The Strength of a Dream
By Sharael Feist
December 4, 1999
John Broadhead’s dream has come true. The lifelong sailor always wanted to race in the America’s Cup. He does not have a long list of records or regattas on his resume. But his strength and determination were enough to earn Broadhead a spot on the America True sailing team in October, when he became one of only five non-professional sailors chosen during America True’s open tryouts.
“The bottom line is that he’s strong and he has talent,” said America True CEO and Captain Dawn Riley, who was keeping an eye open for grinders at the tryouts. Standing well over six feet tall, and weighing in at 260 pounds, Broadhead will fill that power-needing niche.
Some of Broadhead’s sailing accomplishments include crewing on <i>Swift Sure II</i> in the Big Boat Series this year, winning the St. Francis Knarr Match Racing Championship in 1997, and competing in the Antigua Race Week aboard Big 0 in 1996.
Broadhead, 31, was raised in Chicago and started sailing at a young age with his father and brothers on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. In 1993, Broadhead moved to San Francisco and pursued his passion for sailing on the windy Bay.
“As soon as I got here, the first thing I did was get on a boat,” said Broadhead.
In 1995, he decided to get serious about sailing and was determined to sail on large boats and, someday, compete in the America’s Cup. Even so, John was astounded when his dream became a reality.
“I was so excited,” said Broadhead. “I was having a hard time believing it was true. I finally get to do something I’m passionate about, and that I enjoy.”
The most important factor in sailing, says Broadhead, is to be consistently aware of what his responsibility is on the boat, and how it affects others on the crew. He feels that it is essential to anticipate what needs to be done. This should be instinctual, and being a good crewmember means not needing to be told what to do.
Broadhead stated that he admires Riley’s commitment and motivation, and he is going to focus on what it takes to win – not the party after. He has joined his 18 teammates in Auckland, New Zealand where they will practice for the next four months. For more information about the team in New Zealand, check out Dawn Riley’s Road Notes.