Andrew Pindar, Chairman of AlphaGraphics, Jay Palace, President of Group Experiential Learning, Olympian Graham Biehl and Dan Cooney of USSTAG

Photos from the February 4th event are up on the Lyons Imaging site.    Photos are grouped into the following galleries:

Racing Photos – Teams sailing with and against Graham Biehl

Group shots and Awards Presentation

Press Release/Regatta Recap

It’s not every day that one gets to meet an Olympic sailor, let alone race with one.  On February 4, 2010 in Naples, Fla., AlphaGraphics, the title sponsor of the US Sailing Team, took its sponsorship to the next level with a pioneering event that intertwined world-class sailing with corporate relationship building.

AlphaGraphics brought its top franchisees out to sail and race with US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics (USSTAG) team member Graham Biehl, a 2008 Olympian and 2012 Olympic hopeful, in an event organized by fellow sponsor, Group Experiential Learning (GEL), the country’s premier provider of experiential outdoor and sailboat-based leadership development, team building and corporate entertainment programs.

Ninety-five percent of the participants had never sailed, let alone raced, prior to the afternoon on the home waters of the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club, but tight racing ensued, facilitated by a highly experienced coaching team from J World Annapolis, a sailing school partner which powers many GEL programs.

Participants were divided into four teams on J80s, with each team guest-coached by Biehl during one round of the four races which comprised the regatta.

“Our role as a title sponsor of US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics has really evolved into a greater and greater relationship year-after-year,” said Kevin Cushing, CEO of AlphaGraphics.  “Our event was a great example of how the members of the team are more engaged with our franchisees and our franchisees are engaged with them.  Graham Biehl was present on every boat giving us tips and having a blast with our franchisees.  It was a once-in-a-life experience.”

Added Dan Cooney, Commercial Director for US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, “We were thrilled to have our team-building partner GEL lead our title sponsor AlphaGraphics and their top franchisees through the paces on the water, culminating in some competitive but friendly racing.  It serves to deepen and add value to these relationships.”

The day’s outcome?  Sixteen key franchisees and AlphaGraphics employees experienced an unprecedented opportunity to compete with and against a young Olympic athlete, and got a glimpse into the teamwork required to battle wind, currents and competitors in the intense world of sailboat racing.  Several teams won individual races and the regatta did award trophies, but as Kevin Cushing pointed out, the victories are truly measured in the smiles of the participants and the deepened relationships between AlphaGraphics and its vital franchisees.

Contacts:
Marni Lane, US SAILING, 617-671-8332, marnilane@ussailing.org

Donna Berry, InkSpot PR for GEL, 415-608-0355, donna@inkspotpr.com

Group Experiential Learning Joins US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics as Bronze-Level Partner,

Official Supplier of Team-Building and Leadership Development

November 4, 2009 (Portsmouth, R.I.) – Group Experiential Learning (GEL) has joined forces with the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics (USSTAG) as a new bronze-level partner, US SAILING announced today. The relationship marks the first official team-building partnership for USSTAG, under which GEL will deliver high impact team building and leadership training experiences for current and future USSTAG sponsors. As part of the partnership, GEL will introduce some of USSTAG’s non-endemic sponsors to the sport of sailing, while offering sailing veterans the opportunity to sharpen their skills and enhance their teamwork on the water. Many GEL events will feature participation by USSTAG’s Olympians and Olympic hopefuls.

“Sailing is an extremely team-oriented sport,” said Jay Palace, President of GEL. “Because sailboats won’t move without coordination between a helmsperson and the sail trimmers, it’s the perfect platform for improving communication, collaboration and developing leadership capabilities needed by high performance teams. The challenges GEL participants face on the water literally mirror what happens inside the office.”

USSTAG’s title sponsor, AlphaGraphics, has tapped GEL to organize a special introduction to sailing and racing, during which AlphaGraphics’ franchisees will sail side-by-side with USSTAG members in Naples, Fla. in early 2010. The afternoon of racing will strengthen relationships and give participants a unique glimpse into the training, preparation and focus required to win medals at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

”We are excited to welcome GEL to the team because they are terrific at what they do and they will contribute a new element to our program,” said Dan Cooney (Marion, Mass.), USSTAG’s Commercial Director. “We are constantly thinking about new ways our partners can leverage their investment in the team, and GEL provides a truly unique opportunity for a sponsor’s employees and clients. Introducing new people to the sport through this sponsorship is a welcome bonus.”

