Sailing (2018-2023)
I started sailing and racing from age 6, thanks to Dad. It was never a full time pursuit for me, and after Annabel and I separated and i went though other life transitions - it felt like the right time to go deeper. At the close of 2017, I decided to focus my full time efforts on professional sailing. I’ve worked in a variety of roles, but predominantly served as a navigator. Technology experience as perspective as a sailor has made this a good fit for me for many teams, and I’ve been honored to be able to work at a high level within the sport. Sailing related interests include naval architecture, CFD, navigation, meteorology, data analysis and systems design, materials science, behavioral psychology, and performance optimization.
Most significantly, I served as a sailor and special projects manager for the 11th Hour Racing Team, the winner of the last edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. The 11th Hour Team is an ocean racing team, focused on raising awareness around the health of our oceans and environment while executing at the highest level in our sport. My role, as a sailor and the head of Special Projects was to use my perspective to create a sustainable competitive advantage for the team using technology. I designed and maintained our onboard camera system, built and led our performance analysis process, integrated a wide array of other sensors and systems onboard and participated from inception in the design and build of our new IMOCA 60. I have been onboard for the majority of the sailing since the team acquired the ex-Hugo Boss. I also led the electronics efforts for the 11-2 build in partnership with Diverse. I remain an advisor to the team principals.
A great article about my role with the team and background is here: Read more >>>
Other notable campaigns I have participated in:
Skipper, MOD 70 Orion
This was a two year campaign culminating with a win of Transpac Race from LA to Hawaii in 2023. With the support of Ralf Steitz and the USMMA Foundation, we put together a team to focus on the Transpac knowing that for this race, the MOD70 class would be well represented and it would be an opportunity to show what Orion is capable of.
Navigator, Andoo Comanche
I was honored to continue my Sydney-Hobart education with the former Winning Appliances team whom i did the great race with in 2018 where we came 2nd in class, and 4th overall on the ex-Ichiban. Herman was able to charter Andoo Comanche for two years and we did the entire australian season with her. It was an incredible opportunity to work on one of the great race boats of all time, and win line honours in 2022. Comanche is a VPLP/Verdier designed 100 ft Super Maxi and the best non-foiling boat built in history.