Abilyn Sailing is a sailing team based in Sea Cliff, New York focused on short-handed distance racing, with an emphasis on seamanship, resourcefulness, and teaching the next generation about the raw power and intrinsic beauty of the ocean. The name Abilyn derives from the names of my daughters--Abigail and Dylan--and was agreed upon only after my wife vetoed Irukandji. It was a well-founded veto.

SARA REISBERG, OWNER

Home: Sea Cliff, New York
Home Club: Sea Cliff Yacht Club

Sara and Josh met, effectively, as kids in July 2002. Sailing was not even a twinkle of an interest in either of their lives at the time. But, since 2006, both Sara and Josh have developed a mutual passion for the sport and nautical life. Although Sara is competent at the helm, in the pit, as a squirrel, or on the rail, her skills as a cruising organizer, master provisioner, and head of mooring and docking operations are what sets her apart. And when Josh expressed reservations about sailing the 21-foot Pogo 2 to Bermuda and into possible 40-knot winds in the Gulf Stream (wind against current), Sara was the first to tell him to "Man up!"

When Sara is not sailing or encouraging Josh to pursue his sailing goals, Sara is an accomplished lawyer for The Legal Aid Society representing children who are the subject of abuse and neglect proceedings. She also spins, does Trapeze School New York, does Bar Method, rides hunter- at Nassau Equestrian Center Red, is a damn good chef, and leads the charge in ensuring that, just like her, Josh's and her identical twin girls grow up to be responsible, resourceful, smart, passionate, bad-ass women.

Josh Reisberg, Skipper

Home: Sea Cliff, New York
Home Club: Sea Cliff Yacht Club

Josh grew up in Maryland not too far from the Chesapeake Bay, but didn't start sailing until 2006 when an an inexplicable itch to pick up the sport developed following graduate studies in New York. Since then, Josh has raced on many different yachts, including most recently the J/120 Abilyn, which Josh has sailed from Newport to Bermuda (and back), twice. Josh has been and continues to attempt to be an offshore sailor, racing in events such as the Bermuda 1-2, Newport-Bermuda Race, Caribbean 600, and many solo and short-handed distances in between.

When he is not sailing, Josh is usually working on the boat, or the house, or as a trial attorney at Blank Rome LLP in New York City, where Josh is a partner.