Berths, Wind, and Fire Down Under

Mike Slepian '71 (right) with sloop racer Dennis Conner

"This was such an exciting project," says Michael "Slep" Slepian '71 about his part in the most recent America's Cup race trials. Slepian is an assistant vice president at ACE Group, an insurance company that was a gold-level sponsor of four-time America's Cup winner Dennis Conner and his entry, Stars and Stripes, in their bid to reclaim the most highly prized trophy in yacht racing and the oldest modern sports trophy.

The international sailing competition was held this time in New Zealand. As the manager overseeing the sponsorship effort, Slepian traveled with the team for two weeks in November, during the repechage portion of the Louis Vuitton series quarterfinals.

In addition to sponsoring Team Dennis Conner, ACE donated funds to a group of 33 New York City firefighters, making it possible for them to participate in the World Firefighter Games, which were being held in New Zealand at the same time as the Vuitton series. These games allow firefighters from more than 30 countries to compete in a series of 72 events, including a hose run, an obstacle course, and a tower and stair climb. This year's competition --- renamed the Memorial Games in honor of firefighters around the world who died in the line of duty --- opened with the dedication of a commemorative sculpture by a New Zealand artist, built from three pieces of the World Trade Center. "And the city of Christchurch dedicated a new park to commemorate those who fell in New York and to all firefighters around the world," says Slepian.

"We brought the firefighters to the Team Dennis Conner sailing compound for a dinner reception with Dennis and members of his team," he adds. "Over the next few days, from a 125-foot yacht, we watched the team race in the Louis Vuitton challenge series." While he and ACE and the firefighters were disappointed that Team Dennis Conner lost in the repechage and couldn't "bring the coveted America's Cup back to the New York Yacht Club," says Slepian, "we were thrilled with the international goodwill, publicity, and opportunities that were generated for ACE and 'New York's Bravest' " during their time in Christchurch. "Overall, it was a great success for us and an amazing adventure in a truly magnificent land."

When Slepian is not traveling he lives in Marlton, New Jersey, with his wife, Nonare. Their daughter, Rachel Slepian '02, graduated from the Park School with a degree in organizational communication, learning, and design.