Why do you want to be a member of US Sailing’s Board of Directors?

Simply I think it’s a win-win. I’ll be able to participate actively in an organization that has served me for

many years. I’ll also be able to serve my community of sailors in this role.

How can community sailing centers, yacht clubs and other sailing organizations collaborate

with each other more on key initiatives to grow sailing?

We all want more sailors. I think that identifying organizational strengths and weaknesses and relying on

one another to fill those gaps can serve all sailors. For example, a yacht club may have race committee

boats but a sailing center has a better venue to run the regatta out of. Solutions stem from real people

solving real problems focused on supporting the sport and its participants.

How can these organizations and other sailing industries integrate with their local communities

to provide more awareness for prospective new sailors?

Events are the lifeblood of the sport. Keeping things inclusive through social events after racing and

vibrant learn-to-sail programs can help to grow the sport. For-example, barbecues inclusive of non-racing

participants or free sailing lesson days are things all organizations should consider. On most of the pro

teams I sail for we’re always bringing newbies out to sail the boat in, it makes a difference in their lives and

betters our sport.

What can US Sailing do to help facilitate these partnerships?

US Sailing can continue to recognized its own strengths and weaknesses to best serve the sport as a

whole.

How have US Sailing’s programs and services impacted your overall sailing experience?

I learned to sail on a small causeway shack of a US Sailing Center on Florida’s central east coast. Since my

parents were windsurfers, without programs like that, I may not have found dinghies at all.

Is it important for sailors to be members of US Sailing?

Membership is the lifeblood of any small sport organization. In that way, a sailor who is cheering on the US Sailing Team or has participated in events at a US Sailing Center or wants to grow the sport in any waythey can should consider being a member in addition to making donations to US Sailing and similar organizations.

Professional and/or Volunteer Experience (bullet form)

-America’s Cup sailor

-Olympian

-Sales rep for small marine start-up

-Professional Sailor and Performance Coach

Professional and/or Volunteer Achievements (bullet form)

2x National Champion

2x World Cup Medalist

Tokyo Olympian

I hope to bring my current participation at the highest levels of the sport to US Sailing’s Board of Directors.

I specifically look forward to connecting my community of recreational, professional, and Olympic sailors

to serve the organizations mission and values.