David Liebenberg

David Wade Liebenberg is an American athlete in the sport of sailing. In the crew position on the Nacra 17 David is responsible for sail controls and boat balance. David is an incredibly versatile athlete, having raced at a world class level in many different classes and positions.

Born and raised in Richmond, California, David studied engineering at Tufts University. He currently resides in Richmond. When he isn’t on the Nacra, you are likely to find him on a boat crossing the Pacific ocean, up a mast, rock climbing in a canyon, camping in a National Park, or at any number places in the World that might have good wind, waves, or adventure to offer up.

Sailing Bio

David Liebenberg is a professional sailing athlete and coach. Both of David’s parents are avid sailors, and he learned to love the sport from a very young age.

After growing out of prams, David was not sure where to go in sailing.  

Sailing 420s was new, but not exciting.  One day his friend and fellow youth sailor, David Blackett, asked if he wanted to drive a 29er for him.  After the first ride David was hooked.  The realization that going fast was much better than going slow shaped the rest of his sailing career.  David excelled at this new high speed racing and over the next 4 years, went on to win three 29er National Championships and three North American Championships, as well as placing in the top 10 in the gold fleet in two 29er World Championships.

David graduated from Tufts University in Boston where he majored in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on entrepreneurial leadership. On the Tufts Sailing Team, he honed his starting skills and short course tactics.  He was a captain of the Tufts team his senior year and led the team to their first Collegiate Match Racing National Championship in 2012.

Since then, David has moved into the professional world of the sport. He has served as the tactician for American Youth Sailing Force, a Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Team, competed in two Olympic Trials, and sailed to Hawaii.

David is one of the most technically skilled and naturally gifted sailors in the World, and he brings elite work ethic, dedication, and diligence, to the USA 50 Racing Team. 

Photos