About Us

Commodore Sandoval’s path to the water is unique in that it began on a whim while pursuing his sailing merit badge as a Boy Scout . Sailing Sunfish boats on a small lake in Michigan sparked his love of the sport. Lou never thought that many years later that single exposure would lead to a career in the marine industry after first having pursued his love of business and Science as a career.  

Having navigated over 30,000 Nautical miles, His journey has taken him across the Pacific Ocean in the Transpac race twice and the Vic-Maui race. In the Atlantic Ocean, he took on the Newport to Bermuda, Havana Cup, and numerous other races. He has competed in the storied Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac 20 times.  Lou is a nine time Chicago Race to Mackinac Winner (in 19 attempts) and Podium winner (1,2, or 3rd places) in 12/19 attempts.

Lou has given back to the sport as the Beneteau Dealer in the Lake Michigan area for 15 years during which he was instrumental in building the First 36.7 class.  Serving as the inaugural Fleet Secretary, and North American Championship chair in 2004, 2008.  His other service to the sport has been as the Race to Mackinac Chairman in 2012/13 and Flag Officer for Chicago Yacht Club from 2015-2020.

Lou , his wife Sonia and their two daughters enjoy family sailing. Following in the winning Karma Tradition- they have amassed their own list of victories.

Martin has been sailing for over 35 years.  Self taught on a friend's boat, he has become a lifelong student of the sport.  With 19 Chicago Mac Races under his belt and thousands of miles in buoy and other races on Lake Michigan, he has instilled his love of sailing into his high school aged son and Daughter who now sail in college.  

An accomplished sailor, Martin has won the Chicago Mac Race eight times aboard his own boat and once aboard a Carroll Marine 39 in 2018. In this fateful competition, despite starting thirty minutes behind his brother, he ended up in a drag race from the Mac Bridge to the finish line where he beat his older brother by a minute and fort-five seconds!  

In service to the sport of sailing, Martin has served as the First 36.7 National Class President , Chicago Verve Cup Chair and is the current Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac chair 2020-2021. 

When he is not racing, Martin enjoys leisurely family sailing on Chicago's lakefront.