A1R: New board members and projects

Published on February 3rd, 2025

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 of America’s most qualified sailors have joined its Board: JJ Fetter, Doug DeVos, John Hele, and Anna Tunnicliffe Tobias. They join continuing directors William Ruh, Paul Cayard and Doug Smith.

JJ Fetter is a trailblazing American sailor who won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 470 class. 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.”

Doug DeVos is a multi-World Champion sailor and Team Principal of American Magic. 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.

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.

Paul Cayard, a founding Director and skipper of the America One challenge during the 30th America’s Cup, commented, “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.

“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

About America One Racing:
America One Racing (A1R) is dedicated to developing high-potential sailors and preparing them for success on the world stage. A1R provides athletes with elite coaching, performance planning, and cutting-edge resources to compete in top international events, including the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and Youth World Championships. A1R’s commitment to youth development takes place through its Foiling Platform and squad training. Building on America One’s 25-year legacy of advancing sailing in the U.S., A1R continues to shape the future of the sport; ensuring American sailors have the tools to reach the podium. For more information, visit www.americaoneracing.us.


Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Sailing Program*:
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Venue: Long Beach, CA
Dates: July 21-August 6

* World Sailing voted to keep the Paris 2024 Sailing Program for Los Angeles 2028, but the program is not final until the IOC approves all events, which usually occurs between December 2024 and January 2025. At that time, the IOC will also confirm the quota for sailing and how many medals.

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