This past weekend I attend my boating club’s annual meeting featuring guest speaker Gary Jobson. Although Gary is based on my home waters of the Chesapeake Bay, I have never had the opportunity to hear him speak. What I learned was that this world class sailor, television commentator, author and recent National Sailing Hall of Fame Inductee is driven to promote the sport of sailing one program at a time.
To be honest I didn’t know much about Gary Jobson. His sailing background began in Barnegat Bay racing from a young age and working his way up in the ranks. Gary told one story about a friend of his who wanted him to go to this rock concert in New York but Gary was also ask to sail in one-design national championship that weekend. Not knowing what to do he asked his father for advise. “Son, you can go to a rock concert anytime. Go sailing.” So he sailed in the championship and missed the concert in Woodstock, NY.
From there Gary was on the fast track to great opportunities in sailing. After graduating from the SUNY Maritime College in New York City he caught the attention of Ted Turner who was putting together an America’s Cup campaign for 1977. Gary joined Turner and became the winning tactician aboard Courageous at the young age of 27. That began the string of many ocean races including the grueling Fastnet Race in the Celtic Sea. Gary has also lead expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica and Capt Horn. Today he continues to cruise with his family and races in select events each year on his Swan 42, Mustang, and an Etchells, Whirlwind.
When he is not on the water Gary has become this sports top historian and promoter. As the current president of US Sailing he travels the country speaking to organizations about racing and encouraging younger generations to stay active in the sport. Gary also educates the masses as an analyst for ESPN and NBC providing not only the commentary for the event but uses the media to educate and tell of its proud history. Over the past 35 years Gary has given over 2000 lectures and continues to make himself available even down to the local boat clubs like the event I was at. You can see his speaking engagements on his website as well as request him for your local event.
His latest project will air this weekend on ESPN Classic celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Stars and Stripes 1987 win in the America’s Cup. Some would say that this is the greatest comeback in America’s Cup history. Dennis Connor is known both as the skipper who unsuccessfully defended the America’s Cup in 1983 losing the Cup for the first time in 132 years and also as the unlikely skipper who won it back in 1987. Gary reviewed hours upon hours of footage and interviewed Dennis himself to create this anniversary tribute. The special airs Saturday, February 4, 2012 at noon and 7:00 p.m.
I learned a lot about Gary that evening. He told many stories and had a video program that should make ESPN’s highlight reel every day of the week. The sport needs more people like Gary to promote sailing to the younger generation. It is through them that our sport will continue to grow.
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