing but beware, it's addicting!

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

I am in the U.S. Navy so mostly driving big ships to ensure we protect freedom of navigation. Best job in the world! I do a bit of teaching in Annapolis but it's all within the academy.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

My 1980 Hunter 36 Cherubini of course! Crazy how I went from sailing a Hobie Cat to a 7 ton monohull solo!

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

Buying a boat at 20 years old with my own money was something I never thought would be possible. I have gained confidence doing maintenance and I do all the work on the boat myself, from fiberglass, to diesel repairs, sail maintenance, and everything in between! Plus, it saves me a lot of money... which I spend on the boat anyway.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Three, two, one... I’m sailing!!! Just go for it. What is holding you back from embarking on an incredible journey. Meet people who have sailboats and ask them to take you out. We all love sharing the sailing experience.

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

I'm too young and inexperienced. But to all the sailors that have mentored me, A HUGE THANK YOU! I wouldn't be here without your guidance!

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

I bought a boat because I sacrificed having a car

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

Gay Man

Instagram: Alecarriazo

Facebook: Alejandro Carriazo

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

I came late to sailing as I spent my childhood on row boats and power boats. I believe the first time I sailed I was single-handing on a Sun Fish on the St Lawrence River when visiting Montreal in or just after college.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

While still in the U S Navy I began learning sailing at the Navy Sailing Club in Coronado, CA. I was recruited to participate in the All Navy Sailing Championships 1976. I crewed with one other and with a skipper, first on, I believe, a Rebel 16, where we placed second in San Diego, then again in San Diego on the same boat placing second again in the 11th Naval District, then we were one of the top 6 teams to go to the finals at Treasure Island San Francisco, racing on a Rhodes 19s, and this time it was the first time for me and the other crew member to use a spinnaker and consequently we finished 6th. But boy was I hooked on sailboats and sailboat racing.

What made you fall in love with sailing?

The fact that I could use the energy of the wind to propel a boat. First learning I could make a boat go faster than others through my own skills and later learning how to manage a crew to make our boat go faster than others. Competition and Comradery.

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

I got into sailing instruction and eventually running a sailing school of my own in San Diego. I have been an active instructor in San Diego since about 1988. I ran my school for about 6 years in the 90s. All during this time I was working my way into the tugboat business and have since retired from 20 years of captaining tugboats. I continue to teach. All through this time I raced as crew and on my own boats: a Merit 25, J24, Olson 30, and now a Tripp 40. I continue to race.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

All boats are fine. Each has a proper place in the sailing world - day sailing, coastal cruising, distance cruising, small boat one design racing, bigger boat handicap racing, and long distance racing. I have not done any real cruising but plenty of all kinds of racing and also many boat deliveries which is kind of like cruising without any fun stopovers.

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

I believe the most joy I get from sailing is bringing a new person into the sport/life style. I have done this through teaching and through helping crew develop through racing. My racing accomplishments are a fairly long list and I have many trophies but really being able to help a crew develop their own skills to become a real important member of a race crew gives me the most satisfaction. Now retired I have not reduced my sailing but increased it. I also volunteer on the board of Cortez Racing Association (CRA) with which I have raced for about 30 years and to the PHRF handicapping Board for San Diego (PHRF SD) plus I am certified by U S Sailing as a Judge and volunteer to help run races and serve at Protest Hearings.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Try sailing. Try anything that interests you. It has never been easier to get into sailing with all the options given to us through the internet. Do a search and get out there.

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

First, thanks to all those veteran sailors who helped me develop in this sport. If you are a veteran sailor give back to the sport - volunteer.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

I probably spend more time sailing or related to sailing than most anything else. I have a fine husband and we share a good life.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

www.KeithEricson.com

Age/Name/Years on the water/location

My name is Jay Weinert, I'm 64 years old and I've been sailing 55 of those years.

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

The first boat I ever sailed was a Sailfish - the forerunner of the popular Sunfish. It was on a lake in upstate New York in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains and I was about 9 years old. The feeling of moving swiftly through the water with wind as is my sole source of power was intoxicating. I was hooked.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

I can still clearly remember my first race. I was attending the Windward Sailing Academy in Rowayton CT. The Academy supplied us with 19 foot Lightning sloops. I was the captain of my boat and sailed with two other crew members. As a 14 year old who was frequently teased for being "queer" the fact that my boat came in second filled me with a sense of pride I had never experienced in team sports. I remember our boat being praised in front of the other teams for our skill in flying a spinnaker on the downwind leg of the course. All of this instilled in me a feeling of empowerment.

What made you fall in love with sailing?

I don't know if there was any one thing that made me fall in love with sailing. From as far back as I can remember I have always been drawn towards anything to do with boats. But the feeling of peace and wholeness I get when sailing is something I haven't experienced with any other activity. For me, sailing is akin to meditation. This is true even when the wind picks up and things get loud and exciting. I believe I came into this life with an innate attraction to sailing.

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. Tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

Currently I live aboard my boat and cruise the Southern California coastal waters from Santa Barbara to San Diego. I especially love anchoring out at one of the Channel Islands - most often Santa Catalina. The decision to live aboard is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

My favorite boat to sail on is Warlock, my current Cape Dory 30 Cutter. Cape Dory built very traditional "blue water" capable cutaway full keel boats with keel hung rudders and lots of varnished teak. Sailing, for me, is very much an aesthetic experience. My Cape Dory ticks all the right boxes in that department, as well as having excellent manners and capable speed in a seaway.

