Meet Arista!

What are some of your favorite things about being part of AC?
I love how these immersive experiences working as a team in these boats and on the island while camping build upon our capacity to care. I love that there is an opportunity to meet crews from other countries during the Contest of Seamanship. I also love singing call and response songs with the crew while rowing. The feeling of total unity, being in sync with the rowers, and the joy of making music together is quite blissful. 

How long have you been involved with AC?
I joined AC for the Contest in Rockland, Maine in 2002. I have trained the Atlantic Challenge US team and led other Bantry Bay gig programs since 2010. 

Have you had any other sailing/rowing experience?
I grew up sailing small boats in Rockport, Maine, got my captain's license in my early 20s, and since have led sailing trips for for Outward Bound, NOLS, the Nova Scotia Sea School, the Wooden Boat School, Morse Alpha Expeditions, the Viking boat POLARIS, and the 46' Aage Neilsen charter boat ELSKOV. 

Where do you currently live?
Belfast, Maine

What are some things you do in your professional life or study beyond AC?
I'm the Executive Director for Atlantic Challenge USA, so spend a lot of time planning the logistics to make these trips happen. I also occasionally write for WoodenBoat magazine, and am at work on a book with Lance Lee which includes the story of starting the Apprenticeshop, and Atlantic Challenge. 

What are some of your hobbies?
Learning new tunes on the mandolin, nordic skating, saunas, cold water dips, painting, and nålbinding (Viking age single needle knitting)

If you could wake up with a new skill tomorrow, what would it be?
Sing easily in harmony, and play the fiddle!

What animal do you feel a kinship with?
Seals, and dolphins.

Favorite meal/food?
Dumplings of any sort. 

Favorite song to sing while rowing?
Sundown below!