St. Mary’s College of Maryland alumnus Willem van Waay ‘97 captured his 12th sailing world title at the J/22 World Championship in New Orleans in October, becoming the first sailor to win world championships in all four classes of J/boats.
His team dominated the J/22 regatta winning five of the first six races in the 47- boat field. A hurricane cut the regatta from four days to two but they were able to still have seven races.
“Fortunately it was choppy and quite windy which was our specialty,’ he said of the sailing conditions. “After six races we had five firsts and one 6th. This was enough to skip the last race and be crowned World Champs,” he said.
While at St. Mary’s College, van Waay was part of an elite group of sailors during a period when the program, led by Varsity Sailing Coach Adam Werblow, was making a name for itself on the national stage, consistently reaching podium finishes at national regattas.
Werblow said van Waay’s superpower is how he brings out the best in those around him. “He is not only the ultimate competitor, he is the ultimate teammate! He teaches, he prepares, he plays harder than anyone and he does so joyfully.”
Originally from Coronado, California, van Waay embarked on his successful professional career in 1998. “It’s been a true pleasure doing what I love for almost 30 years,” he reflects, adding he is fortunate to have a supportive family as he sails 200 plus days a year. He was a 2019 finalist for US Sailing’s prestigious Rolex Yachtsman Year award and says he would like to win that before he retires. However, he admits, “it is no easy task.”
