Page 22 - Priorities #52 2012-March/April

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Sail On, Sailor
Tom Ducharme ‘86, former America’s Cup Sailor, Entrepreneur and Contractor, speaks candidly about his experiences at the Priory as a boarding student and as a teenage sailor on Tom Blackaller’s renowned America’s Cup team.
Tom Ducharme was only 17 when he was asked to sail for Tom Blackaller’s America’s Cup Team. This was quite an honor for anyone, even more so for a teenager, but certainly a tribute to Tom’s nautical skills. “During my junior year at the Priory, I was asked to sail in the American Australian Challenge held in Newport, Australia in 6 meters,” said Tom.
“This was my introduction to the international arena and we won this event. I fit into this group of sailors and was asked to consider a position as a bowman on an America’s Cup Yacht. Ok, I’m 17 and I’m asked to sail in the America’s Cup. This was a dream of mine since 3rd grade.”
Tom often sat in his elementary school classes in San Francisco and could hear “the Maxi Boats sailing up the City Front with their wire sheets banging against the Aluminum masts” and from that moment, he was hooked. Tom blames his brother, five years his senior, and a bit of a “troublemaker,” for getting him involved with sailing. “Friends of my parents suggested sailing. This was a great distraction [from getting into trouble] and an opportunity to control something propelled by a natural resource without harming anything,” said Tom. “The science, beauty and power of the big boat really got my juices flowing.”
Sailing, like any professional sport, requires a great deal of practice and training. But what does it really take to win? Tom says that the most challenging aspect “is staying focused, keeping the distraction in check.” He adds, “It is almost comical going to a Pro regatta and having a fan base. You are asked to sign hats and tee shirt and other items and out on the water you go and you need to flip the switch to game face.”