My first sailboat was a 12 foot pram that my great-uncle built. My mom taught me to sail in that boat and during the next three years I broke at different times, the mast, boom, transom and rudder while sailing on Lake Wenatchee, WA.
After this boat, my family purchased a C-Lark 14, sail number 724. I raced this boat on Lake Chelan, Entiat, Wenatchee and Washington. In 1979 sold the C-Lark and purchased a Victory 21 in Hood River. There we raced on the Columbia River; it had a great PHRF rating. In 1985 sold the Victory and purchased a Yankee 26, a Sparkman Steven designed sloop. We sailed her in the area from The Dalles, OR to Astoria and up and down the coast. In 1996 sold the Yankee and purchased a Bentley 38. This is an imitation of the Alajuela 38. The Alajuela Company went bankrupt and the owners headed to Asia and built Bentleys based on a Colin Archer design.
With this comfortable ocean vessel we ventured into the San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands, nearly around Vancouver Island, and sailed south for two years to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The Bentley is still in Astoria and we look forward to venturing out and about again. Other boats that I have sailed are an International 14, Lido 14, Hobie 14 and 18 (still own with partners but unsure of its location), Flying Dutchman, owned a Laser II, chartered: Columbia 36, Valiant 40 and Passport 42. I have transited a Swan 38 from Mazatlán, MX to Long Beach CA.
Other relevant experience to Oregon Youth Sailing Foundation: From the first sailboat to now I have owned sailboats and sailed for the past 48 years. I have been a board member for the past 7 years of Oregon Mentors, who supports youth development and I am the present Chair. I believe my sailing has enriched my life and have shared my experience with many friends. I look forward to supporting OYSF.