About Group Experiential Learning

Group Experiential Learning (GEL) helps businesses forge high performance teams and enhance working relationships with clients and key partners through active, outdoor experiential programs. GEL is based in San Francisco, California, and delivers consulting services and its industry leading BoatWorks program across the U.S. and in select international locations. GEL’s founder and president is Jay Palace, a former technology executive who has combined his passion for sailing with his practical experience leading sales and marketing organizations to create GEL’s unique on-the-water experiences. Via these programs that mirror the challenges faced by today’s corporate leaders and knowledge workers, GEL has enabled teams to break down silos, communicate more effectively, make better decisions, and increase overall team performance. www.gelcorp.com

About the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics
The US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics (USSTAG) is managed by the United States Sailing Association (US SAILING), the national governing body for the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. The top boats in each Olympic and Paralympic class are selected annually to be members of the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics. US SAILING supports these elite athletes with funding, coaching and training. The title sponsor of the team is AlphaGraphics; other sponsors include Rolex Watch USA, Atlantis WeatherGear, Sperry Top-Sider, LaserPerformance, Harken, Team McLube, Bow Down Training, New England Ropes and Group Experiential Learning. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US SAILING is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. US SAILING offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country. For more information about US SAILING, please visit: www.ussailing.org. For more information about the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, please visit: http://sailingteams.ussailing.org.

This week, his audio podcast covers how teams manage to make good decisions when the pressure is on.  Here’s the description and a link to the file.

How Great Teams Communicate to Make Good Decisions Under Pressure
Great teams have several common characteristics. In this edition of SoundWaves, Dean Brenner discusses one primary characteristic of great teams – clear communication. Listen as he shares some lessons from the recently-completed Sonar Class World Championship, where Dean and his teammates finished in 3rd place out of 57 boats.  Listen now. Length: 5:38

Here’s another video from Thursday’s Taste of BoatWorks program for HR and business professionals at Club Nautique in Alameda. Sailors Donna Berry, John Klinestiver, Edwin Bernbaum and Marc-Andre Olivier  are working hard and figuring out how to conquer the BoatWorks Challenge Course with the help of Coach, Doug Perry.

What a interesting crew as well!  The jib trimmer, Donna is a PR guru; Strategist John is an extremely seasoned senior HR executive, Ed runs Peak Paradigms, a company like GEL that helps individuals and organizations develop leadership skills via active seminars amid the splendor of the Himalayas.  Marc-Andre is a senior consultant for Learning as Leadership, a Bay Area dynamic organization similarly focused on high performance.

I wish I’d had more time to ride along with these guys, but there were 3 other sub-teams to visit.

Here’s Lisa Bates, Andrea Tsingos and Roy Nierenberg of Wente Family Estates, Autodesk and ProjectKickStart sailing at GEL’s Taste of BoatWorks event under the watchful eyes of Captain Jim Hancock, the VP and General Manager of Club Nautique.

Just before I hopped aboard to observe dynamics and take some video, the gang was talking about wine.

Lisa is VP of HR for Wente Family Estates, and it becomes pretty clear that she knows how to use words as well as wine to motivate a team.  Listen to the end to hear her say  as they charge towards the starting line, “Let’s rock and roll!”

You’ll see similar levels of intense enthusiasm from Andrea and Roy.  Stay tuned for other videos from later in the exercise.  Communication flows between Roy, Lisa and Andrea like they’ve been sailing together for years, and Jim gets to sit back and enjoy watching his students perform after only one short practice session.

I love sailing!

Contact: Lacey Todd

415.421.2225

Fax: 415.421.2208

Lacey.Todd@tisailing.org

For Immediate Release

Non-Profit Treasure Island Sailing Center Raises $35,000 with

its 5^th Annual BIG Team Regatta Event

Bay Area Businesses Collaborate to Provide Experiential Sailing Events That Enable Underprivileged Youth to Learn Critical Teamwork, Communication and Decision Making Skills

Treasure Island, CA, October 7, 2009 – Non-profit Treasure Island Sailing Center (TISC) raised $35,000 at its popular “BIG Team Regatta” held at the Olympic Circle Sailing Club (OCSC) in Berkeley on Friday, October 2. Several local businesses set sail in the pursuit of bragging rights and the chance to support TISC’s youth programs. The funds raised allow hundreds of underprivileged youth to attend a special summer sailing camp.

The BIG Team Regatta is a major part of TISC’s programs, which help children learn life skills and instill teamwork, communication and responsibility.  Full and partial scholarships go to over 80% of its youth participants.

“The regatta gets people out on the water for the thrill of sailing and experiences that stick for a lifetime, all in the spirit of giving,” said Lacey Todd, operations manager for TISC. “To pull this off, we require an army of volunteers and generous sponsors who make this possible.  This year marks the fifth successful BIG Team Regatta thanks to their efforts.”

Seven four-person teams represented by Wells Fargo Bank, PG&E, Northrup Grumman, Mechanics Bank, Hanson Bridgett and Almar Marinas, competed in seven races over the course of the day.

This year’s winning team, Wells Fargo, was joined onboard by veteran sailor and Olympic silver medalist Will Baylis of Tiburon, who coached them with great skill to their place on the podium.

