Quantum Sails Chicago

Ethan Wheeler was born in Palatine, Illinois, but moved to Wisconsin when he was a child. He was introduced to sailing by his father, who took Ethan and his siblings sailing on a Hobie 16 when they were young. Ethan did not take a liking to it and remembers being the first to complain. But when he was 16, Ethan sailed solo for the first time on a Sunfish, and he discovered a new love for the sport that’s remained since.

Ethan moved back to Chicago when he was 18 and attended the University of Illinois Chicago where he graduated with a degree in computer science. Not sure how sailing would fit into his busy school schedule, Ethan consulted one of his professors who happened to be an avid sailor. They devised a strategy, and Ethan headed to the Quantum Chicago loft, beginning work there on a part-time basis in 2021 and absorbing as much information as he could. Following a few conversations with Quantum’s Todd Basch, Ethan became certain that this was the path he wanted to pursue.

In Chicago, Ethan races in various types of boats, most recently concentrating on the J/70's. He participated in the Davis Island Yacht Club 2 and 3 regattas this last winter season. Now that he has completed his college education, Ethan aims to become more actively engaged with the J/70 fleet.

Ethan is currently a Junior Sail Technician and salesperson at the Chicago loft. "Being employed at Quantum gives me the opportunity to acquaint myself with various aspects of the sailing community in Chicago and beyond, fulfilling my passion for sailing. It serves as a reminder that my knowledge of sailing and sailmaking is limited, which pushes me with enthusiasm to acquire more understanding in these areas."

Dave Gerber is an experienced sailing professional, coach, and instructor based in Traverse City, MI, where he offers technical sales support and consultation for Quantum Sails.

Dave began working with Quantum Sails President Ed Reynolds in Northern Michigan before the company existed. They began working together at Reynolds Sail Company in Traverse City and then with Sobstad Sails and Shore Sails before Reynolds co-founded Quantum Sails in 1996.

In 2007, Dave left the sailmaking world to sail professionally. He has won multiple National, North American, and World Championships in the J/22, J/24, J/111, Melges 24 and Farr 40 classes. In addition to sailing, Dave has directed sailing programs and coached youth, high school, and adult teams at Traverse Area Community Sailing, Chicago Yacht Club, and Little Traverse Sailors in Harbor Springs, MI.

In 2022, Dave returned to Quantum Sails. He uses his varied background and expertise to help clients get the most out of their sailing experiences. "Something I truly enjoy about sailing and working in the marine industry is our shared passion for the water," said Dave. "It's wonderful to see people I’ve helped enjoy sailing and their time on the lakes, seas, and oceans."