Ullman Sails professional sailor Erik Shampain is our April monthly meeting speaker. Erik has an extensive sailing resume that begins with growing up on a boat and headlines such things as a course record and race sweep in the Pacific Cup, an Etchells World Championship title and Melges 24 National Championship.
The meeting is Tuesday, April 8, beginning at 7pm (but arrive early for dinner). Monthly meetings are held at the Caddy Shack @ Rolling Hills Golf Course, 1415 North Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281-1205 (map) and both members and non-members are welcome to attend.
“One of the most challenging things I’ve done is the Transpac, double-handed—twice,” says Erik. He did it once on a 33-foot boat and once on a 35-foot boat.
“Alone with your thoughts for hours at a time; it’ll get to you. Over a 12-day race you’ve basically second-guessed every decision you’ve ever made. I was asked what would happen if I didn’t get along with my co-skipper. My answer was always, doesn’t matter, we’re on the opposite shift. I never see him!”
Erik Shampain’s father worked on racing boats when Erik was growing up and Erik has clearly taken to the sport. This year he’s racing with a Farr 40, a Melges 20, various J/70s and his own Hobie 33.
