You would never guess it, but Modern Sailing Club Skipper and member Aron Solberg's love for sailing only began two years ago. A friend invited him to a Jazz & Blues Club Sail the summer of 2022. Intrigued by the experience, he enrolled in Modern's ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing course, and soon he was hooked.
Aron's story is a familiar one for many new sailors. He faced seasickness and time constraints. But Aron persisted. "The two challenges are related because the main thing that helps increase my comfort level is more time on the water," Aron mused. He attributes Modern Sailing's large fleet of boats and various opportunities to schedule outings and accommodate his busy schedule.
A pivotal moment in Aron's journey was joining the Development Race Team, where he honed his skills and experienced the thrill of competitive sailing. Aron recently joined Team Resolute, one of Modern Sailing's Level 2 Development Race Teams, sailing in both the BYC Chowders and Midwinters. "Racing has added a whole new dimension of excitement, and I'm proud of how much progress I've made in my skills."
Aron's love for sailing stems from the diverse experiences it offers: the thrill of racing, the tranquility of cruising, and the camaraderie of fellow sailors. His favorite memory is a week-long sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands. "It was so fun being immersed in the Caribbean lifestyle, sailing to a new island every day, and ringing in the New Year 2024 at Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar."
Aron's passion for sailing extends beyond personal enjoyment. He became one of Modern Sailing's Club Skippers, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. By mentoring new sailors, he hopes to inspire them to embrace the sport and experience the same joy he has found on the water. The foundational skills taught in ASA 101, 103, and 104 were the most transformational for Aron.
"Going from a complete boating newbie to now a competent skipper who can take out friends and family in the SF bay would never have been possible without Modern Sailing," Aron says. "Every class and instructor I've taken has been exceptional, and I don't think any of my achievements would have been possible without the school and the community that Modern Sailing provides."
As Aron continues his sailing journey, he dreams of exploring international waters and experiencing the diversity of sailing cultures. With the strong foundation he has built at Modern Sailing, he is well-equipped to pursue his aspirations and achieve even greater heights.
Are you a Modern Sailing member who has participated in previous Drop-In Races? Or have you completed one of our Level 1 Introduction Race Team series? Even if they’re outside of Modern Sailing, you can join our Development Race Team program by documenting your experience in a sailing resume.
Find out how you can be a part of Modern Sailing's Level 2 Development Race Team program.