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

I can't really say I've made any one great achievement in sailing. I suppose buying Warlock and making all the improvements I have during the past 4.5 years is something. My goal was to install all new state-of-the-art electronics and navigation aids available to day, as well as eliminating all aspects of "camping." I did this so living aboard would be inviting, easy and comfortable. To that end I have been successful.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

My advice to any newcomer would be to learn sailing on a small open boat. There's no better way to acquire the skills and experience necessary to become a great and gifted sailor than through the wet bathing suit thrills of dinghy sailing. And just have fun!

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

As a veteran sailor, I don't know of anything I could pass on to other veteran sailors that they don't already know. Every time I leave the slip is an opportunity to learn something new about my boat, myself, and sailing. And just have fun!

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

When I'm not sailing I love movies, reading, listening to great music, cocktails and dinner with good friends, hiking, and learning new things.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

I identify as an openly gay man who enjoys life and sailing/boating - especially with other like-minded open hearted people.

 Age/Name/Years on the water

41/Justin Hardesty/18

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

The first boat I sailed on was Tall Ship Windy off Navy Pier. While it is a tourist sail it wasn't like others in the way that you as a passenger were part of the crew and helped raise sail and forward commands. There was no tour guide explaining things and it was peaceful and enjoyable.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

I actually have not participated in a race yet, I prefer leisure sails.

What made you fall in love with sailing?

I enjoy sailing for the peace and calm once the engine is off and we are under sail. I feel much more connected to the Earth, Wind and Water at that time.

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

Due to the current state of the world I haven't done too much this past year. But I do plan to volunteer for Rainbow Races: Rainbow Regatta again in the future and enjoy leisure sailing on Tall Ship Windy and with my friend on his boat 7th Heaven

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

I have sailed on both Tall Ships and Smaller sailboat and both have their Positives and negatives. But overall smaller boats are a little more adventurous.

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to first major race/cruise.

Sailing from Michigan City to Chicago was a memorable adventure for me on a smaller sailboat with a friend in perfect conditions as well as when I sailed from Navy Pier to Kenosha, WI in 8-11 foot swells as crew aboard Tall Ship Windy.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Appreciate the weather and water conditions and be aware of their dangers at all times. But don't ever let that deter you from getting into the sport/hobby.

What’s something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

Be patient yet stern with newcomers and explain why things are or aren't the way they are. But also listen to their ideas as they may have a new way to do something that may work.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

I love to cook and plan events. Being the president of Chicago's longest running nudist group keeps me on my toes planning events and outings for the group with over 2000 members. I also sing with Windy City Gay Chorus.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

I am a gay, cis-gendered male who uses He/Him pronouns.

A fun fact about me is that I sang with my choir at the United Center with Hugh Jackman in October of 2019 in front of 12,500 people and I organized the first 10 and continue to assist in organizing the No Pants Subway Ride: Chicago Edition each year over the past 14 years.

Hello!  We are Jake and Nick from S/V Sailing Ixion.  We are travelers and filmmakers who purchased a 1981 Catalina 30 Mk 1 in the summer of 2019. 

Since then, we’ve been refitting our boat and burnishing our sailing skills in preparation to experience the cruising life.  Our intention is to explore the New England coast, documenting the sights we see and the people we meet along the way.  Come join us on the adventure at sailingixion.com or visit our Youtube channel.

What’s the first boat you ever sailed on?

Jake: My first boat was Ixion when we went for a test sail back in June of 2019.

Nick: I don’t remember what was the first boat, I think it was a Catalina 445. I went on a sailing excursion in San Diego, saw the Intrepid from Pirates of the Caribbean sailing by, and I was hooked. I knew I wanted my own boat eventually. I just wish I knew that it was more accessible than I had initially thought.

What was the first boat you ever sailed a race on?

Nick & Jake: We’ve never sailed in a race, but I would love to give it a try!

What made you fall in love with the sport?

Nick: for as long as I can remember I was drawn to the ocean and to sailing. My family comes from the Azores so sailing and the age of discovery was something I could relate to.

Jake: Nick showed me what life on the water could be and I love him so I went with it. Now I couldn’t imagine not doing what we’re doing. The freedom and adventure that sailing affords, even when you’re staying local is exhilarating.

What are your current activities and connections in sailing?

Nick & Jake: We’re currently finishing up our year-long refit of Ixion preparing to be full time liveaboard and cruisers.

What’s your favorite boat to sail on?

Nick & Jake: I’m dying to take a Beneteau 40.1 for a sail, We’d love to also try sailing a sports catamaran.

What’s your biggest achievement in sailing?

There’s a particularly dangerous hazard in Buzzards Bay between the Cape Cod Canal and Martha's Vineyard, it’s a cut that shares the coast of Woods Hole MA and Naushon Island. The current through the cut is particularly fierce with lots of shallow/submerged hazards. Most motor through, but our old Atomic 4 had cut out, we had no choice but to sail and we navigated woods hole perfectly.

What do you want to do next in sailing?

