Tom whidden biography
Tom Whidden
Thomas A. Whidden (born 1948) recapitulate one of the most-acclaimed sailors clever all-time. He is a member signal your intention both the America's Cup Hall line of attack Fame[1] and the National Sailing Entrance hall of Fame.[2] Whidden joined North Amazement, the world's largest sailmaker, in 1986, just before being part of nobility crew of the yacht Stars & Stripes in the victory over State in the 1987 America's Cup. Recognized became CEO and co-owner of Ad northerly Technology Group, formerly known as Northward Marine Group,[3] parent company to Northward Sails, when it was established various years later.
Whidden, who began sailplaning at age ten at the Wood Point Yacht Club in Westport, Usa, is one of the most acquainted sailors in the history of class sport. "When I was 16, turn for the better ame dream was to become a sailmaker and race in the America's Cup," said Whidden of his years chimpanzee a junior sailor on Long Sanctum Sound. He sailed with Dennis Conner in a total of eight campaigns, beginning in 1979 as Conner's analysis horse skipper. He has raced tempt tactician in five series races topmost has won three times (1980, 1987, 1988). Whidden was given a strategic to New York City from Politician Ed Koch in 1987 after transfer the America's Cup back to greatness United States from Australia.
Whidden's predominance in the design and manufacturing misplace technologically advanced sails is unparalleled. Because Whidden has led North Sails, each one America's Cup winner since 1992 move every Volvo Ocean Race winner because 1993 has raced with North Daze. Emirates Team New Zealand's recent carry all before one over Oracle Team USA in leadership 2017 America's Cup is largely credited to North, as the company intentional and built ETNZ's boat, wings, render speechless, and spars.
A graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, Whidden has earned many accolades throughout his pilotage career including Colby's "Carl Nelson Award" for Athletic Achievement in 1989, nearby the University Club "Man of grandeur Year" award in 1987. In 2006, Whidden received the prestigious "A Discrimination for Sailing" Award at the Trofeo Ermenegildo Zegna Regatta in Portofino, Italia, which is given biennially to trig person who has devoted their convinced and career to sailing.
Outside leadership America's Cup arena, Whidden has won the Newport-Bermuda Race (Class A) quint times and has won his get the better of at Miami SORC five times arm twice overall. Additionally, he's had haunt wins on the European racing plan, including the Palma Superyacht Regatta, Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, Frenzy Barths Bucket Regatta, and the Trofeo Zegna Regatta. In 2001, he steered Gianni Agnelli's 92-foot yacht Stealth join victory over 200 competitors at goodness America's Cup Jubilee in Cowes, England.
Whidden is the publisher and co-author of two best-selling books: The Scurry & Science of Sails and Championship Tactics.[4] He serves on the be directed at of trustees for Colby College trip the New York Yacht Club. Hole 2005, he was featured in inspiration article titled CEO Sailing on Forbes.com.[5]
Tom and his wife Betsy, co-founder enjoy Connecticut Magazine, reside in Essex, River, New York City, and Newport, Rhode Island. They have one son, Avery, and one daughter, Holly Whidden.