
Living , Modern
Ken
Read
Kenny
1961 –
The Massachusetts-born Read has twice been at the helm of National Sailing Hall of Famer Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup campaigns in 2000 and 2003. He was named US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtsman of the Year twice, has won nine World Championships, and has been involved with 46 North American, National and World Championship wins. He is a three-time Collegiate All-American, 1982’s College Sailor of the Year, and as of 2017 he still holds the record for most J/24 World Championship wins as a skipper (six). Read grew up sailing in Barrington, Rhode Island. He is a graduate of Boston University, where he was a three-time collegiate All-American and 1982 College Sailor of the Year. He is a member of the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame. After skippering two Volvo Ocean Races, Ken has returned to his business and sailmaking roots as President of North Sails Group and Executive Vice President of North Technology Group. While running one of sailing’s most prestigious brands. he is still very active sailing and winning in a variety of classes. Read has also become an ambassador for the sport of sailing, serving as color commentator for NBC Sports during the 34th and 35th America’s Cups. Accomplishments and Honors
Year(s)
Place
Event
2017
1st
12m North American Championship, tactician
2017
3rd
Swan Nations Cup, Tactician
2017
2nd
J Class World Championship, Hanuman, skipper
2017
1st
Transpac record and 1st Elapsed time; Comanche, skipper
2013-2017
Project Manager/Skipper Comanche 100’
2017
1st
Pineapple Cup, Prospector
2017
1st
Swan Cup, CUORDILEONE
2017
1st
Bucket, Hanuman
2017
2nd
BVI Spring Regatta, Nala
2016
Newport Bermuda, Comanche, new race record, First in Class
2016
5th
Candy Store Cup, Zenji
2016
7th
Swan Cup, CUORDILEONE
2011-2012
3rd overall
Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA Ocean Racing CEO and Skipper
2008-2009
2nd overall
Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA Ocean Racing CEO and Skipper
2003
Etchells World Champion
2003
America’s Cup, Skipper (Stars & Stripes)
2000
America’s Cup, Skipper (Stars & Stripes)
1999
America’s Cup, Strategist/coach (Young America)
1997
Admiral’s Cup, Skipper of top scoring yacht and member of the overall winning USA team
1995, 1985
US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtsman of the Year
1982
Collegiate Sailor of the Year
–
Three time Collegiate All-American, Boston University
–
Four National Championship teams while at Boston University
–
Six-time J/24 World Champion
Preserving America’s Sailing Legacy
Engaging Sailing’s Next Generation
Stay Connected to the National Sailing Hall of Fame