Volume II.  Issue 6.

I grew up as an Army Brat and lived all over the U.S. and Germany.  My parents settled in Pocatello, Idaho after serving in the Army and that is where I attended Middle School and High School. Yes, Idaho is a GREAT sailing state…NO, not really!  I earned an appointment to United States Merchant Marine Academy and graduated in 1990 with a USCG 3rd Assistant Engineers License.  The academy is also where I fell in love with sailing.  My roommate, an Olympic level sailor, convinced me to crew for him on a 420 (small dingy).  I LOVED IT!!  I joined the dingy sailing team for my first two years sailing 420’s and Lasers.  Then I transitioned to the offshore sailing team for my Junior and Senior years sailing much larger boats ranging from 35-50’.  The academy’s sailing program was a perfect experience to nurture my new-found love for sailing.

    After Graduating from USMMA, I have sailed and raced many different types of boats including Lasers, Viper 640, J22’s, J24’s, Melges 24’s, J27’s, Mumm 30’s, J35’s, Farr 40’s, and Tartan 46.  I have focused most of my time on the water to racing sailboats.  Some of the bigger regattas I’ve raced in include the NOOD’s, North Americans, Key West Race Week, and World Championships.  A few of my favorite off shore distance races include sailing Newport to Bermuda, Annapolis to Newport, Ft. Lauderdale to Key West. I am currently the Commodore of the Cooper River Yacht Club.

    It wasn’t until recently that I looked to obtaining my “Captains” license.  Captain Andrew, a longtime friend that I sailed with at Liberty Sailing Club in Philadelphia, was looking for help with his new boat, Shardana.  I had more than enough experience for my license, just never considered it.  Thanks to his nudge, I’m now Captain Matt!