Quantum Sails is excited to welcome Anson Mulder to our Chicago team. We interviewed our new expert to learn more about his experience and his excitement around returning to Great Lakes sailing.
Anson Mulder grew up sailing with his dad on Lake Michigan. After graduating from Michigan State University, Anson moved to South Florida where sailing and yacht racing grew into a career. Anson started out as a trimmer and since 2006 has focused on his roles as tactician, navigator, strategist, helmsman and campaign manager.
Anson’s experience in both servicing sails and sail consulting, providing expertise in sail inventory development, boat optimization, and campaign planning is a huge benefit to not only the inshore sailors in the Chicago area, but also the offshore racers and cruisers. Anson is also fluent with Expedition and KND software, used for calibration, polar development, and sail crossover charts.
Quantum Sails: You have a very diverse background and have a unique opportunity to split time between South Florida and Chicago. What makes you excited to work in Chicago?
Anson Mulder: I’ve worked a lot in Chicago and there are a lot of really great people. It feels like a homecoming back to the Great Lakes after growing up in Grand Haven. The city is exciting, the city scape is absolutely incredible in addition to a strong market with a lot of people to work with.
QS: How will your experience and expertise enable you to help Chicago-area sailors meet their challenges?
AM: I have an extensive background racing boats around the 40ft range, especially on the Great Lakes for the last 15 years. I have managed multiple programs at every aspect and will be able to help sailors on a more comprehensive level.
QS: What are you hoping to learn?
AM: Really excited to learn how the L works!
QS: What keeps you excited about working in the sailing industry?
AM: I love the competitive culture of the sport. Sailing presents both individual and team challenges, often at the same time. The boat performance and science of the sport are fascinating. This is a sport where people can race and compete until they’re 80.
QS: What is unique to your approach to sailmaking and service? What can Chicago sailors look forward to when working with you?
AM: I have spent a lot of my sailing career on the customer end of sailmaking, so I understand the challenges and expectations of what it takes to build successful programs firsthand. I am specialized in building and running multiple programs, so my service goes beyond sailmaking and into the relationship building of an entire program.
QS: What is the best advice you can offer to sailors building programs?
AM: Preparation is everything. By the time you get to the start, the die has already been cast.
QS: Do you have a significant sailing memory to share?
AM: I was racing in Antigua on a J/120 in a three-way tie for first place when a 120ft boat named Sojana tacked nearby. The boat threw a tsunami of a wave over our entire boat, soaking the whole crew as the boat passed to windward. It was a bold move.
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Anson’s racing record includes victories in many premier events in the Caribbean, East Coast and Great Lakes including the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, Antigua Sailing Week, Key West Race Week, Charleston Race Week and the Chicago to Mackinac Race. Anson sails and races on boats from 20’ to 130' with a ‘wheelhouse' of boats ranging from 35-70'.