Biography:
Elizabeth “Betsy Gelentis Alison is an American sailor who has made significant contributions to the world of sailing. Born and raised in the United States, Alison discovered her passion for sailing at a young age. Encouraged by her father, she started sailing sunfish as a child, initially not enjoying the experience. However, it wasn’t long before she fell in love with the sport, particularly the camaraderie she shared with her friends on Barnegat Bay.
During her time as a student at Tufts University in the late 1970s, Alison took her sailing skills to the next level. She sailed on Upper Mystic Lake and immersed herself in the technical aspects of racing, learning from her talented teammates. Her dedication and talent were recognized when she received an honorable mention for college All-American sailor in 1981.
Alison’s sailing career quickly gained momentum. In 1985, she achieved a significant milestone by winning her first Rolex International Women’s Keelboat championship and being awarded the prestigious Bengt Julin trophy. This victory marked the beginning of an exceptional journey for Alison, as she went on to win the championship four more times.
In 1998, Alison’s sailing prowess reached new heights when she emerged victorious in the Women’s Match Racing event at the ISAF Sailing World Championships held in Dubai, UAE. This achievement earned her the esteemed title of the ISAF World Sailor of the Year, cementing her status as one of the most accomplished sailors in the world.
Alison’s success extended beyond individual events. In 2003, she and her crew, comprised of Lee Icyda and Suzy Leech, made history by becoming the first all-women team to win the Open Yngling World Championship in Rostock, Germany. This groundbreaking victory not only showcased Alison’s exceptional skills but also paved the way for future generations of female sailors.
Throughout her career, Alison has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing sailing for people of all abilities. In 1998, she took on the role of coaching the US team for the World Disabled Sailing Championship. This experience led her to play a pivotal role in the 1996 revision of the Disabled Sailing Manual, ensuring that individuals with disabilities had equal opportunities to participate in the sport. Today, Alison continues to contribute to the sailing community as the Chair of the Para World Sailing Committee.
Awards:
– Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year (1990, 1991, [unknown years])
– Bengt Julin Trophy (1985)
– ISAF World Sailor of the Year (1998)
– Open Yngling World Championship (2003)
– Mrs. Charles Francis Adams Trophy (1990, 1991)
– Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy (2009)
– United States’ National Sailing Hall of Fame (2011)
– President’s Development Award from the International Sailing Federation (2015)