Next, we’re heading south to Key West. I’m looking forward to the challenge of rounding Cape Hatteras as well as spending time in the warm waters of southern Florida and the Caribbean.

What do you have to tell the future generation of sailors?

Getting into the sport is easier than you think, just sit on a dock and offer sailors some beer. You’ll get to crew pretty quick. I wish I had known that it's more accessible. Even if it's small, get on the water and have some fun.

Personally I hate the adage that boating in general is like throwing money in the ocean. The cost is not quite as high as many will lead you to believe. Just learn to work with your hands and get out there.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things?

Nick: Thinking about sailing things. Ha, just kidding, well... sort of... no actually we both like to watch movies, write, and develop potential story/tv ideas. We’re both filmmakers so when we’re not actively sailing or working on fixing up Ixion we’re producing our YouTube show, Sailing Ixion, which documents our travels and our lives as well as the lives of the people we meet. After this year, we learned how important human connection is and sailing and our YouTube channel has become the conduit in which we’re able to connect with others. It’s really special to get emails and messages from followers telling us how we’ve inspired them.

What type of sailor do you consider yourself? 

We’re liveaboard and cruisers. Nick would love to learn to race on boats, but for us a sailboat is about relaxation and freedom.

How do you identify? 

We are both gay cisgender men.

Whats something you’d like to impart on new/experienced sailors? 

Life is too short to not chase your dreams. If you want to be a racer, join a club even in winter you can find a frostbiter sailing away. If you want to sail the world, there are cheap good old boats that with the right ambition can circumnavigate with ease. Chase your dreams and forget the rest.

Anything else you would like others to Know about you? 

Both Nick & Jake created a show that was nominated for two Emmy’s. Despite that, we decided to walk away from Hollywood and chase a different dream.

An interesting fact about you? 

Jake cannot be stumped when playing 6 degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon

Age/Name/Years on the water/location

72/Ann P Meredith/62/Marina Del Rey, CA - Heading back to New York City

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

A Lido 14...FABulous! El Toros, Windmills, Flying Dutchman, Thistles, Zephers, Cascade etc

Then all sorts of larger racing boats over the years

Beneteau, Islander -36

My last boat was a 31' wooden racing sloop - a Knarr

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

We raced every weekend in our Bright Yellow Lido..

Brutal (militaristic father) Fun Exhausting

Instructive

I love competition and winning! which we did...often

What made you fall in love with sailing?

The Freedom I feel...

Air in my face through my hair

Strengthening my body

Sharpening my senses, calculating, planning, directing

Watching, listening, waiting for the wind...

I-m self employed as a fine artist, writer director producer 51 years

Sailing is the ONLY thing that allows me to rest...and not think of anything else but what I'm doing in the moment

Racing also helps me navigate traffic in LA and New York!

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

Currently I've been self-quarantined in Marina Del Rey CA - the largest Harbour in the world ...SO many boats...everywhere

Was chosen to be on a racing team...then the lock-down came

so it's been running on the beach next to the boats and swimming every day..

Will join Hudson Community Sailing in NYC to get back and start training for Gay Games Competition in Hong Kong Nov 2022

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

Too many to choose from...but/and

My Knarr was sleek and fast and so much fun...like downhill skiing

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

Competing in multiple Gay Games around the World...Sydney Paris Chicago San Francisco et al

thrilling, terrifying, physically grueling and painful, LOVE the camaraderie with other LGBTQ Sailors, exhilarating when we win, heartbreaking when we lose.

I also used to teach at the Women's Sailing Seminars at The Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon...challenging...

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Give yourself permission to have this awesome Gift in your life...

Sailing will change your life and who you are...it will expand your heart

Say YES every time someone asks you to go sailing

Keep learning, always be safe and keep going no matter what happens...win or lose...you are worth it!

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

I'm Lesbian and a Life Long Sailor and New York Team SWORDFISH is looking for SAILING CREW to Join Us in Racing Competition at The GAY GAMES in HONG KONG NOVEMBER 9-19 2022.

Interested, experienced Sailors who want to have fun, Love sailing, can compete, like to win, enjoy the challenge and can be safe shoot us an email to annpmeredith7@gmail.com

Smooth Sailing!

Best

Ann

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

Swimming, horseback riding, watching movies, going to the beach, running.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

Lesbian/Queer

www.annpmeredith.com

Age/Name/Years on the water

55/ Inez/ 49

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

Optimist

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

Optimist. Spring Regatta Neubrandenburg 1972 (GDR). Pure fun and of course the disappointment that I didn't win...(not even close)!

What made you fall in love with sailing?

Being away from everything.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

Korsar! That boat is pure fun and with it's advanced trim possibilities even in heavy winds manageable.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Just try it!

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

There are no veterans in sailing!

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

Reinventing the world with friends, reading, biking, hiking, swimming, bonfire, wine and a thousand other things

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

feminist lesbian

What’s the first boat you ever sailed on?

It was a power boat, and I don't remember the make, but it was a 19' cuddy my dad owned. I loved to crawl into the berth and stick my head out of the hatch while we were underway

What was the first boat you ever sailed a race on?

An FJ dinghy as the culmination of the sailing class I took at the local university.

What made you fall in love with the sport?

I love being on the water. The boat is slipped in Saugatuck, which we love to visit in the summer. Having a place to stay there makes it a lot easier to spend long weekends there.

