Each month we feature sailors who pursue the passion of sailing through education, lifestyle, and commitment to community. This month we were inspired by Keith Allman’s story and he is our November Sailor of the Month.
Keith resides in New York and his home port is Liberty Harbor, New Jersey. Keith has been sailing for over 25 years, and most recently he has spent the past few years chartering with friends and credits his education from American Sailing with the confidence and knowledge to go out and make beautiful memories in idyllic destinations. We love seeing how sailing can add so much vibrance to a vacation with people you enjoy.
We hope you find his story as inspiring as we do. Please take the time to share your own story with us — every journey that leads to a sailboat is worth hearing! (Not to mention the perks of being chosen are pretty great!)
American Sailing: How long have you been sailing?
Keith Allman: 25 years
American Sailing: Where is your home port?
Keith Allman: Liberty Harbor, NJ
American Sailing: Where is your favorite place to sail?
Keith Allman: Exumas
American Sailing: What ASA Certifications do you hold?
Keith Allman: 101, 103, 104, 114
American Sailing: What ASA school(s) did you attend?
American Sailing: Do you currently, or have you ever owned a sailboat?
Keith Allman: Yes, Beneteau Oceanis 30.1
American Sailing: What got you into sailing?
Keith Allman: I took my first class while studying at UCLA at their marina aquatic center, sailing Catalina 15s. I loved the feeling of powering through the water all by wind. I realized I need more classes after our very first class where the centerboard failed to drop and we had no control over the boat, getting swept away into the marina! From there I’ve been learning all the nuances of different types of boats!
American Sailing: What is your most memorable sailing experience?
Keith Allman: The most incredible sailing experience I’ve had was in December 2020, where I chartered a Lagoon 45 for a week from Nassau to go explore the Exumas. It was during the New Year’s holidays, which made us concerned that it would be packed, but at the same time it was in the midst of the Covid pandemic. On that trip we entered Warderick Wells, which has a horseshoe shaped mooring field in pristine blue water, where the moorings are measured out very well for the size of the vessel you are sailing. We hooked up to our mooring, the boat swung around with the substantial current, and the aft of the boat swung right in front of a sandbar, where we could basically step off the back of the catamaran onto a couple feet of water! Only one other boat was there at the time and we ended up staying extra days to enjoy the unbelievable natural beauty and unique environment.
American Sailing: How has American Sailing played a part in your growth as a sailor?
Keith Allman: The courses were a big part of me feeling equipped to start chartering on my own, which has opened up many different experiences in multiple countries. I’m now looking at 105/106 as I view the courses as a bridge to the next level in sailing, where I want to go further offshore.
American Sailing: What is your favorite aspect of American Sailing membership?
Keith Allman: Comfort that taking a course through an ASA affiliated school will have a certain level of quality.
American Sailing: Why should people become an ASA member?
Keith Allman: To safely progress in sailing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a marina and seen or experienced incidents with sailors/boaters who should have taken classes!
Want to be featured as the next Sailor of the Month?
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