At the age of sixteen, John and a friend impulsively pooled their money and bought a beat up Hobie Beach Cat. It ignited a life-long journey for all things sailing and maritime. That beat up cat was only the first of many boats, from racing dinghies to blue water cruisers. John is grateful to have boating in his life, it led him to his closest friends and greatest adventures. John is a merchant mariner, has sailed hundreds of races, crossed oceans, cruised many of the world's most beautiful locations, and taught sailing for a decade. Sharing his passion and knowledge is one of his greatest joys in life. John holds a USCG Masters License with an ITC 500GT endorsement. He and his wife live aboard their 51' sailing yacht and spend much of their time cruising the incredible waters of the Pacific Northwest.