What are your current activities and connections in sailing?

Though I'm more of a power boater, I'm always interested in getting some more time sailing.

What’s your biggest achievement in sailing?

In the race at the end of my sailing class, I was fortunate that my partner had some experience in a Laser, but no formal training. We were both comfortable taking some risks and pushing how much we heeled the boat. We came close, but never capsized. We ended up not only winning, but beating two of the instructors who joined the race as well.

What do you want to do next in sailing?

I would like to get more time on deck and at the helm

What type of sailor do you consider yourself?

I'm a power boater for sure. I currently have a 30' Four Winns. I've been gaining more experience under sail though. I have a MacGregor 26x. While a lot of people love to hate that boat, It's a jack of all trades that checks a lot of boxes for me including being trailable and light enough to tow with almost anything, fast enough under power that you can avoid rough weather and spacious enough to live aboard for an extended weekend.

How do you identify?

I'm a cisgender gay man. My pronouns are he/him.

What's something you’d like to impart on new/experienced sailors?

I would consider myself inexperienced. I'm probably not the one to give advice

Anything else you would like others to Know about you ? An interesting fact about you?

I can say the entire alphabet in less than one second

#sailing #LGBTQ #connect #inspire #motivate #sailorspotlight #lgbtqsailing

Tell us about yourself

First, I want to express my thanks to Charles Szymanski and the folks at Rainbow Races for inviting me to participate in the Spotlight Sailor section. I live in Milwaukee, WI, USA, am 56 years old, 6’ 5” tall, weigh 280 lbs., have hazel eyes, brown hair, and am a cis-gendered, white, male. I have a full beard and mustache, which I keep trimmed and have had throughout my adult life. I enjoy how my beard frames my face, in addition to how it feels pressed against another man’s body.

I have two jobs: I teach first grade special education for Milwaukee Public Schools and play the organ, direct the choir, and work with handbells at a church on Sundays.

How do you identify?

While the last time I dated a woman was 1988, I have considered myself gay since that time.  Only recently, have I begun to identify as bisexual, in order to honor this history. While I remain attracted to some women, I have only dated men since that time. For many years now, I see my life being best spent alongside another man. My ex and I just broke up within this past year, so while I’d like a relationship, I’m currently not actively seeking one, but I’m open to one if it comes my way.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things?

Before the COVID pandemic, I sang with Our Voice Milwaukee which is the choir for gay folks and allies in Milwaukee.  I also played percussion in the University Wisconsin Milwaukee’s University Community Band. I hope to rejoin these ensembles soon.

I occasionally volunteer at the Brady East STD Clinic which is the clinic founded to serve gay men in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. They are similar but on a significantly smaller scale to the Howard Brown clinic in Chicago.. At BESTD, I counsell folks who are getting HIV tests and sometimes administer those tests.

In addition to sailing, I also enjoy other sports. I’m a fair weather bicyclist. While I bike for exercise, I also find it enjoyable and rejuvenating. For many years I played volleyball, both indoor and out, with the Milwaukee Gay Volleyball League. Until the COVID pandemic, I played softball with the Saturday Softball Bar League which is the league that serves queer folks and is sponsored by the queer bars. I weight lift three times a week. This routine has given me more confidence as I continue to change my body for the better. I am one of the founders of the MKE-PAH, Milwaukee Pets, Allies, and Handlers which serves those who enjoy pet play or are advocates for the kink. Currently, that group is pretty still. While Woody’s, the bar where we hold socials is open again, in general folks in the group aren’t comfortable going out. I’m looking forward to this spring when we can hold meetings outside.

I identify as both a pup and a handler. My ex and I had the opportunity in October last year to run the pet moshes and teach two workshops at World Bear Weekend. My nickname and pup name is Tigger. Like many a pup, I chose that for myself, but I’d had it as a nickname before. I know that like the character Tigger, I can sometimes ruin a Rabbit’s garden by bouncing through it unawares. However, I love the way Tigger’s joy is infectious. It seems that every character Tigger encounters becomes happier! I strive to be someone who can say as Tigger did, without sarcasm or arrogance, “Once in a while someone amazing comes along, and here I am.” (A. A. Milne) Even more importantly, I endeavor to recognize that all those I meet are Tigger-ific-ly wonderful in their own way. I seek to be Tigger-like, that my joy and confidence may bring others beyond their comfort level, so that they may experience new things.

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was that experience like?

I learned to sail at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. This is a nonprofit on the Milwaukee lakefront with a fleet of boats. I took both their beginning and medium air classes.  They teach on a fleet of Ensigns, also known as “bathtubs.” They also have Solings, which are great for hot days, when there’s been no rain, because you know you’re going to get wet on that boat! They have several other sailboats in the 20-30 foot range which you can use, provided you have a crew who can sail them.

I first started racing, when I attended the Crew Search party at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee, maybe in 2003. There, I learned that most skippers need crew. It was through the weekly buoy race series that I learned how to sail a racing boat. I started as foredeck and mast, because the skipper saw my size. I raced primarily with the same crew on both a Mumm and later on a Beneteau First 40.7. It was on those boats, where I learned to be an effective member of the pit.

What made you fall in love with the sport?

