Shala started sailing a small dinghy at a very young age. Later, while working at Hobie Sports she was introduced to the Hobie 16 and was hooked on the speed and fun of racing. She has raced in numerous Hobie Cat classes at the National and world championship levels.

Todd Berman’s sailing experience spans boats ranging from dinghies to maxis. After a successful collegiate sailing career, Todd pursued sailing racing aboard dinghies and J24s in the early 80s then progressing to IOR, IMS and IRC 50 footers. Todd worked in the Sail making industry from 1987 to 1992.

David Dellenbaugh is the publisher, editor and author of Speed & Smarts. He was the tactician and starting helmsman on America3 during her successful defense of the America’s Cup in 1992 and sailed in three other America’s Cup campaigns.

Chris Bedford is founder of Sailing Weather Services and creator (with Peter Isler)of the online weather school Marine Weather University (MWU). For MWU Chris developed a college-level curriculum to maximize the student’s comprehension of marine weather. The first online weather school for boaters – MWU provides cutting edge marine weather education taught by sailors for sailors.