Corinthian Club Hosts Gary Jobson Speech
By Sharael Feist
April 9, 1999
America’s Cup winner and ESPN sailing analyst Gary Jobson spoke at the Corinthian Yacht Club last week. Jobson shared his thoughts and expertise on the history and future of sailing with members of the America True ally club in Tiburon, California, a few miles north of San Francisco.
Jobson also discussed the upcoming monumental sailing event, America’s Cup 2000, and the ground breaking involvement of America True. Web site correspondent Sharael Feist caught up with Jobson at the event. Here are some of his comments from her interview.
AT: What are your thoughts on the America True campaign?
GJ: Dawn is bringing her experience to the campaign, since this is her third America’s Cup. And John Cutler is another important piece of the pie on the back of the boat. I just returned from New Zealand, and I was impressed by the America True compound. They are fortunate to have Chris Coffin on board. He understands the game. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride. You can’t get too excited or too down. Chris is level headed, which is important.
AT: What do you think of the America True technology program?
GJ: They have an advantage since they have the knowledge of the America3 technology. Phil Kaiko has good ideas. The key is to be able to adjust the boat as time goes on. The secret is to be able to shift gears and make improvements throughout the competition and secret is to be able to keep emotions in tact.
AT: What are your thoughts on having a woman run an America’s Cup syndicate?
GJ: I give Dawn credit. She did it. It’s tough to organize a campaign. She brings a freshness and believability to the America’s Cup competition.
AT: What about Team New Zealand? What are their chances for a successful defense?
GJ: New Zealand’s Achilles Heel is the fact that they are not holding defense trials. They are taking a risk by doing this because they will be in the dark along with everyone else. But, they will be racing on their home waters, and they are building upon their past win. I think it will be very tough to get the Cup back from New Zealand. They are very well funded. The more challengers the better. The last three out of four America’s Cup competitions have been won by a challenger.
AT: What are the chances of America True bringing the Cup back to San Francisco?
GJ: It will be an uphill battle, but if they can make improvements as they go, they should be able to make it to the semi-finals. Nobody knows who’s going to win until the first race.
America True CEO and Captain Dawn Riley also attended the Gary Jobson speech, where she was presented with a “Corinthian Bear” good luck gift from the members. Follow the links to learn more about Riley and Jobson.