What is it like to sail with Ted Turner?

Gary Jobson and Ted Turner bonded during their 1977 America’s Cup victory and remained close thereafter. Gary shares this sentiment following Ted’s passing:

Over the years I have given nearly 3,000 lecture presentations. While the topics have varied, one subject is always included — the America’s Cup. And the most frequent question I am asked is “What is it like to sail with Ted Turner?”

I always take my time when I answer. Ted is a gifted sailor, and he recruits top sailors. Ted always says he likes when decisions are made at the lowest level. He is quite methodical when working with a tactician and navigator.

He will ask probing questions that challenge you to think hard. He appreciates people who think through all the possible options available. He will often surprise me with an alternative option that I might not have thought about. In sum, Ted does three things well on long distance races:

1. He is a superb helmsman.
2. He is very good at trimming spinnakers and will spend considerable time continuously adjusting the sail.
3. He is at his best as a leader. When Ted makes a decision, the crew buys in and executes.

I’ve attended many business meetings and a few board meetings with him over the years. His routine on the water is analogous to his work in the boardroom. He considers all the options, makes a decision, and presses ahead at full speed. He has a good way of lifting everyone’s game.

He had an extraordinary run on the water, but he had to give up sailing to focus on his media business. Ted retired from grand prix yacht racing at the young age of 41.