GATOR

Alison “Gator” Kent

Whitney and I have been sailing with each other since before we could walk. Not only have we sailed with each other, but against each other on opposing college sailing teams. We’ve raced around courses together double-handed, across Lake Michigan double-handed, and we want to do more. I’m the little sister and Whitney (the big sister) has always been a huge role model in my life, particularly when it comes to sailing – I trust her, respect her, and truly believe she’s one of the best sailors and people I know.

Racing doublehanded offshore with Whitney or with my dad will be another step on the path that Whitney and I are trying to carve out for ourselves. We live and breathe sailing, and although we specialize in different aspects of the sport, we perfectly complement each other to make a great team. This is something that we’ve wanted selfishly for ourselves, but also desperately for each other. To be able to continue to sail together as adults would be incredible. COVID has upended a lot of our plans and travel from New Zealand has complicated everything. But the goal of my journey has not changed – that goal is to race around the world. 

Offshore racing doesn’t just take skill. It takes mental determination, physical fitness, and a true love for it. We come from a family of sailors who have inspired us to chase down what we want, sailing related or not. Lucky for them, we got bit by the sailing bug – and this project is our path to raising our game even further.

Contact Gator at alisonmkent485@gmail.com.