Crew Profile: Alie Toppa, Tactician onboard Vigilant
Alie Toppa's passion for sailing began at a young age, thanks to the influence of her father, Mike Toppa. With Newport as her home base and winters spent Fort Lauderdale, Florida “where most of my fondest memories evolving into the sport took place.” We asked Alie to reflect on the journey, skills, and advice of what it takes to be a tacitian onboard the IC37 Defiant.
Communication is Key: Clear is kind, and less is more.
Alie emphasizes the pivotal role of effective communication in her work. "Communication is key," she states, highlighting the delicate balance between decision-making and conveying those decisions to the crew. Recognizing the diversity in communication styles, Alie emphasizes the importance of clarity and brevity, asserting that "clear is kind, and less is more." This approach forms the backbone of her strategic articulation on the boat.
Staying in Tune with Change
Sailing, for Alie, is a dynamic dance with nature. She thrives on the ever-changing conditions, emphasizing the need to adapt her tactical approach to varying racing conditions. In lighter winds, Alie emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean, smart race, simplifying strategies on the foundation of a fast boat and intelligent decisions. In contrast, heavier winds see her allowing the boat more freedom, trusting its capabilities while sticking to a well-devised game plan.
Building a Toolbox
“Winds, tides, shifts, clouds, rain, they’re all there to either help or hurt you depending on the approach.” Alie's approach to information gathering is to keep watching and assessing. Fixed positions like set marks or committee boats become her reference points, aiding in assessing currents. Constant wind checks and observations between races allow her to compare real-time conditions with the forecast, enhancing her strategic decision-making.
Lessons from the IC37 Class
Alie's journey as a tactician in the IC37 class has been a steep learning curve, marked by both successes and humbling experiences. Reflecting on a memorable moment, she shares an incident where a foul at the final weather mark cost them the race. It was a lesson in trusting her game plan and maintaining clear communication, an experience that has significantly impacted her approach to future races.
Leave the Ego on Shore
For aspiring tacticians and sailors seeking to enhance their strategic thinking, Alie advocates a holistic approach. "Take in as much information as you can, leave your ego on shore, and trust yourself," she advises. Drawing parallels to her transition from dinghy racing to bigger boats, Alie underscores the importance of merging individual skills and learning collaboratively, with a continuous focus on growth through mistakes and successes.
In the world of sailing and especially a tight class like the IC37, precision and adaptability are the two biggest components to a team. We want to thank Alie for sharing her insights and voice with the class.
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