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Dawn Riley Sails into History
By Ruth Carlson
Charting her own course is nothing new for Dawn Riley; she's the first American, man or woman, to compete in three America's Cups – the world's most prestigious yachting race. She's now preparing for Act 12, a qualifying race for the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup (precursor to the America's Cup).
Riley, 41, currently serves as sole female general manager of a team competing in the America's Cup. PINK caught up with her onboard a container ship in Valencia, Spain to talk about the challenges of a career and personal life in this predominantly male sport.
PINK: How did you get into sailing?
Dawn Riley: I grew up sailing. I was captain of the sailing team at Michigan State University and paid for college by working on boats. I was the watch captain and skipper of the first and second all female round the world races and the only woman in the 1992 America's Cup, team captain of the first all-women's team in 1995 and the CEO and team captain of the America True, a coed team in 2000.
PINK: What was your most challenging race?
DR: The most adventurous was sailing around the world. It was nine months of sailing that was wild and crazy with icebergs and 40-foot waves and 60-knot winds.
PINK: What are some of the challenges of managing non-Americans?
DR: This is a different concept for the French, having a woman boss, more so than with Anglo cultures. I know it's new for them and take it one step at a time. I'm a woman in charge of men and an American in charge of a French team [called Areva]. There is only one other woman on board, a sail trimmer.
PINK: What differences do you notice between managing men and managing women?
DR: With the women's team [1995 America's Cup] you have to explain everything. Women – and I'm guilty of this as well – question everything and suggest alternatives. With the guys, it's just f…ing do it.
PINK: More women play golf for business. Do you recommend they sail too?
DR: You can golf on your lunch break. But in terms of negotiating, making contacts, and being on competitive footing with the guys, it helps to sail.
PINK: How did your team get funding?
DR: We got a $12.5 million sponsorship [from Areva, a company that disposes of nuclear waste]. And we plan to deliver 4 to 5 times return on their investment – through media numbers. The America's Cup allows CEOs to network and meet sailing superstars.
PINK: How do you manage a personal life with all the travel?
DR: My home is wherever. I was engaged to a guy who is now shore manager for the New Zealand team, and now that syndicate is next door to ours. This sailing world is a huge extended family or soap opera. Right now I'm dating a guy from Seattle who has nothing to do with sailing.
Grand GAMMA Award Winner
PINK celebrates its first anniversary after winning the region's highest industry awards. At the Magazine Association of the Southeast conference in May, PINK brought home eight awards, including the evening's top award – the "Grand GAMMA" – as well as "General Excellence" in the Consumer/Paid (more than $1 million) category and gold for "Best Website."
