I grew up in Cartagena Colombia, started at age 7 on a pram, much like an Optimist today I guess, sailed Snipes for quite some time and at the same time enjoyed, lasers, Hobie cats (16' & 18') Later started sailing in "big" boats, crewed persistently on a Dufour Arpege that belongs to the man that taught me all I know about sailing. Later I moved to Boston MA and became a fixture on a C&C 38 MKIII, fast but unforgiving boat on a following sea with the chute up and more than 20 knots. We did quite a few long distance races in New England, short season though. Moved to Florida and bought my Ranger 22 IDEFIX, lovely little boat, a pleasure to sail.