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Madeline RIchardsProgram DirectorThis year we have a new Program Director for our organization, replacing the irreplaceable Victoria Anweiler. Maddy Richards lives in Alameda, is a life-long sailor, and is excited to be joining the team for this coming summer. We took a few minutes to sit down and ask some questions that we thought the community might be interested in. Check out our interview with her and join us in welcoming Maddy to the team!
ACSC: So, Maddy, we know a lot about you, but what three things do you think that our families and campers would want to know about you as a person? |
Maddy: Well, let's see... I have sailed around the world, I guess that's pretty interesting! I have also lived all over the country, but now am happy to call Alameda home. And I guess it's pretty obvious, but I love, love, LOVE sailing. I've been doing it since I was a little girl and it's been the focus of my professional life for about 10 years.
Maddy in Cannes
ACSC: Loving sailing is certainly important, but can you tell us more about that "professional" experience?
Maddy: Oh, sure, I love talking about my jobs! I've been a sailing instructor since I was old enough to work, starting with my home club in Buzzards Bay. All through high school and college I worked as a sailing instructor in the summer time in California and the Caribbean, so naturally after college I decided to continue. My first job in the bay was with San Francisco Maritime, you know, the big ships down on the waterfront in the city. I absolutely loved it there. I spent 7 years working in various roles, including Director, on their sailing and outdoor education programs. The focus there was much more on leadership and education than it was on sailing, but I still got to mess around on a lot of cool boats. That was a job I was certainly sad to leave.
ACSC: Okay, I want to get to your current job, but first, what was that about the Caribbean? That sounded cool.
Maddy: Oh, BroadReach, yes. That was a live-aboard sailing and diving experience for teens. That was a great program. I worked for them for 6 summers, it was such a blast. I taught sailing, but I also got to teach leadership and group dynamics, which was more fun and challenging for me at that point. 12 strangers living on a boat together can be pretty interesting. Add in some teenage hormones and you've got a recipe for adventure, or a good reality show, come to think of it. [chuckles]
ACSC: I have two teenagers and the thought of 12 in a confined space terrifies me. You must have some magic tricks up your sleeves?
Maddy: No magic, just a lot of patience. And of course back then I had a dinghy to escape on as well... [laughing]
ACSC: Okay, well enough about your past, can you tell some of our families out there what you're doing now and what brought you to ACSC.
Maddy: Sure, sure... I actually teach high school now, in my spare time, you know, when I'm not sailing. I first found ACSC when I wanted to start a high school sailing club for my students. [You guys] were all very accommodating and just wanted to see more kids on the water, it was great. So we ran the program... let's see... we've run the program for 4 seasons now! Wow, time flies. After we got started with that program, I helped out here and there, whenever Victoria needed an extra hand. I was really bummed for the organization to hear that she was leaving. I definitely have some big shoes to fill.
ACSC: Yes, we all love Victoria around here. I hear that she is helping you with the transition?
Maddy: Yes! Yes, thank goodness. She has such a wealth of knowledge about this place and luckily she is still around to fill in the gaps when I find them. She's got a cool new project going on, but I think we might still see her at some of the ACSC events as a volunteer. I think the same things that drew me to ACSC and this role will keep Victoria here. It's great to be surrounded by people who all love to sail, want to help out, and want to have a lot of fun doing it.
ACSC: Emphasis on the fun, right?
Maddy: Definitely!
ACSC: Great, well I think I've asked all of our questions so far. Is there anything that you want our families and sailing community to know about you before we wrap up here?
Maddy: Yeah, I suppose there is. I'd just like them all to know that sailing is the best [laughing loudly]. No seriously, um... I think the most important thing is that anyone, from any background, with any challenge can go sailing. I truly believe that this sport can heal souls and help us live our lives in the best way. It's my mission to get everyone who wants to go, out on the water and sailing. So, I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to start getting butts in boats [smiles broadly]
ACSC: well, that's our business! Maddy, we're so happy to have you on board. Thanks for doing this interview here with us today.
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Madeline Richards
Program Director
Maddy: Oh, sure, I love talking about my jobs! I've been a sailing instructor since I was old enough to work, starting with my home club in Buzzards Bay. All through high school and college I worked as a sailing instructor in the summer time in California and the Caribbean, so naturally after college I decided to continue. My first job in the bay was with San Francisco Maritime, you know, the big ships down on the waterfront in the city. I absolutely loved it there. I spent 7 years working in various roles, including Director, on their sailing and outdoor education programs. The focus there was much more on leadership and education than it was on sailing, but I still got to mess around on a lot of cool boats. That was a job I was certainly sad to leave.
ACSC: Okay, I want to get to your current job, but first, what was that about the Caribbean? That sounded cool.
Maddy: Oh, BroadReach, yes. That was a live-aboard sailing and diving experience for teens. That was a great program. I worked for them for 6 summers, it was such a blast. I taught sailing, but I also got to teach leadership and group dynamics, which was more fun and challenging for me at that point. 12 strangers living on a boat together can be pretty interesting. Add in some teenage hormones and you've got a recipe for adventure, or a good reality show, come to think of it. [chuckles]
ACSC: I have two teenagers and the thought of 12 in a confined space terrifies me. You must have some magic tricks up your sleeves?
Maddy: No magic, just a lot of patience. And of course back then I had a dinghy to escape on as well... [laughing]
ACSC: Okay, well enough about your past, can you tell some of our families out there what you're doing now and what brought you to ACSC.
Maddy: Sure, sure... I actually teach high school now, in my spare time, you know, when I'm not sailing. I first found ACSC when I wanted to start a high school sailing club for my students. [You guys] were all very accommodating and just wanted to see more kids on the water, it was great. So we ran the program... let's see... we've run the program for 4 seasons now! Wow, time flies. After we got started with that program, I helped out here and there, whenever Victoria needed an extra hand. I was really bummed for the organization to hear that she was leaving. I definitely have some big shoes to fill.
ACSC: Yes, we all love Victoria around here. I hear that she is helping you with the transition?
Maddy: Yes! Yes, thank goodness. She has such a wealth of knowledge about this place and luckily she is still around to fill in the gaps when I find them. She's got a cool new project going on, but I think we might still see her at some of the ACSC events as a volunteer. I think the same things that drew me to ACSC and this role will keep Victoria here. It's great to be surrounded by people who all love to sail, want to help out, and want to have a lot of fun doing it.
ACSC: Emphasis on the fun, right?
Maddy: Definitely!
ACSC: Great, well I think I've asked all of our questions so far. Is there anything that you want our families and sailing community to know about you before we wrap up here?
Maddy: Yeah, I suppose there is. I'd just like them all to know that sailing is the best [laughing loudly]. No seriously, um... I think the most important thing is that anyone, from any background, with any challenge can go sailing. I truly believe that this sport can heal souls and help us live our lives in the best way. It's my mission to get everyone who wants to go, out on the water and sailing. So, I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to start getting butts in boats [smiles broadly]
ACSC: well, that's our business! Maddy, we're so happy to have you on board. Thanks for doing this interview here with us today.
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Madeline Richards
Program Director
