Although Andy started sailing when he was ten years old, he didn't start competing on sailboats until years later. The intervening years saw Andy competing in endurance sports such as distance running, bicycle racing and finally triathlons at a national level. In the intervening years, Andy earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Psychology and a Masters in International Business, going on to work as a Sales and Marketing Professional in the Telecommunications industry.

Deciding to go back to the water 15 years ago, Andy has competed in many sailing classes and gained a wealth of offshore sailing experience. Notable accomplishments include a West-to-East transatlantic crossing and deliveries between Bermuda, Florida and Cancun Mexico.

In addition, Andy holds a U.S. Cost Guard Master's license, as well as a Commercially Endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore license. In support of these licenses, Andy also has formal training in first aid, meteorology, traditional and celestial navigation, and safety and survival at sea.