Professional sailors, or at least the one in my house, evolved as a professional because of their passion for sailing. My husband learned how to sail at the age of 5 because his sisters learned how at a Girl Scout camp. Then throughout his childhood he sailed and raced with his family. It was a family pastime and a family sport pushed by his father. Throughout our years together he has told me countless stories about growing up sailing. Wonderful and inspiring stories. We have boxes of pictures from his childhood that show his family sailing together. It was also during his childhood that he developed the skills and techniques needed to become a successful competitor in the sport of sailing.

Throughout most of his adult life he has been considered a professional sailor and for whatever reason being a professional brings on a curious debate. It is upsetting that some individuals believe that professionals are “killing the sport of sailboat racing” and frankly I do not know how to comment on such a naïve and simple-minded point of view. David Fuller is correct…sailing is damaged a little more by its own stakeholders while this debate continues.
However, I would like to say that I am sure there is little doubt that Nicholas Hayes’ book is meaningful and I do plan on reading the book sometime soon, however in response to Mr. Hayes’ comment “how sailing as a profession doesn’t sync well with sailing as a pastime.” I respectfully disagree. In my opinion, John Kolius and countless other professional like him are the perfect example of how the pastime of sailing syncs well with the sport of sailing. And by the way…sailing is a pastime in our house.