Photo: Daniel Forster/go4image.com

Kenneth Andreasen has been released from his position of High Performance Director/Head Coach at US Sailing. The decision was announced by Josh Adams, Managing Director of US Olympic Sailing. “After careful consideration, it is clear that we need to take a new direction on the performance side of the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Program,” said Adams. “That direction will include a sharper focus on the performance development of sailors and classes, boatspeed, and being a technically superior team.”

The following interim plan goes into effect immediately:

• Luther Carpenter will serve as Interim Head Coach. Carpenter, a six-time Games veteran and member of US Sailing’s Olympic coaching staff, will manage the transition with a focus on fall training camps, new class development, and winter/spring planning. He will contribute to the 2013-16 High Performance Plan submitted to the U.S. Olympic Committee and act as a primary contact for sailors and coaches.


• Gary Bodie, who was the organisation’s High Performance Director for 10 years through the 2008 Games, will serve as Advisor to US Olympic Sailing. He will advise on the 2013-16 High Performance Plan and in other key areas of the program.

“Kenneth has been committed and dedicated to U.S. Olympic Sailing,” continued Adams. “He deserves credit for, among other things, his emphasis on class teamwork and fitness, positives in our program that we will continue to build on. Kenneth is a consummate pro, and I wish him well in the next step of his career.

“I firmly believe that this new direction is needed and that it requires a new leader at the High Performance Director position. With the veteran presence of Luther and Gary, I’m confident that we’ll keep the program moving ahead while work is done to appoint a new HPD.”