Modern Sailing member Reuven Trabin’s lifelong passion for sailing was sparked aboard very simple sailboats on the waters of Israel during the late 1970s. At the time, sailing was a less complicated and more accessible sport compared to the more elaborate, high-tech activity it tends to be today. Captivated by Israel’s’ warm waters and the thrill of harnessing the wind, these early sailing experiences ignited Reuven's enduring passion.
Relocating to the Bay Area presented new opportunities and challenges to Reuven's sailing. The company he worked for owned an Erikson 35, which became a catalyst for formalizing his sailing skills. Reuven was eager to sail the Erikson, but his company encouraged him to earn certifications first. So, Reuven joined OCSC in 2002 and embarked on a structured learning path, starting with J/24 sportboats. Small boats quickly became his primary interest. "There’s more to do on a small boat, and they are more responsive," he says.
Like many sailors, for Reuven, the allure of sailing lies in the connection with nature and the ever-changing conditions of wind and water. Each sailing experience is unique, offering something different every time. The social aspect is equally rewarding; spending several hours on a small boat with new acquaintances fosters strong connections and friendships.
Balancing time and cost, especially with a young family, was a significant challenge for Reuven. However, patience and persistence paid off. Over the years, participating in racing seasons, including beer can races and regattas on the J/105, helped him to build rewarding skills like handling a spinnaker and mastering racing tactics.
After OCSC closed in 2020, Reuven returned to small boat sailing with Inspire Sailing in 2022, and has continued sailing frequently since the Inspire/Modern merger. Later, he went on to complete the Silver Fleet Upgrade Clinic, enabling him to begin chartering Modern's 30 to 32 foot cruising boats so that he can take friends and family sailing on roomier and "more comfortable" boats. He also completed the Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinic to further strengthen his skills with the spinnaker.
Modern Sailing has played a crucial role in Reuven’s ongoing sailing education. The importance of continual learning and readiness for different conditions and unexpected situations are key lessons imparted by the instructors and other experienced sailors in the club. Active use of the Crew List email distribution list and being a Crew Corp volunteer has further broadened his foundation, exposing him to a wide variety of boats, instructors, and fellow sailors. If you're interested in sportboat sailing or want to practice your skills with an experienced sportboat skipper, keep an eye out for Reuven's Crew List emails - he frequently sends out messages seeking crew.
With retirement offering more free time, Reuven is able to fulfill his dream of spending even more time on the water. He looks forward to taking the Advanced Sportboat Clinic as soon as his schedule allows. A cherished future goal is to embark on a family sailing trip with his grandchildren when they are older and showing interest in sailing. This dream reflects the evolution of Reuven's lifelong passion into sharing his love for sailing with the next generation.