I absolutely love being on the water, especially being active on the water. While I’ve done my share of being “rail meat,” just like everybody else, I love being active on a boat and contributing to speed. It’s also great how almost all the jobs on a bigger boat take more than one person to accomplish efficiently and with speed. That sense that we’re all working together is fantastic.

Flying the chute (spinnaker) is my favorite position. Even though I’m the one controlling the curl and position of the sail, and thus the speed of the boat, I’m dependent on the foredeck for jibes and pole position and to the crew in the pet to control the guy. There have been a few times where I was so focused on the sail that I didn’t even realize we’d crossed the finish line.

What are your current activities and connections in sailing?

Right now in the winter, I’m not doing anything with sailing. I’ve always been simply a crew member, not a boat owner, nor a member of any of the local yacht clubs.

What’s your favorite boat to sail on?

Out of the boats I mentioned so far, the Beneteau was my favorite. It’s stable, goes through waves well, and is easy to steer. It’s kind of a cruising boat though, not a racing boat. The last several summers, I also raced with MAST (Milwaukee Area Sail and Trail). This organization serves as an alternative to the yacht clubs for folks who dock their boats elsewhere. The boat I’m on is a Frers 33, the crew is amazing. I love sailing with folks who are completely comfortable with themselves and their sexuality, so that even this queer guy joins in wherever the humor goes. It helps too, in that regard, that the crew is mixed gender. So, rather than a serious all business crew, which is often the norm on a racing boat, we’re a light hearted jovial boat which still manages to win the race regularly.

What’s your biggest achievement in sailing?

Because I generally work on Sunday mornings, finding distance races that fit my schedule can be tough. Out of the distance races I’ve done, my favorite win is The Hook. We took first in our division and sailed past bigger boats taking their sails down when a huge storm came at us. This race starts in Racine, WI, goes through the Port des Mort (Death’s Door – at the tip of the thumb of WI), to end in Menominee, MI. I drove the whole night and got much better at steering with a compass. In addition to the pride at the finish and the party the whole day afterwards, most importantly, I made some good friends on that race.

What would you like to tell inexperienced or younger sailors, or someone on the fence with trying?

Don’t be scared to ask to join a crew, especially if you identify as BIPoC or as a woman. While sailing, especially racing, is predominantly a straight (or DL), white, cisgendered male sport, I have yet to see folks who don’t fit that paradigm face negative consequences. As a gay man who can’t swish his way back into the closet, I can’t remember being discriminated against. I do remember making folks uncomfortable, but not so much that they took action against me. The only way we diversify sailing is for folks who don’t fit the typical sailor mode to join. In addition, don’t feel like you need money or a ton of equipment. Buy a reasonable PFD with a harness on it and you’re good to go! There are generally extra PFDs on racing boats, so until you become a regular you don’t even need to do that! The good news is that most skippers need a volunteer crew to race even more than you need to be out on the water. So, own that you’re an asset even with limited experience. As long as you appear willing to learn, you’ll always be welcome on most boats. Get your extrovert out! I’m not very good at striking up conversations out of the blue with sailors, but I’ve learned that that’s how you get on a boat. A friend of mine describes themselves as a “boat hoe.” They know the vast majority of our local sailing community and know where to go to hitch a ride on a boat. In addition, they’ve actually gone on vacation to other countries and talked themselves onto a boat. They make a concerted effort to do it and call it “sailing with strangers!” I’m generally jealous of that ability. But, the thing to learn in sailing is that communication is everything, both on and off the water!

What is something you’d like to impart to veteran sailors?

Just as in all forms of exclusion and oppression the burden of inclusion falls on those who are privileged. Thus, I say to white dudes like me who’ve been sailing for a while: We need to step up our act!

What type of sailor do you consider yourself?

I’m a hobbyist. I’ve never owned a boat. I do my best to get on the water as often as possible in the spring, summer, and fall, but it’s really a want, not a need, and I generally try to fit sailing among other activities, such as softball.

Anything else you’d like others to know about you?

Yes, if you’re sailing on Lake Michigan this summer and need crew, please reach out to me! I’d love to meet you and your crew, as well as, experience racing or cruising on a new boat!

#sailing #LGBTQ #connect #inspire #motivate #sailorspotlight #lgbtqsailing

Age/Name/Years on the water

36, Kara Jennex, 3

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

It was a Catalina 22 that I bought for $2. I reached out to an old friend and asked how do you feel about sailing? He said it’s on my vision board, and away we went. We pooled our knowledge of the wind and sailing and taught one another how to sail. I grew up flying kites so I came into it with the ability to read the wind and my pal used to work as a deck hand for a local charter, so between the two of use we managed to make the boat move. The first time we went out it was a mess -  we had no wind but great company, our sails just flogged about while we drifted around the bay. It was the next day we actually got to truly experience the pure awesomeness of sailing. I was hooked!

The Catalina wasn’t my first boat though. A year earlier I obtained a San Juan 24 for free off of Craigslist, this boat is what actually sparked my passion for sailing.  The sad part was that I spent all my time restoring the boat rather than actually sailing it. I did learn how to dock the boat, though, so that was a win.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

My first was actually one hell of an experience. I went to my local club for what they call the rookie seminar. I was later paired up on a Davidson 40 named Mad Max. They tossed me onto the mast/foredeck... I’ve been racing on the pointy end ever since.

