This week on the San Diego Yacht Club Sailcast, host Alli Bell welcomes Professional Sailor Erik Shampain to speak about his big successes this year and in the past, including being a finalist for the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.
Erik and Alli start the episode with light banter about sailing Sabots together as kids. Erik recaps his childhood sailing experience, including Oceanside Yacht Club, FJs and Radials, being home schooled while cruising in Mexico, and following in his father’s sailing footsteps.
As a kid, Erik had plenty of access to sailing on big boats. He jokes about his backwards transition, starting big and eventually moving to Etchells and J/70s. Erik joined the San Diego Yacht Club at the age of 17, and is now a crucial member of Team SDYC for several large events, including the NYYC Rolex Invitational Cup and the beloved Lipton Cup.
Discussing his love for team racing, Erik talks about the benefits of participating in a variety of programs and how important learning and getting coaching is.
“I like sailing when I’m the worst person on board. I like to learn. Any day that I come in and haven’t learned something, is a boring day,” he said.
The topic turns to Match Racing, and Erik’s experiences with Team Stars and Stripes, skippered by Taylor Canfield. Erik discusses his love for the team and his tolerance to feedback. The team has won two Bermuda Gold Cups and two Congressional Cups.
This year has been busy for Erik, and it was proven when he was nominated and a finalist for the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. “It’s an amazing group of sailors to be involved in,” he said.
Erik has been actively sailing on J/70 Midlife Crisis with Bruce Golison, Etchells with Steve Hunt and Jim Cunningham, and on the Melges 24. He talks about host Alli Bell about his recently activity in the different classes. From there, the two review several Transpac Races, including three races that Erik sailed double-handed.
He talks about the importance of prioritizing his health, keeping up his energy with racing, and taking care of the maintenance not only of your body, but of the boat. Erik is known for his reputation of being first to the boat and last to leave.
Erik’s schedule remains active through the year, including but not limited to Melges 24 Worlds, Etchells Nationals and Etchells North Americans.
At the end of the episode, host Alli Bell asks the traditional question, “What advice do you have for those who want to do the same things as you?”
“Go sailing where there are better people than you sailing, and pay really good attention. Absorb everything,” he answered.