During the awards ceremony, 10-year-old Isabella Duan from Hillsborough, Calif., took the microphone and gave thanks to TISC staff and the corporate racers for giving her three years of summer sailing camp.

“I have been sailing at Treasure Island Sailing Center with my brothers for the past three years.  I have really enjoyed sailing because it has taught me a about staying focused, perseverance, and sportsmanship. I hope to come to TISC for many more years and someday I would like to be on a team and sail competitively.”

The San Francisco BIG Team Regatta came about five years ago in collaboration between two Bay Area businesses, Group Experiential Learning and OCSC Sailing School. Their founders, compelled by personal experience to support youth sailing, created a non-profit version of their corporate team-building programs.”

“Sailing is perhaps the most empowering opportunity parents and organizations can provide young children,” said Jay Palace, founder of BIG Team Regatta and president of GEL. “Learning to solo-sail a small dinghy gives a seven-year-old complete control and a huge sense of accomplishment. Braving the elements ignites excitement, instills confidence and inspires curiosity about weather, tides and science.”

Palace served as a volunteer sailing coach for Treasure Island in the late 1990’s and came up with the BIG Team Regatta fund-raising concept to benefit a Washington, D.C. non-profit in 2003.  Since then, the organization has helped non-profits like TISC raise a combined $500,000 with 14 regattas in four cities – San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and New York.

To watch videos of the 2009 BIG Team Regatta visit: http://www.gelcorp.com/clients/bigteamregattasf2010.html

To make a donation please visit TISC’s Sponsor a Sailor Donation Website at http://tisailing.org/sponsor-a-sailor/. For more information on TISC, go to www.tisailing.org or email info@tisailing.org. And for more information on BIG Team Regatta please visit http://www.bigteamregatta.com/.

You can also join TISC on Facebook.

About Treasure Island Sailing Center

The Treasure Island Sailing Center (TISC) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the Bay Area community and the sport of sailing by providing access, facilities, and sailing instruction to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, skill levels, and physical abilities. To learn more about our youth, adult and adaptive sailing programs, call (415) 421-2225 or visit www.tisailing.org.

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Click here to view the embedded video.

What’s the Big Team Regatta? It’s a corporate charity regatta attended this year by Mechanics Bank, Almar Marine, Hanson Bridgett, Northrop Grumman, Wells Fargo and two teams from PG&E.  Each company donated $5000 per team to to the Treasure Island Sailing Center, and enjoyed a day of racing and camaraderie. The event is organized in partnership by OCSC and Group Experiential Learning, but 99% of the work is done by an amazing team of volunteers lead by Lacey Todd of the Treasure Island Sailing Center.

The proceeds will help Treasure Island provide scholarships for 140 kids to attend a week long sailing summer camp in 2010. Each year about 1200 kids from the bay area learn self confidence, leadership and team work. The Treasure Island Sailing Center is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve our community and the sport of sailing by providing access, facilities, and sailing instruction to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, skill levels, and physical abilities.

We hear strategy from the team’s tactician, Courtney, and comments about their teamwork from Jeff, their OCSC sailing coach.  The action takes place all within 90 seconds of the start of race 6.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What’s the Big Team Regatta? It’s a corporate charity regatta attended this year by Mechanics Bank, Almar Marine, Hanson Bridgett, Northrop Grumman, Wells Fargo and two teams from PG&E.  Each company donated $5000 per team to to the Treasure Island Sailing Center, and enjoyed a day of racing and camaraderie. The event is organized in partnership by OCSC and Group Experiential Learning, but 99% of the work is done by an amazing team of volunteers lead by Lacey Todd of the Treasure Island Sailing Center.

The proceeds will help Treasure Island provide scholarships for 140 kids to attend a week long sailing summer camp in 2010. Each year about 1200 kids from the bay area learn self confidence, leadership and team work. The Treasure Island Sailing Center is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve our community and the sport of sailing by providing access, facilities, and sailing instruction to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, skill levels, and physical abilities.

The weather was awesome for Mechanics Bank, Almar Marine, Hanson Bridgett, Northrop Grumman, Wells Fargo and two teams from PG&E.  Each company donated $5000 per team to to the Treasure Island Sailing Center, and enjoyed a day of racing and camaraderie sponsored by OCSC and Group Experiential Learning.

The proceeds will help Treasure Island provide scholarships for 140 kids to attend a week long sailing summer camp in 2010. Each year about 1200 kids from the bay area learn self confidence, leadership and team work. The Treasure Island Sailing Center is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve our community and the sport of sailing by providing access, facilities, and sailing instruction to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, skill levels, and physical abilities.

Check out this video I shot while riding along while Melinda Darbee and her team from PG&E are side by side with last year’s winners, Northrop Grumman.

Click here to view the embedded video.