This boat actually scared me but excited me all at the same time. The sad part was this boat didn’t race much during that season. So I later requested to be teamed up with a more active team. Little did I know at the time but I was eventually teamed up with one of the most experienced sailors in my area who I now consider a mentor and a dear friend.  I spent the rest of the winter shivering on the foredeck of his Peterson 25 but loved every minute of it.

What made you fall in love with sailing?

Sailing was the first real passion I had in over 15 years.  It actually started with a real low point in my life, I had a mental breakdown. The doctor said I needed interests in my life outside of work. So I said I always wanted to learn how to sail. A few weeks later I found a free boat. This boat gave me a new sense of drive and focus I hadn’t had in years. Later on, I remembered a friend telling me “sailing will change your life”.  Two years later, I actually called him up and said sailing didn’t actually change my life, it saved it!

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

Well I’m now onto my second season with my current boat/project.

I spent last summer under COVID lock down short handing and solo sailing all around my local area Vancouver Canada. I even did a makeshift race solo.

I figure the coming season will be more of this but much better because the boat is much more ready with new sails and a new motor.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

I’d say my boat but at the moment I’m racing with some rad folks on a SR33 named havoc. (Covid pending)

The boat is wicked fun, technical and always ready to teach us all a lesson.

The crew puts fun first and winning a close second. I’d say the owner really wants to make the boat a safe place for all genders and sexualities which is a substantial part of why I keep coming back.

It’s also the first boat I’ve reached 15 knots boat speed down wind, I do feel like she has more boat speed in her though.

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to your first major race/cruise.

I’d say single-handing this past summer. I sailed in a fun no rules weekend race. I was the only one who went solo and even the only one to sail out of the anchorage. I was late to the start by at least 10-15 minutes. But not long after the start most of us found ourselves in a low wind situation but I managed to catch three boats and come in third overall. It felt great sailing solo and doing well but it felt even better when I was going down wind and could sneak away to use the head!

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Go out as much as you can and on as many boats as you can.

What's something you would like to impart on veteran sailors?

There’s no such thing as a dumb question.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? IE biking, cooking, scrapbooking, gardening etc.

Snowboarding and skateboarding for the most part, I’m far from being some epic boarder but it makes me happy.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

Well I identify as a women but I get clocked on the daily due to what I do for work and how I dress for work(carharts and hoodie)

But the way I see it is...I know who I am and I can’t get angry whenever someone who doesn’t know me mis-genders me. I’ll try to educate before anything else.

Anyone is welcome to say hello or check me out on Instagram @karajennex

#sailing #LGBTQ #connect #inspire #motivate #sailorspotlight #lgbtqsailing

Hi, everybody, my name is Sunny. I am from Hong Kong. I started out over 20 years ago sailing dinghies -  usually in government facilities.  After learning I was gay, my sailing buddies gradually left one by one, so I started boating in canoes as well.  In addition to sailing and boating,  I also swim a lot and am a super fan of Japanese culture.

I am working on forming a company called Hong Kong LGBTQ and Straight Charity Limited to promote the welfare of LGBTQ people, ethnic minorities, less fortunate people, as well as good environmental stewardship.

I would like to wish everyone good luck and a very successful Gay Games 11 HK 2022!

Questions:

What’s the first boat you ever sailed on?

 A sailing dinghy - I don’t remember the type.

What was the first boat you ever sailed a race on?

Same as above - I’ve mostly only sailed on dinghies.

What’s your favorite boat to sail on?

I don’t have a favorite, but I’d love to have an opportunity to sail on something large - in the 40+ feet range.

What’s your biggest achievement in sailing?

My initial time out, it was tricky learning to bend your body to avoid being hit by the boom during a gybe!

What do you want to do next in sailing?

I would love to someday sail from Hong Kong to Japan.  I love sailing and Japanese culture so it’d be combining the best of both worlds for me. 

What do you have to tell the future generation of sailors?

In the future, I hope that LGBT sailors will be fully accepted by and integrated with non-LGBT sailors and that our larger sailing community is more diverse.  In my charity work, we have LGBT and straight folks working together which is a big deal since most LGBT focused charities only have LGBT members.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? I like to work on charity efforts to help the homeless in Hong Kong.

What type of sailor do you consider yourself? 

I’m currently a day sailor but would love to become a cruiser

How do you identify? 

I’m a gay man

What's something you’d like to impart on new/experienced sailors? People in the Hong Kong area who are interested in trying sailing can do so at low cost through several government run organizations.  They can find them at the leisure and cultural services website.

Anything else you would like others to Know about you?  

I love helping people, particularly the less fortunate and especially those that might otherwise fall through the cracks.  The government here won’t help certain people and I try to focus on helping everyone, regardless of their particular circumstances.

An interesting fact about you? 

Besides helping homeless people with food, I also work to help those struggling with drug addiction by connecting them with resources to help them quit as well as to get them the short term accommodation service provided by the government.

We’re also planning to organise events so that disabled people can walk with the assistance of exoskeleton legs.  Lastly, we plan to set up an lgbtq company to hire those lgbtq and old aged people who are ignored by society.

#sailing #LGBTQ #connect #inspire #motivate #sailorspotlight #lgbtqsailing

Age/Name/Years on the water

52 Greg Wallace 8+ consecutive years

What was the first boat you ever sailed? What was the experience like?

