Tom Stuff - Archived Article

Friends of Sail MV welcomed Tom Rancich as the organization's first executive director at their annual party held at the Edgartown Yacht Club Friday evening. A resident of West Tisbury, Mr. Rancich is a former Navy SEAL and lieutenant commander who retired in December after 20 years of service. The board also honored five individuals who have contributed to the organization's success. The annual event is held to thank the many Islanders who assist Sail MV during the year.

The menu, which promised "not dinner, but chowder and hors d'oeuvres," guaranteed that no one in the good-sized crowd left hungry. Guests included the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School sailing team, whose members made a beeline for the pizza.

Brock Callen, Sail MV vice president, called the group to order in place of president John Christensen, who is currently transiting the South China Sea. Mr. Callen introduced the members of the high school sailing team as the "illustrious crowd that they are," and also introduced Doug Heil, their sailing master. He said that next year the Vineyard will host the high school teenage nationals.

Thanking the Edgartown Yacht Club for hosting the event, Mr. Callen said it was fitting that the new executive director should be feted on the birthday of the late Nancy Haskell, an early Sail MV board member and a driving force in the development of the Sail MV sailing program for young Islanders. He said that the group found itself at a crossroads, and that it needed to either scale down operations or take on a bigger challenge. The appointment of an executive director, Mr. Callen said, is a move in the latter direction.

Mr. Rancich's Navy service includes recent combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious service as commander of the Naval Special Operations Forces Afghanistan. He holds an MBA degree along with his extensive Navy experience.

Mr. Rancich thanked Sail MV board members for the "extraordinary opportunity" and their trust. "It is a trust that I will uphold," he promised. He said his goal, in part, is "to celebrate perpetually the maritime heritage of the Island," and ensure "that there is always a core group of people that knows how to sail."

Mr. Rancich said hiring an executive director is "a move about bringing the organization to a place where we can fill a need on the Island to strengthen our ties to our whole maritime heritage. The water is our playground, not a barrier," he said, adding that he hopes to "give our children the confidence they want to enjoy their Island." He added that he also wants to expand the program to include more activities for adults.

Mr. Callen acknowledged five individuals who operate marine industries on the Island. He said that the maritime service community has supported Sail MV from the beginning. Each honoree was presented with an engraved pitcher.

Steve Swartwood of Herring Creek Marine was honored for his help with repairs. Geoff Banfield of Maciel Marine was selected for his ability to attract gifts of useful boats to the Sail MV fleet. Steve Ewing of Aquamarine Dock Building has helped out with floats and other sail training equipment. Phil Hale of the Martha's Vineyard Shipyard is also a board member and the local dealer for Vanguard sailboats, which the training program uses. Phil Smith, known as "Captain Quiet," is a marine surveyor and boat broker honored for his help with surveys and appraisals and his volunteer work in the "Donate a Boat" program.

According to a Sail MV press release, "Through the hard work and benevolence of these men and their organizations, Sail Martha's Vineyard is able to keep running a safe and efficient operation for the benefit of the children of Martha's Vineyard and continue to pursue the core mission of perpetuating the Island's heritage."

The evening ended with a hearty thank you from Sail MV board members to Hope Callen, who is stepping down as office administrator of the organization.