Here is a quick note about what I have done to help sailing in my area. I live in Hayden Idaho, next to Hayden Lake, Lake Coeur d’Alene, & Lake Pend Oreille.

1. I started a trailer-able sailing club 2 years ago called Sailing the Inland NW. Primarily we sail Hobie Cats, AI’s, Keelboats, Sea/Super Snarks, and RC model sailboats. We run one big regatta a year followed by many smaller sailing get-togethers. In 2008 we ran the first Hobie/multihull regatta in 23 years in our area. Also ran the first known AI regatta nationally/internationally.

2. I have been running a disAbled/accessible sailing program called Self Awareness In Leisure (SAIL). My program is featured on the new Paralyzed Vets of America sports video. We are currently working on funding to help our sailors get to regional and national events. We sail Access Dinghies, AI’s, Waves, and Hobie 16’s with Trapseats.

3. I run Its Tiller Time Sailing School and teach on AI’s, Wave’s, Hobie 16’s with and without Trapseats, Super Snarks, a Catalina 22, and a Reynolds 33’ catamaran. I am currently writing a sailing book that will have no biases related to monohulls or multihulls. Plus it will have disAbled sailing tips, games, etc.

4. I started a sailboat shop called SAIL Marine. I sell Hobie’s, Catalina’s, Snarks, and other boats. Plus of course I sell gear, etc. Running a sailboat shop allows me to really support local sailing efforts.

5. After a long time of frustration related to trying to find info about the local lakes and other marine info I started Boating the Inland NW. This website has everything related to the boating and marine info for the Inland NW. I have spent the last 2 years mapping, photographing, and exploring the hundreds of lakes and reservoirs within the Inland NW. The Lakes Guide has been a huge project but it’s really paying big time in brining the club and all things marine together in this area.

All of this has been a lot of work but I have received a lot of satisfaction knowing and seeing local sailors and others benefit from my efforts. Right now the plan is to just continuing working on these 5 projects and keep expanding to grow the sport that I love.

Here are the links to my websites if you would like to see and learn more.