When I was in high school, one of the church families took a bunch of us kids out on a Catalina 25 at a local lake. I'm pretty sure there were too many of us on the boat. The moment I remember the most was after dark sailing back to the ramp. Everyone was tired and quiet. The full moon lit the water and you could hear the rushing sound of water.

What about your first race? What kind of boat did you sail, what was the experience like?

My first race was the Leukemia regatta at the club. Raced my Laser in a Portsmouth fleet against 2 International Canoes, 2 Harpoon 5.2, and a sunfish. Won 2nd place on corrected time.

What made you fall in love with sailing?

When I would come home from college during the summers, my mother and I would take sailing lessons at the local lake. The first three summers were on a 30 ft sloop that had a wheel. The final summer, we went to a different school on a different lake to get our ASA 101 certification. It was a J24 with a tiller. It was pretty windy that day. Water was lapping up on the lee rail. Sitting in between me and my mother was the German-born instructor. He said that I was doing a very good job holding the course. I was scared and excited at the same time. It was that experience I remembered 20 years later and said to myself, "Let's try that again." Took a Laser loaner boat out and was hooked on sailing again.

What are you currently doing within the sport? IE teaching, cruising the world, racing etc. tell us about your current/ planned adventure.

I'm a member of Corinthian Sailing Club on White Rock Lake in Dallas, TX. Crew on a Flying Scot on Sundays and race Lasers on Wednesday nights. Traveled all over the state to local and regional regattas. Past Laser Fleet Captain and club membership chair.

I would like to get more ocean water experience. The idea of just cruising around the world when I retire is appealing.

What is/was your favorite boat to sail on, and why?

So far I have skippered Lightnings, Snipes, Lasers, RS Aeros, and Flying Scots in regattas. Sailed J24., J22, VX One, and several Beneteau's. I guess my favorite is the boat that I'm on.

What is your biggest achievement in sailing? This can be anything from buying a boat, to rebuilding the engine to  your first major race/cruise.

Skippering a boat at the Gay Games in Cleveland. It really challenged me in a lot of ways. It was a good experience and I met a lot of nice people.

What would you like to tell inexperienced/younger sailors or someone on the fence with trying?

Go for it. You're only going to get wet. As fleet captain, I have seen many people take their first sail and get hooked on it.

How do you identify? Anything else you would like others to know about you? Website/FB link to share? An interesting fact about you?

I am a gay man that has been playing sports since college. Before yacht racing, I played rugby. Lucky enough to make two appearances at the Bingham Cup Tournaments.

#sailing #LGBTQ #connect #inspire #motivate #sailorspotlight #lgbtqsailing

What’s the first boat you ever sailed on?

C Scow in Oshkosh, WI with my biological father, sometime before my 7th birthday

What was the first boat you ever sailed a race on?

Again C Scow, but I think it was probably Lake Geneva with family. I did sail there, just don't think I was ever in a race in Oshkosh.

What’s your experience level?

I'm just a fair sailor. But I've been around and learned from some very good/experienced sailors.

What made you fall in love with the sport?

I grew up with Saturday was race day. We went to the yacht club, watched races there and spent the day there. It was a family thing.

What are your current activities and connections in sailing?

 I've been a Certified Race Officer for about 15 years now. I love running quality races for the sailors. Setting a good and fair course and adjusting as needed can be exciting.

What’s your favorite boat to sail on?

I actually haven't been on too many boats sailing, but I currently enjoy using the St Petersburg Yacht Club's Ideal 18's to just go out and enjoy the day on the water.

What’s your biggest achievement in sailing?

I'm hoping to finalize my Regional Race Officer Certification.

What do you want to do next in sailing?

Continue running races as long as possible. I'm currently in my 70s.

What do you have to tell the future generation of sailors?

It's a great sport to be involved in. Anyone can regardless of physical prowess. This is one sport that tactics play a large part. You can get in on any level you want from reasonable cost to very expensive, one person boats up to multi-person boats, part of a crew or leadership role. It's all up to you and what you want to do. I should put in that many disabled people enjoy the sport and are very competitive in it too.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things? Actually a large part of my life currently revolves around boating activities. I host several yachting web sites, I am active with 2 yacht clubs, on the board of a RSA, and active with Chicago Yachting Association. I also enjoy time on my powerboat just getting out with friends. Being single, there's always something that needs attention around the house, too.

What type of sailor do you consider yourself? 

I’m pretty easy going these days, just like being out on the water

How do you identify? 

I’m a gay man

Whats something you’d like to impart on new/experienced sailors? 

Pay attention to the "old timers", the Old Goats, those who have been around a while. You can pick up a lot from them by either sailing with them or maybe just listening to them talk around the bar. They have a lot to impart. They may repeat the same stories, but listen that one extra time. You might gain something you missed the first time.

Also, don't be afraid to take a different tack than the rest of the fleet. You might gain a position.

Anything else you would like others to Know about you? 

Many days, after work, I enjoyed going out in my boat and just floating. It can be very relaxing and a learning experience. You can learn that there really are subtle currents on Lake Michigan to where they are. Listening to VHF 16 you can hear how foolish some can be to how great our first responders really are.

An interesting fact about you? 

