Mighty Mary by Tony Scaringe

Author:Tony Scaringe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anthony Scaringe
Published: 2012-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

MAKING THE TEAM

Enersys Corporation

Interview with Dan

“So, in everyone’s estimation media day was a great success. Your sponsors were lining up quickly, emails came flying in from women sailors all over the country and money too I suspect,” I said, recounting the day’s effect.

“Yes, we received a lot of support not only from the US but from around the world,” Dan recounted. “It seems the women’s team sailing in the Whitbread that year gained a lot of attention and support internationally. This boded very well for us, and it didn’t hurt that we had Gail Adley as our skipper. The world seemed to be tuning in to see how the women would do in the America’s Cup. The hard work for us was just beginning. Our management team headed back to San Diego to set up shop for training and evaluating the candidates. Some three hundred women had to be scheduled and put through our program. We

wanted to name our final team by May end.”

“What about Gail? Wouldn’t she have still been racing in the Whitbread?” I asked, for some clarification.

“Yes, she started the last leg back to England about the time we announced the final team. No matter, she was going to be our skipper and a valuable member of the team having the most experience racing big boats. She joined the team just before a trial run in the New Port Regatta. But that’s getting ahead of the story. Let’s go back to San Diego and how we picked the team,” Dan said in reminiscent mode.

North Harbor Compound

San Diego, CA

March 11, 1994

It was another beautiful morning in San Diego. Bright sun, clear blue skies, and a stiff off shore breeze made San Diego the sailor’s paradise that it was. The UA3 management team arrived at the compound early Friday morning to set everything in motion for the first group of women sailors that would be put through the program.

“Good morning all.” Vince greeted the eager

management team still energized from the media event. “We all can agree what a resounding success media day turned out to be. We know, however, what is ahead of us. With the world watching now it’s up to us to deliver what we promised, not only a competitive team, but one that is actually capable of winning. I will be posting a schedule of events and target dates from today through our first trial race. Send me your feedback and anything that needs adjusting. Before we head out I’d like to have an update on where we stand and what we can expect over the next week. Obviously, we’ll start with Kirby,” Vince concluded, yielding the floor to Kirby.

“OK, most of the prospects we invited to help set up camp and evaluate the program have checked in. There will be a few late arrivals but so far no cancels. Once the regular weekly schedule begins, each group will come in on Fridays, do a tour, have a meet and greet dinner together, and engage in a group meeting so we can let them know what to expect and what we are looking for.

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