Photographing Bruce Kirby for Sailing World Magazine

I was beyond thrilled when Sailing World Magazine called me up to photograph Bruce Kirby, the designer behind the Laser. It was like two worlds colliding, and it hit me in all the right ways! Laser sailing has been the key that unlocked so many doors in my life. It’s the reason a camera ended up in my hands and, ultimately, the career I’m so incredibly grateful for today.

While training for the 2000 Olympic Games with the US Sailing Team, I stumbled upon the woman I love—who not only agreed to marry me but also gave us our greatest gift: our twin daughters, Mia and Oriana. And it all started because, in 1969, Bruce Kirby designed the Laser, a boat that would go on to change countless lives. In 1980, my dad threw me into one when I was just 10 years old at the Mantoloking Yacht Club, setting the course for everything that followed. So when Sailing World Magazine reached out to photograph Bruce for their spring issue, I was beyond honored—and, honestly, pretty emotional too.

The Laser is no ordinary sailboat—it’s a legend in the sailing world. Designed by Bruce Kirby in 1969, it has become the boat of choice for many sailors, from newcomers to Olympic athletes. It’s known for its simplicity, speed, and the way it challenges sailors to master their skills. The beauty of the Laser lies in its one-design nature, where every boat is the same, ensuring that the competition is based solely on the skill of the sailor. Whether you’re racing on a quiet lake or taking on the waves at a major regatta, the Laser offers unparalleled excitement and challenge.

Over the years, the Laser has been a platform for so many incredible experiences, bringing together sailors from all walks of life. For me, it’s been much more than a boat—it’s been a catalyst for the passion and career that have shaped my life. Bruce Kirby’s design is more than just a sailboat; it’s a lasting legacy, and I’m proud to be part of that story.

The number of lives Bruce has touched through the Laser is immeasurable. Every time I compete in a new body of water with the Laser Class, I feel that same rush of excitement. Today, when I opened my mailbox hoping the issue was there, I was reminded of how rare it is to bring together my two passions—sailing and portrait photography. A big thank you to Dave Reed for believing in me, and to Dave Powlison for writing such a remarkable piece.

What Bruce has done for my life is difficult to put into words. The day I spent with him was far more significant than any photograph I could take. I photographed Bruce in his home using my Canon EOS R and my Westcott Flexkit lights —the very same lights I designed myself.