Dan Bohn
On Board Since July 2007
OCSC: Why do you sail?
DB: I sail because of the way it makes me feel. There is the thrill of going fast, spray in your face and white knuckles holding on. Bigger than that is the sense of self-determination of piloting your own yacht that you take care of, fix, improve (according to you anyway) and that is totally your own responsibility.
Finally, and biggest of all is the feeling I have from being on the water. More than anything else sailing combines so many essential components of being alive. The wind, water, wood (or even plastic) and the humans making the most of all those elements to sail and exist safely creates, for me, a profound connection to life.
OCSC: What do you enjoy about working at OCSC?
DB: The people! I think everyone says that because it is so big and obvious. The environment at OCSC helps everyone to be at their best. That environment attracts great coworkers and great students alike.
OCSC: What's your sailing background?
DB: I first started sailing at 10 on Sunfish and was lucky enough to sail Ranger 29’s in the USVI. Later I crewed on charter boats but didn’t really begin to learn how to sail until I started teaching sailing and rowing in Seattle at the Center for Wooden Boats.
Of course working at OCSC with some of the best sailors in the world allows me to continue to grow my abilities and experience – another great reason why I like working here.
OCSC: When you're not sailing, what can we find you doing?
DB: Restoring my old wooden sloop, a Caulkins 40 double ender, taking care of my cat Milton, playing squash or working out, reading or spending time with friends.
OCSC: What are your top five sailing books of all time?
DB: Hm, this is a tough one. Two Years Before the Mast, Sailing Alone Around the World (not a goal of mine – I want company), Moby Dick, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (a different kind of sailing), The Old Man and the Sea.