I am a U.S. Navy veteran, seasoned captain, and lifelong sailor with a passion for adventure and exploration. More than just a sailor, I'm the quintessential WINfluencer—testing, proving, and recommending the gear, vessels, and best practices that every sailor-adventurer needs to know. Whether it’s a Hobie Cat on a remote beach, a day sailer like the Catalina 22 Sport, new navigation tech, or expedition-ready camping gear, I share their real-world insights that come only from experience on the water and in the field.

It has been more than thirty generations since Thorvald Asvaldsson braved the northern seas, yet his blood still flows in Catamaran Dan, aka "Ove Ironhand", son of Ingvald, descendant of Thorvald. From the fjords of old to the high country of Arizona, the spirit of the raider endures. Now, with sails of bright cloth and sturdy hulls, the longships are reborn — carrying forward the legacy of adventure across lakes, seas, and oceans.

Bringing the Viking spirit to modern waters with bold “raids” on oceans, rivers, and lakes around the world. The fleet will include Hobie Getaways, racing catamarans, nimble day sailers, and when the journey calls for it, larger catamarans and monohulls. Membership will be free to join, but a careful selection process will ensure only those with the right stuff earn their place in the fleet.

High in the mountains of Vernon, Arizona, at nearly 7,000 feet, Nevado Ranch Camp will rise as the great hall of the Nevado Raiders. Like the mead halls of old, it will be the gathering place where voyages are planned, maps are spread, and oaths of adventure are made. By day, it will serve as the base camp for charting bold raids across oceans, rivers, and lakes; by night, it will become our hall of firelight and feast, where laughter, music, and camaraderie echo beneath the stars. Here in the Arizona high country, Raiders will find both their stronghold and their sanctuary — the place where bonds are forged before taking to the water.

Nevado Raiders Sailing Adventures will use Lake Roosevelt, AZ, as the ideal setting for hands-on training. For those new to sailing but ready to learn, you’ll l provide your own catamaran, trailer, and equipment — we’ll provide the guidance, teaching you how to handle your own boat safely and skillfully. Beginners will start with the fundamentals: rigging, steering, sail trim, and docking. More seasoned Raiders will sharpen their skills with advanced maneuvers, navigation, and mock “raids” across the lake’s hidden coves and open stretches. With its steady winds, deep-blue waters, and dramatic desert cliffs, Lake Roosevelt will serve as both a classroom and an adventure — the place where Raiders turn their own vessels into tools of exploration.

If you’re already an offroader, you know the thrill of hooking up your trailer, hauling your machine to the trailhead, and unleashing it on rugged terrain. Now imagine that same freedom and adrenaline on the water. With a Hobie Getaway (or similar vessel) and trailer, you can bring your adventurous spirit from dirt trails to open horizons — joining the Nevado Raiders on bold sailing “raids” across lakes, rivers, and oceans. Trailering a catamaran is no harder than hauling your offroad rig, and once you launch, the wind becomes your throttle and the horizon your playground. It’s the perfect crossover for those who crave more adventure and want to master a whole new frontier.

Trip logistics aboard a Hobie Getaway are a finely tuned balance between preparation, efficiency, and seamanship—and what actually gets loaded depends entirely on the type of voyage ahead. For short day sails, only the bare essentials come aboard: safety gear, a small cooler, a dry bag with personal items, and a few tools for contingencies. The goal is to keep the vessel light, agile, and responsive. But for long shoreline excursions that stretch for days, weeks, or even months, the Getaway transforms into a true expedition craft. Extra water containers, food provisions, camping gear, a canopy, fishing and snorkeling equipment, navigation tools, and spare parts all find their places. Weight is distributed evenly across both hulls to maintain balance and trim, with heavier items secured low and centered. Deck gear is lashed for quick access, while waterproof bags and electronics are clipped forward on the tramp to stay dry and organized. Every trip becomes a study in efficiency and adaptability—packing only what’s needed for the journey ahead, yet always prepared for the unexpected challenges of wind, water, and wilderness.

If you're craving freedom, adventure, and simplicity on the water, the Hobie Getaway is the perfect choice. Designed for fun-loving explorers, it combines stability, speed, and ease of use in one rugged, beach-launchable catamaran. With enough room for friends or family, and zero need for a trailer or marina slip, it’s the ultimate escape machine. Whether you're island hopping, fishing, or just chasing sunsets, the Getaway delivers unforgettable experiences without the hassle—just rig, launch, and go.
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