Bernard’s racing skills were first rewarded when he qualified for the Junior French Championships in the 420 Class. After graduating from the ESSEC Business School, he served as an Officer in the French Navy. Much of his professional career was spent working with the Bich family, first as General Manager and President of Dufour Yachts, the manufacturer of the 12mR France III (F-3) for the 1982 Americas Cup, owned by Marcel Bich. Subsequently he was the General Manager of BIC Sports and BIC Sports USA, owned by Bruno Bich. Bernard is a member of the AFCA (French Association for the America’s Cup), the Yacht Club de France and the Yacht Club Classique. Most recently, Bernard has been instrumental in the revitalization of the Southern European 12mR fleet.

At 16 years old as a sailing instructor at his local club, Chris began his life-long career as a professional sailor, coach and sailmaker. After University study, he was hired as an Offshore Sailing School Director in the US and BVI. Next, he acquired sail-making expertise at Melges Sails and Shore Sails in the US and Finland. As a competitor, Chris was a crew member in the Ultimate 30 Professional Sailing Series in 1991-1993 and as Head Coach he led the USMMA Offshore Sailing Team to victory at the AYC Spring Series. While working at Finland’s WB Sails, he successfully coached 2004 Athens Olympic qualifiers from NZL and AUS as well as Bermuda’s Yngling team. The Finnish Sailing Federation selected Chris as that country’s Olympic Head Coach through 2009 when he started CW Sailing Consultant OY, to provide elite level race coaching, professional sailing, boat optimization, tuning and seminars. Since 2014 he has been captain of Blue Marlin (FIN-1) and Manager of Oy Scripo Red Sky Yachts. ITMA is fortunate to have Chris’ experience and expertise now focused on the 12mR Class.

After a successful international career in computer engineering, working for the likes of DEC, Aspect Communications, BEA, and Honeywell Steve’s entrepreneurial and fitness passion kicked in and he successfully founded and operated 17 fitness centers for Planet Fitness in Rhode Island and Southern Mass. Steve is most recently a high-tech angel investor and sails and charters his beautiful and historic yacht Weatherly (US-17) in Newport, Rhode Island. Although a Kiwi, Steve didn't start building his sailing skills until the early 90's in Maine on small Hobies and other multihulls then leapt to schooners (Eros) before settling on the 12mR class as the ultimate sailing experience for speed, beauty and teamwork.