When Suzy Leech
appeared at Key West Race Week (KWRW) in her new J/70 Junkanoo, it was a classic case of ‘trading places.’ Leech, whose
sailing resume lists her as “Bowchick” on the America3 all-female
campaign for America’s Cup in 1995, determined at 47 she was finally ready to
retire from ‘the foredeck union.
“I was not
interested in getting that wet and cold and beaten up anymore, and decided this
was my chance to transition.” But for Leech, a web and database programmer from
Jamestown, RI; it was a humbling switch, to the back of the boat. “I never did
any junior sailing or dinghies. I have only ever sailed on the bow of big
boats: so this was really my first experience driving.”
And on this steep learning curve, not only did Leech trade places from foredeck to helm, but on the leaderboard as well ...
Full article here.
