Tell us about how you got into sailing and your approximate age at that time? I started sailing two and a half years ago in the spring, right before my 30th birthday. I worked long hours in my 20s and decided that I would resolve to find more time to spend on the water, which I’ve always loved. 
Did you have any preconceived notions about sailing that proved true or untrue? I’m a pretty competitive person, so the idea of racing really appealed to me. I did not realize how technically complicated you can make racing. And at the same time, there are many amazing sailors who just race by feel. I found this to be a really interesting paradox. What has been your sailing experience thus far and what are your future plans? I joined the Downtown Sailing Center (DSC) in Baltimore and started racing J/22s in the Inner Harbor on Thursday nights. I also joined a crew in the Baltimore City Yacht Association (BCYA) and race on Tuesday nights in the Patapsco River on the J/105 Peregrine. And on weekends, I’ve occasionally sailed on a Tartan 101, Winter, in Annapolis on the Bay. I’m really enjoying my experience on each of those crews. In Baltimore at the DSC, I’m going to be a racing skipper next summer. I’m really excited about that! Have you taken any formal classes? I took a sailing course at the DSC in Baltimore. It was great. From there, I’ve just been asking questions and pushing my comfort zone to learn more. Do you own a boat? Nope. Crew life is good! Did you encounter any obstacles or barriers when you began sailing? The hardest part was just accepting that it was going to be a little awkward while I learned the vocabulary. I resolved to ask questions whenever I didn’t understand something. I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t excited to share their knowledge, though. If someone were interested in learning to sail, what would you tell them? The new vocabulary is the most intimidating part, but don’t let it scare you off. And just keep asking questions. After a few months of feeling a little awkward, it all falls into place.
