America One Racing Introduces New Board Members
America One Racing (A1R) was formed on San Francisco Bay following the sale of America One’s America’s Cup assets to Larry Ellison. Since then A1R has been utilizing the funds to support many aspiring Olympic sailors and sailing organizations. US Olympic sailors continue to compete without the financial support provided to other professionally funded national teams. This is where America One has been stepping in to support competitive US sailors aiming for Olympic medals. America One issued the following press release regarding new members on the board:
America One Racing (A1R) has been a force in high-performance sailing for over 25 years. Now, A1R announces its next phase of programming by adding four new Directors to the Board and launching Project Podium.
America One Racing is pleased that four of America’s most qualified sailors have joined its Board:
Doug DeVos is a multi-World Champion sailor and Team Principal of American Magic.
JJ Fetter is a trailblazing American sailor who won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and a silver at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 470 class.
John Hele is a successful sailor and businessman and served as the New York Yacht Club Treasurer.
Anna Tunnicliffe Tobias [was] an Olympic gold medalist in the Laser Radial class at the 2008 Beijing Games. Anna also won the 2018 CrossFit Games, Masters 35–39 division.
They join continuing directors William Ruh, Paul Cayard and Doug Smith.
Two-time Olympic medalist, JJ Fetter commented, “I have long admired America One’s support of US athletes. I believe that bringing together like-minded foundations and private donors to support our top medal candidates with a qualified, small operational team is the path forward for the USA. The youth development aspect of A1R is also near and dear to me and my support of youth sailing in Southern California. I am honored to join the America One Racing Board in supporting our USA athletes.”
A1R LAUNCHES PROJECT PODIUM BACKED BY A FLEET OF DEDICATED SUPPORTERS
A1R’s newest initiative, Project Podium, aims to elevate Olympic campaigning for a group of experienced and continuing US Olympic sailing athletes. The program will provide complete support for each athlete, ranging from coaching to equipment and campaign strategy.
“A1R is pleased to add the expertise of our new board members as we pursue sailing excellence for US athletes,” said William Ruh, America One Racing Chairman. “We look forward to the mix of elite competitive sailing experience as well as executive management they will bring to bear on our strategy to professionalize the Olympic training experience in order to see more US sailors achieve podium wins.”
America One Racing will continue its youth development programs through the Foiling Pipeline. A1R can implement these programs because it continues to be backed by a steadfast network of supporters.
“Attempting these lofty goals would not be possible without the experience and passion of our partners American Magic, Quantum Racing, the Sailing Foundation of New York and the Schoonmaker Foundation. Together with St. Francis Sailing Foundation and Windmark Foundation, and thanks to the generosity of individual donors, we share a commitment to enhancing the sport of sailing,” commented Paul Cayard, a founding Director and skipper of the America One challenge during the 30th America’s Cup.
“I want to thank outgoing directors Larry Finch and Tom Seip. Through almost 30 years and a variety of sailing projects, Larry and Tom (with Fritz Jewett) led America One with passion, experience and care. We thank them immensely!”
– America One Racing
America One Racing’s ability to raise funds and support high-caliber athletes allows the sailors to focus on sailing and helps them get the coaching they need to get more US sailors on the podium in future Olympics. US Sailing athletes will be competing in the summer Olympics in Long Beach in 2028!