← WA360 Home ← 2025 WA360 Teams
Crew: Mark Newell, Ari Rubenstein, Giovannina Souers, Brittany Johnson, and Luis Abad, Greg Lewis
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Vessel: Santa Cruz 33
Class: The Wind Division
Get to know Team Hello, I Love You
First thing first. Why race in WA360?
We love the Salish Sea, it’s history, beauty, and what it enables for those ready for the challenges that come with exploring it’s water and shores. The WA360 is a unique way to experience to more of what it offers, while adding real challenges. The WA360 also conveniently provides our team and boat a lower stakes learning ground for R2AK.
What’s your connection to these waters?
All our adult lives has been oriented around the Salish Sea. Having the privilege to sail, fish, kayak, canoe, swim, dive and surf these waters we love, appreciate and respect what is above the surface and below, as well as those who’ve appreciate it long before me. The Salish Sea is truly unique and special, to be cherished and protected. It’s like the nourishing blood that runs through the veins of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. These waters also serve to build the strongest connections with people that have been part of these journeys and those whom we met along the way.
Superpowers. Each crew member gets one. What are they and why?
Britt controls the winds, for which we are thankful. Ari’s superpowers are overthinking, procrastinating, and his “eery Canadian cheerfulness.” Oh, and he reads the instructions. Giovannina is more positive than a lightening rod, all the time. Luis has yet to experience mal de mer, which must be superpower. He’s a damn fine cook, according to his wife (who is his true superpower). Mark is good figuring things out and making stuff up if that’s what it takes to get it (this) done.
Defend your vessel choice for WA360. What makes it so cool and worthy?
The SC33 is the mysterious, forgotten middle sibling to the fast, nimble SC27 and the Pacific race sled SC50. It’s got good genes, fast, and most of us can stand up in her when changing our underwear.
What are your adventure qualifications for WA360? What makes you (y’all) cool and capable?
Lots of sea miles sailed and kayaked. Mark learned to sail in Monterey Bay (shout out to MPYC!), raced collegiate dinghies, and has raced on and off to this very day. Ari is a Moor 24-er and racer in the Port Townsend area.
Most of the crew are avid sea kayakers and have paddled sections of Baja, the outside of Aristotle, and Haidi Gwaii, in addition to all of the San Juan and Gulf islands. All the crew has tested positive for chill vibes in str.
What is going to break?
The speakers will definitely be blown out, and maybe a kite if we have to.