OCSC: Why do you sail?

MC: To quote an old River Rat, 'there is nothing quite so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats'. For me sailing is magic; A sound boat sailed well is a beautiful thing to behold and a very worthwhile accomplishment. Mastering the intellectual and physical challenges required by good seamanship and boathandling provides a profound satisfaction for me.

OCSC: What do you enjoy about working at OCSC?

MC: OCSC is staffed by people passionate about what they do, be it routine office tasks or instruction on the water. They are there because they love boats, sailing and people. The instructor cadre are delightful people to work with and some of the most accomplished sailors in the business. It's kind of like everybody is having a blast because were all doing just exactly what we want to be doing. The cameraderie and mutual support is unsurpassed in any industry. 

OCSC: What's your sailing background?   

MC: I started sailing at the tender age of 9 in the lakes of California. In 1976 I became a Navigator on a US Navy Destroyer and in my spare time I learned to sail in the ocean from San Diego and Hawaii. I've owned a number of boats, from a 14' Laser to a 38' Chris Craft cabin cruiser. I've also performed deliveries along the California Coast and from California to Hawaii.  

OCSC: When you're not sailing, what can we find you doing?  

MC: I'm a Realtor and Photographer in the California Central Valley and I enjoy restoring old boats in my spare time. I think the jobs are there just to support my sailing 'habit'.

OCSC: What are your top five sailing books of all time?  

MC: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea', Dennis Conner's 'Comeback', 'The Godforsaken Sea', 'Das Boot', All of the Patrick O'Brian (Master & Commander) books, and of course, 'The Wind in the Willows'.