When Adventure Calls
It was by chance that our publisher bumped into this gentleman at the Larkin Street Youth Services Gala. With a single question, she pried open a door to an opportunity which would be of interest to anyone who both loves the water and seeks a unique experience. Please meet professional sailor and San Francisco business owner, Brad Webb.
I&S: You are primarily known for being a long-time member of Oracle Team USA and being part of the greatest comeback in sporting history in 2013. What is your schedule like when you are not in competition season?
BW: The America’s Cup is unique because it’s irregular and each cycle is different. In the past I’ve joined the grand-prix circuit, taught sailing or jumped straight into preparing for the next event. This time I’m spending time running ACsailingSF.
I&S: You and your wife started ACsailingSF based out of Pier 39 to help promote sailing among the general public. How has your reception been so far?
BW: We are very much like any start-up where early adopters, local sailors and adventure seekers jumped at the chance to sail on a real America’s Cup yacht. Now our marketing is aimed at tourists and event planners looking for a very unique experience. We have received extremely positive feedback from people who have ticked off a bucket-list item and corporate leaders who have found this a refreshing team-building activity.
I&S: What types of modifications were required to turn USA 76 into something which might accommodate passenger “sailors”?
BW: Our goal was to keep the boat as authentic as possible so guests could really “feel” what it’s like to be a professional America’s Cup sailor. We have installed liferails and added safety equipment required to meet US Coast Guard standards, but all the rest of the changes are hidden below deck.
I&S: What do you hope visitors take away from their experience with your company?
BW: Sailing USA 76 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. All our guests get a turn at the wheel, and help power the winches on the grinders. This participation is a lifelong memory for everyone who steps on board. We always try to sail to the Golden Gate Bridge, and watching our towering mast squeeze under the center span is an awesome sight. Of course if guests just want to sit back and enjoy the ride along San Francisco’s waterfront, it’s a great boat to do that from too!
I&S: You are also a board member of the St. Francis Sailing Foundation. How did you become involved with this group and what do they promote?
BW: In 2011 Paul Kaplan, owner of KKMI Marine Services, and a long time board member, nominated me. The St. Francis Sailing Foundation provides support to young sailors just beginning their sailing careers, competitive sailors as they advance, and elite sailors seeking world class competition. Additionally, the board offers grants to assist various programs that introduce sailing to students, under-served youth, and individuals who face physical challenges.
I&S: How has a life on the water shaped you personally? What benefits have you drawn from the time you have invested there?
BW: Since childhood I have felt a connection with the water. I enjoy meeting people who share the same passion for sailing, and working in a team environment with the common goal to win. I love tinkering around with boats, and my racing career has satisfied my highly competitive nature. These experiences are now serving as a base for leading our company as we grow and try to inspire others to find out what they’re capable of.
I&S:: If readers would like to keep up with Oracle Team USA, ACsailingSF or the St. Francis Sailing Foundation, the relevant web addresses are listed below:
ACsailingSF – Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133 and http://www.acsailingsf.com
St. Francis Sailing Foundation – 127 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710 and http://www.StFSF.org
Oracle Team USA – http://www.oracle.com/us/corporate/oracle-team-usa/index.html