Not only have I been a sailor, but I am a power boater too. I have competed in Navigation Rallies locally and nationally. I am also currently Vice Commodore of the North American Cruiser Association.  I am also a Past Commodore of the Belmont Yacht Club.

#sailing #LGBTQ #connect #inspire #motivate #sailorspotlight #lgbtqsailing

What’s the first boat you ever sailed on?

A Hobie Cat in Mauritius while on our honeymoon. Our combined knowledge of sailing amounted to the words of the beach attendant who sent us on our way, “just keep your back to the wind!”. We were moderately successful in getting out to sea with these words of wisdom, but getting back to shore was more of a challenge!

What was the first boat you ever sailed a race on?

What’s a race? Wouldn’t all that healing spill our gin and tonics? We were fortunate enough to sail once on a J-120 with our friend Ludo and got a real appreciation of what performance boats can do! It was exhilarating. 

What made you fall in love with the sport?

After the taste of tropical sailing on our honeymoon, we moved to California with Tom’s work and decided to take sailing lessons on the weekends to explore the beautiful San Francisco Bay, which was now on our doorstep.

One day in, we got totally hooked! One year in, and we somehow convinced ourselves that buying Bohemia and teaching ourselves the rest of the sailing know-how would be a cheaper alternative to completing the rest of our American Sailing Association courses!

What are your current activities and connections in sailing?

We sold our car, cast off the dock lines and sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge back in September 2019 and haven’t spent a single night on land or away from our beloved Bohemia ever since! We’ve been diligently documenting our adventures on our YouTube channel, Sailing Bohemia ever since.

What’s your favorite boat to sail on?

Bohemia, of course! Despite being a relatively small boat (36’ Beneteau Oceanis 361), after years of living aboard we have her so comfortable that she’s a joy to be aboard, just not much room for company!

We also love to sail on other people’s boats and learn more about different sailing setups and tricks from friends. Our favorite in the ‘other people’s boats’ collection is our friend Pete’s Outbound 46, a serious long distance cruiser if ever there was one! We have to limit our time aboard to keep the green-eyed monster at bay!

What’s your biggest achievement in sailing?

Avoiding even a hint of homicide after being cooped together up on board in the Sea of Cortez’ summer heat for months! Ha ha 

Seriously though, we still pinch ourselves daily that we’re living and loving this crazy vagabond lifestyle.

What do you want to do next in sailing?

We’re eager to continue the adventure to the Mexican mainland, hopefully crossing the Pacific ocean next year.

What do you have to tell the future generation of sailors?

Take a chance on life in the slow lane! You’d be surprised at the perspective you gain on most of life’s challenges when you’re at the mercy of the elements, just a tiny speck on the horizon, out of sight of land and out of cell phone range! It's an amazing feeling.

What do you like to do when ashore and not working on sailing things?

It hasn’t happened yet but we’ll be sure to keep you posted! We hope to go and see our family in summer 2021, our first time since we began cruising in 2019.

What type of sailor do you consider yourself?

We’re more cruisers than sailors I guess. We love sailing for the lifestyle it enables us to have, constantly traveling and exploring, taking our home along for the ride the whole time. There’s no better feeling than waking up in your own bed every day, then wondering where you parked it!

How do you identify?

Gay. Also, Tom identifies as the Captain who is always right and Peter identifies as the First Mate/Housekeeping...he loves it really.

What’s something you’d like to impart on new/experienced sailors?

Never let guests use the head without a detailed training session and practical demonstration!

Peter and Tom first sailed together on their honeymoon in 2015. Tom had never sailed before but luckily Peter was a natural sea dog, and dutifully took the helm, repeating the mantra the guy in the Mauritius beach hut left us with “Just keep your back to the wind and you’ll be fine!”

Fast forward one year later and the happy couple’s wanderlust -and Tom’s job- saw them move to California, where the beautiful San Francisco Bay stretched out in front of them. Convinced there may be more useful tricks they could add to their repertoire while keeping their backs to the wind, they set about taking sailing lessons with their local American Sailing Association (ASA) school and were hooked in no time.

The details are hazy, but somehow they managed to convince themselves that buying their beloved Bohemia (a Beneteau Oceanis 361) and teaching themselves ‘the rest of sailing’ would be the cheaper option compared to completing the remaining ASA courses and exams!

Peter and Tom’s love of sailing grew with their frequent weekend escapes around the Bay and nearby Pacific Coast aboard Bohemia. No matter what stresses the work week had in store, they quickly melted away once we were bobbing around on the water.

As they continued to cruise, far from being sated, the wanderlust just grew stronger, and the pair set their thoughts to the crazy notion of cruising long term and taking little Bohemia to distant shores and warmer waters. After years of boat work, upgrades (and no small amount of learning to sail the hard way!), they set off under the Golden Gate Bridge in 2019, having sold their car and given up their marina slip.

Since then they reached Mexico and spent a year exploring the wild and remote Sea of Cortez, encountering whale sharks and sea turtles among the beautiful desert surroundings. They now have their sights set on the Mexican mainland before plucking up the courage to cross the Pacific early next year. You can tune in to their light-hearted adventures on www.YouTube.com/SailingBohemia.

#sailing #LGBTQ #connect #inspire #motivate #sailorspotlight #lgbtqsailing