Betsy Alison: Using All the Tools

The July 2024 issue of Seahorse Magazine includes a profile I’ve wanted to write for a very long time. I first met Betsy Alison in 1990, shortly before I talked my way onto her J/24 for my first-ever Newport Regatta. Since then I’ve sailed with and against her in a variety of boats, including (of course) the Yngling.

Betsy’s most recent international sailing victory was a gold medal at the 2023 Disabled Sailing Worlds, which followed a life victory of learning to walk again. After cancer docs took out half of her pelvis, she had to use all the tools in her personal toolbox; I remain in awe of the way she meets every challenge head-on.

The photo above was taken at the 2003 ISAF Sailing Worlds in Cadiz, and it brings back so many memories; big breeze, huge waves, the glories of international competition. One correction: the Seahorse caption says Betsy’s team won that regatta, but it was actually another US team that did so—a reminder of how deep the US Yngling fleet was in the lead up to the 2004 Olympic Trials.

Seahorse has graciously allowed me to share a PDF with my readers, but to read Dan Houston’s memories of the legendary Don Street you’ll have to subscribe. Thanks for supporting such a great magazine!

Read Using All the Tools