Team Minnesorta Nice

Team members: Robert Schroer, Greg Rohde, Melissa Kuntz, Nicholas Rorem
Hometown: Duluth, MN, USA
Race vessel: Olson 30
LOA: 30′
Human propulsion: Pedal (Prop)
Connect: facebook

Minnesota isn’t exactly famous for tidal gates or horizontal floating forests, but this Olson 30 crew doesn’t let geography limit their suffering. They’ve raced the Pacific Cup together—and not the brochure version. Squall lines. Whole-boat faceplants into water-walls. Salt-fried electronics. They’ve stood the long watches, fixed what broke, and kept the boat moving west. The sailing they love is “technical, exposed, and just uncomfortable enough to feel honest.” They’ve done some B+ homework in weather that bites back.

But Pac Cup is weather on an open runway. Race to Alaska adds walls. Current that won’t negotiate. Shoreline that doesn’t give you sea room to sort out your feelings. Their Olson 30 is light, quick, stripped to what works—no gimmicks, redundant comms, fresh circuits, maybe a sextant tossed in for good measure. They believe in rhythm, shared decisions, and practiced sail handling. And hot dish.

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What’s the one piece of advice you’re absolutely going to ignore?
We will probably bring too many sails. We are also ignoring everyone who said “Don’t do that race”.

What’s going to break first—and what’s your plan when it does?
My delicate psyche. I’ll probably curl up in a sleeping bag for most of the race and then take all the credit when we finish.

What’s your team’s origin story?
3 of us (Greg, Melissa, and Bob) have raced together on Tweety for a number of years. The 4th, Nick, owes another Olson 30 (Mayhem) and often races against us. The 4 of us like to race and sail together and look for opportunities to do so. We did the Pacific Cup together on Tweety a couple of years ago and it was an amazing experience. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to have another ocean racing adventure together.

Confidence Level (%)
78

Friendship Survival Rate (%)
100