Chris grew up sailing in Iowa aboard his family’s Hunter 27 on Lake Superior, Sailorville Lake, Red Rock Lake, Rathbun Lake, and Lake Michigan. By age 5 Chris was solo sailing a Dher Dow. At age 11 in Miami, watching marina workers step their mast, Chris told his dad, “I want to do that.” Chris and his family then sailed through the Florida Keys for the next two months eventually ending their trip in Lake Champlain. Chris’ first job in the marina industry began at Shelburne Shipyard where he worked before coming to The Moorings Marina in 1996. Since his start, Chris has worked in almost every aspect of the marina environment. He has an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of marine service ranging from hauling, launching, rigging, plumbing, marine wiring, systems installations, and pretty much any other service dimension of yachting. Over the years he has specialized in significant keel repair, structural fiberglass repair, gel coat repair, engine re-powers, and sail furling systems. His favorites jobs are complex Raymarine Electronics installations and any sailboat rigging. Chris is a respected and accomplished sailor, having competed in many regattas over the years. Just some of his racing achievements include winning his division aboard a J120 at the famous Key West Race Week in Florida and winning the fall series at The American Yacht Club on Long Island Sound. Currently, Chris and his family race aboard an Etchells named Lady Falcon out of the LCYC fleet in Shelburne Bay.
Chris is happily married to Hillary Downing (owner of High Country Hair Design). They have two kids together. Brooke and Parker, who like their Dad, spend their summers sailing on Malletts Bay and all over New England. During the offseason, Chris is on the mountains coaching ski racing at Mad River Glen. When not on the slopes you can find him helping people get out and enjoy the snow as a Certified Master Boot Fitter and race tuner at Mountainside Ski Service. Chris takes great pride in assisting people to enjoy the lake and wants to see all those dreams of water adventures come true.