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D15 Secretary Craig Berleme

Craig Berleme
 
As you may have heard, as of January 1st 2024. I’ve taken over the role as D15 secretary.
Thanks to Charles Barkley And Peter Atherton Working behind the scenes, D15 is in a very good place.
 
Your D15 secretary Craig Berleme, who is he and how did he get to this place?
 
Born April 1960 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Introduced to sailing at age 9. racing P class from 9 to 15 years of age.
A couple years windsurfing. Followed by one season. in the unlimited 12 footer’s a 2 man, 2 trapeze wire opened skiff, sailed in New Zealand and Australia.
1981 Move to Seattle, WA. Where I helped my brother Glen and the Clark brothers build. San Juan boats and raced keel boats occasionally for 4 years.
No sailing of any kind 1986 – 2016…. what was I thinking…
1st day back on the water after 30 years was April 2016 in a Laser at the Easter Regatta blowing 15-20. Needless to say, I was upside down more than right side up…
Maybe the 30 year break was a blessing in disguise, as I am now more passionate about racing Lasers than I ever was in my youth.
I don’t know how many more summers I have on this planet, but I can. promise you I’ll spend every summer racing my laser.
I look forward to meeting and sailing with all of our D15 members young and old.
 
Until then, remember,
 
Sail Fast !

Dustin Brennan

“I began sailing the laser at 15 after a very successful career in Optimists. Growing up sailing for Southern Yacht Clubs stellar youth program has made me become the sailor I am today. Qualifying for multiple National and International events in the Optimist class, as well as sailing for the United States National Team has really developed the structure that I have carried into the Laser Class. I hope to carry over lots of knowledge and experience to this already historic and well seasoned laser fleet here in Texas. 
Time on and off the water is what really separates the top level sailors. Practicing and racing consistently to fine tune boat handling and speed is critical, but also putting the work in off the water is just as critical. I found that CrossFit has improved my fitness and stamina profoundly on the race course. CrossFit Rev40 in Farmers Branch, TX has been paramount to my success off of the water. My fitness coach Guy Valentino and his endless knowledge in fitness, recovery and nutrition has increased my output by tenfold while racing. I recommend CrossFit to anyone trying to better themselves while sailing.”

Dustin Brennan