Instructor, Race Coach
David’s love for the water began long before he discovered sailing, rooted in his youth spent fishing and boating on the lakes and rivers of Appalachia, followed by many years as an intrepid whitewater kayaker. In 2016, he began sailing dinghies in the Berkeley South Sailing Basin, where he quickly transitioned into instructing at both the Cal Sailing Club and Cal Adventures. After buying his own keelboat, he soon found himself racing every Friday night at Berkeley Yacht Club.
During this time, he earned his ASA bareboat certification and began chartering sailboats throughout the world. After obtaining his US Coast Guard Captain’s license, David joined the team at Modern Sailing as an ASA instructor. He also utilizes his background as an active local racer, skippering his Olson 25, O’mar, in regattas across the Bay, and to serve as a Modern Sailing race coach. Whether he is guiding beginners through their first sail or coaching aspiring racers, he is dedicated to helping his students develop the skills needed to sail safely and confidently.
Always looking to challenge himself, David is currently developing expertise in coastal racing, cruising, and offshore passage-making.
