Kathy Steveson is known to students as the kind Special Education teacher in Room 802. What many do not know about her is that she races sailboats competitively on a national level. Expressions talked to her about her interesting hobby.

Expressions: When and why did you start boating?

Special Education Teacher Kathy Steveson: I began sailing in 2011 when my husband taught me how to race as part of the crew.

Expressions: Do you have your own sailboat?

Steveson: We own a catamaran, which is a small sailboat about twenty feet long with two hulls.

Expressions: Was it difficult to learn to maneuver the boat?

Steveson: Yes, there’s the rails, the lines, the rudders, the daggers, and the tillers that are all difficult parts of the sailboats and need attention.

Expressions: How often do you go sailing?

Steveson: My husband and I sail once a month for fun and once a month for Regattas, which is a national series of boat races. In fact, our first race of the season is next weekend on April 16.

Expressions: Have you ever placed in this competition?

Steveson: Yes, last August we came in second at nationals, which was conveniently held at Avila.

Expressions: Have you ever sailed with other teachers from SLOHS?

Steveson: Yes, in the beginning of the year we had a staff party down at Old Port and my husband brought out our catamaran. We took some of the teachers out including English teacher Craig Stewart.

Expressions: Would you recommend this as a possible hobby for SLOHS students?

Steveson: Absolutely! Actually, we are looking for more volunteers. Our races are Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If anyone is interested in getting more volunteer hours, they can email me at [email protected] for more information.