Victor A. Romagna

Victor Romagna had been closely involved with 12-meter yachts since these boats revived America's Cup competition in 1958. Having come over from VIM, he took position on the foredeck of the Cup Defender COLUMBIA. Romagna sailed WEATHERLY as her foredeck boss and executive officer in the 1962 successful defense. He served as secretary of the America's Cup Committee of the New York Yacht Club for the 1980 and 1983 defenses.

But it was Romagna's vital role in the super season of INTREPID in 1967 that is most memorable. Romagna and skipper Bus Mosbacher used their years of experience and working knowledge of 12-meters to help create a most efficient deck plan. They dropped the winches below deck, pushed the cockpit forward for a better view and created two spinnaker hatches. INTREPID went on to become the super 12-meter that completed as perfect a season as RANGER did in 1937 and RELIANCE before her in 1903.

As a boy, Romagna sailed Meteors, Stars and Victory class boats in Manhasset Bay. He sailed many Bermuda Races, Fastnet Races, and Trans-Atlantic Races and participated in most of the distance races on the East Coast.

Romagna's knowledge of organization and crew management proved essential aboard the yachts he raced. Drawing on years of experience, using his even temper and a quick sense of humor, Romagna knew how to keep his crew running smoothly. Vic's devotion to the Corinthian spirit and drive to win is admired by all yachtsmen.