The Wind in Their Sails
IESE MBAs Teamwork skills tested by an unforgiving sea

Spain was the focus for the sailing community in 2007 with Valencia hosting the 32nd America’s Cup race. But for IESE’s MBA sailing team, the competition of the year took place in northern Italy at Santa Margherita Ligure, where SDA Bocconi hosted the 4th MBA Sailing Cup. This year more than 50 MBA crews representing 23 different business schools competed in the event at the end of September.
 
Just like any America’s Cup team, the IESE-Europraxis crew boasted a strong international profile. Andrew Olanow, an exchange student from London Business School, was the bowman while Italians Mattia Pipino and Nicolo Pisan were the team’s trimmers. Representing Spain, Paula Ferraz was responsible for halyards and sails at the bow of the boat along with Carline Luengo. Gabriel Pañeda was the team strategist and José Vicente Caballero skippered the boat. Finally, Peruvian Luigi Mercuriani took charge of the main sail and the backup tiller.

The weather conditions throughout the competition were challenging, to say the least. The IESE sailors were lashed by heavy rain and strong winds of up to 25 knots, not to mention a violent storm on the second day which truly tested the crews’ nerves and resilience.  Faced with these daunting conditions, our crew performed admirably as they fought on despite the unceasing downpour and towering waves.

“A boat, just like any business, needs all its team members to work together as a harmonious unit,” José Vicente Caballero, the boat's skpper said. “In a similar vein, businesses must always listen to the winds of change and be prepared to set course for new and exciting horizons.”

The IESE crew expressed their gratitude to their sponsors: “As in previous years, we would like to thank Europraxis, sponsors of the IESE Sailing Team, for believing in and supporting a team sport that involves so much commitment and cooperation, and brings such enjoyment. Now it is up to the class of 2009 to take up the challenge of the 5th MBA Cup, and embark upon the next adventure on the high seas.”