Our NASA Connection

Our cosmic entanglement with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) goes far beyond
our reverse sponsorship ploy. My sailing history and current reality has an interesting connection with this amazing organization. Every time I see this logo, well it makes me smile. The story starts a couple of years back..,  and I hope continues far into the future.  

In 1981 my uncle Buddy, a NASA engineer, took me on my first sailing trip delivering his CAL 27 Shamrock to Annapolis for the Down the Bay Race. It was an absolute adventure in true 80's fashion with plenty of partying. One of the boats sailing with us lost her rudder and we watched another boat round her and scoop up a tow under sail. We stayed with our friends boat several days. I got to enjoy watching my cousin strike out with the waitress at the marina restaurant. It's one of my favorite memories from that summer full of on the water antics. 

The seed was planted and sailing became one of my top 3 passions in life. I am forever grateful. Coincidentally, Fat Bottom Girl was made in 1981 - Hull #78. There are no accidents! 

The NASA crew-up started in 2018 with the Pauls'. Referred by Charmain, they asked the question "how can we get into sailing" and the door of competitive sailing was opened to them. The Pauls' got up to speed quickly and brought friends. Soon we had Mel, Zach and several others from that group. A great rotation of raw talent that Evan taught the moves that they all picked up quickly. Transferrable skills have long been a hiring strategy I promoted professionally and turns out, when building Rockstars, well engineers are not a far stretch. And you get amazing conversations on going to the Mars, aliens, quantum physics and well, all things space. We had a blast racing to Cape Charles in 2019.

Fast forward to our current roster we have Chris, Olivia and Bow Kat. All exceptional Rockstars who have learned advanced sailing skills and are critical players on our team. NASA is a great place to find crew and we look forward to teaching many more the life skill of competitive sailing. Thanks NASA for getting me started and the continued funnel of great talent! 

Give it all you got! 

Fat Bottom Girl 

USA 30812

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