At the age of three, MIKE O’BRIEN first climbed aboard a skiff, and at seven he taught himself how to sail by reading instructions found in the family encyclopedia.  As a college student he rowed in “eights” and went undefeated during three years of surfboat rowing competition along the New Jersey shore.  After earning a degree in physics, Mike pursued graduate work in oceanography.  Later, while serving as Chairman of Marine Sciences at a small college, he filled his vacations by designing and building boats in his one-man shop.  Mike has been Associate Editor for Sailor and Technical Editor for Soundings.  He was Senior Editor here at WoodenBoat for more than 20 years.  Now in semi-retirement, he works as Boat Design Editor for the magazine.  He also writes and publishes Boat Design Quarterly.  Mike takes much of his waterborne pleasure aboard sea kayaks.  He is a registered Maine Guide.