America One Racing announces new board members and project podium

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.

Four world-class sailors join A1R board of directors

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 is 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 AmericaOne'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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 AmericaOne with passion, experience and care. We thank them immensely!"

A1R 2024 Year-End Report