I am sailor, born to parents who sailed. My parents met at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club after WWII.  I do not remember my early sailing but was told when a baby-sitter could not be found, I was placed in a basket tucked in the bow.  Because of this I have always been good on the foredeck.  In childhood I remember my dad's stories of sailing, islands in the South Pacific and looking at old sailing photos.

    My parents were part owners of Robinson's Bakery in Skokie Ill. My grandparents dissolved the business in 1961 and my father was determined to sail to points south and possibly the South Pacific.

    A large 41 foot sailboat was found in Chicago, outfitted to cruise and a grand adventure started. For me nothing could have been as much fun. Poking around boat yards, throwing rocks in the water, getting dirty and wet was the norm.

    We cruised from Chicago down the rivers of Illinois and Mississippi and ending in St. Petersburg Florida. After two years of sailing, reality hit home and the adventure ended for my parents. My parents opened another bakery in Largo Florida where we all worked.

    For me sailing and the water sports continued. I sailed, surfed, dived and started my college major in marine biology.