Carl Seipel

Carl joined OCSC in the spring of 2001 and holds a Coast Guard 100-ton operator's license. He came to Berkeley from his native Sweden to pursue post doctoral research in economics, but California's invigorating athmosphere inspired him to abandon academics and instead purchase a half share in a 40-foot wooden cutter. Carl and his partner then sailed "FIA" around the world on a track of about 40,000 miles from 1970 to 1976. Back on land, the two partners started Scanmar Marine, now the leading manufacturer of self-steering equipment. Ten years later, Carl moved to New Zealand where he lived and cruised his own boat until recently. He occasionally goes back under for more.

"I've always been in and on and near the water. That's where I am happiest. There is nothing like messing about with boats. Simply messing. Nothing. And the enthusiasm and good fellowship at OCSC make it even better," he says.