SDYC Staff Commodore joins us on the SDYC Sailcast to talk about his past sailing successes, technology in the America’s Cup, the accomplishments of his family, and the upcoming International Masters Regatta.
The conversation begins with a discussion on how Bill got into sailing, including his childhood in New Jersey at Beachwood Yacht Club at 7 or 8 years old. He explains how he met his life-long friend and fellow sailor Gary Jobson and sailing penguins on the East Coast. Bill credits his father for being an instrumental influence in keeping him sailing.
From there, Bill studied at the Naval Academy where he continued to sail. Once his time with the Submarine Service was done, he tells stories about how he ventured back to NJ where he met his wife at a regatta in Barnegat Bay, claiming that is where they fell in love!
Bill continues to talk about his family, the accomplishments of his sons, including his son Andrew who followed in his footsteps sailing in the America’s Cup and also the Olympics. His son Michael is enjoying sailing to this day from Northern California. Happy Birthday, Michael!
The conversation switches to the topic of the America’s Cup, which Bill sailed in on America3 and Defender Courageous. He tells stories of his time sailing in Japan before discussing the new technology in sailing and the regatta and his opinions on them.
“You see advancements and things that have come in from the America’s Cup campaigns that have trickled down to other boats,” he explained.
Coming up, Bill will be sailing in SDYC’s International Masters Regatta as crew. He concludes the conversation talking how what he is doing now, his travels around the US to visit his family, and life on the Board and as Commodore of SDYC. Bill also serves as a Judge for US Sailing, and talks briefly about how to get involved and the benefits of doing so.
In the words of his son, Andrew, Bill gave advice for those looking to find similar accomplishments. “Keep showing up.”