Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Strube.
Hi Mark, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Many people in San Diego wouldn’t think to consider the Midwest a likely spot for a professional sailboat racing career to start, especially as San Diego is one of the sailing capitals of the world. Growing up in Milwaukee, WI, my initiation into the sport and a lifelong career began on Lake Michigan as both of my grandfathers and my father were avid sailors.
As a child growing up before video games were a thing, I was a very active kid. Most of my childhood summers were spent at the South Shore Yacht Club where a typical day included: breakfast. bike ride to the club. sail. lunch. sail. bike ride home just before dark. dinner. sleep. repeat. (Did I mention I’m now 6’5″ and like to eat?)
When I wasn’t sailing, I played football in high school and then in college for Northern Michigan University. During my time getting an MBA from U of Miami, I even played arena football for a stint, but sailing was always in my DNA.
When I finally entered the workforce as a stockbroker, I was always asking for time off to sail in regattas. My boss took me aside one day and asked, “Do you want to be a stock broker or a sailor.” (Is that even a fair question?)
While it is still a physically and mentally challenging sport, I’m grateful to combine my passion for sailing as my career. Sailing has taken me all over the world, competing on America’s Cup teams, Olympic campaigns, World Championships in many classes, and sailing across oceans.
While not a widely popular sport as it is challenging for spectators to participate, it has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. Now living in San Diego, I would encourage anyone who has even the smallest interest to give it a try. There are so many opportunities to experience the power of nature here – from the Stars & Stripes charters to lessons in Mission Bay. You might just find your calling like I did.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There is a reason the term “smooth sailing” is used… that’s because there are many times in sailing that things can get a little bumpy.
Like all athletes, it is tough to keep up your game at a professional level – especially dealing with injuries. (I’ve had a few along the way.)
Aside from the physical aspects, there is also the mental hurdles to consider. I’m lucky to be in a sport where experience on the water gives me a significant advantage as I feel like I can read the weather and how it is going to impact the boat I’m on and the way it is going to handle.
Always an adventure… On a recent 9-day trip back from Hawaii, we had a mega shark attack our keel about 1000 miles away from land. As we approached the shark on the surface, it got spooked by our 70 foot canting keel boat approaching at over 15 knots. It was fight or flight and it decided to fight. When we pulled the boat out of the water, we could see the bite marks and how they dragged along the length of the 12,000 lb keel. If that doesn’t give you pause to respect nature, I’m not sure what else will.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Crew Union is a lifestyle clothing and accessory brand and boat hardware company based in San Diego.
After many years of getting bruises from Cleats on boats, I invented the Cleat Slider. It is an accessory to a Cam Cleat on a boat used to hold control lines. The advantages are its smooth sides allow for the sheet to slide in the cleat without having to raise the line and accurately place it in the cleat. Also, clothing/gear doesn’t catch or rip when the Cleat Slider is installed.
I also carry a 100 Ton Master Captains License with Sailing and Towing endorsements.
Contact Info:
- Email: strubesailing@gmail.com
- Website: https://strubesailing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strubesailing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strubesailing
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkStrube1
- Other: https://crew-union.com/
