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“What’s not to love?” Tom Lasorsa quips about the three decades he has spent at Sail Newport developing, building, repairing, and growing what is now a world-class sailing center in Newport.
Thirty years ago, Tom drove through Fort Adams State Park, saw the sailing center, and asked an employee if they needed carpentry help. He was hired on the spot. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the public sailing center, including the construction of the first office building in 1997 and The Dr. Robin Wallace Youth Boathouse in 1999.
For the construction of the Dr. Robin Wallace Youth Sailing Center at the south end of the facility, Tom led a crew of 30 volunteers to help with a “barn raising” when the team pushed up the frames of the walls as he nailed everything in place.
“Tom’s construction experience and ingenuity have been key to our projects over thirty years of growth.” says Sail Newport Executive Director, Brad Read.
Over his tenure at the nonprofit organization, he has also overseen the installation of a three-ton crane at the Admiral’s Pier (1998) and the development over the years of dock systems, boathouses, and marine facilities at the Newport waterfront location.
“Tom’s role at Sail Newport is multifaceted. He maintains engines for powerboats from 13′ whalers to 38′ RIBS, many docks, and piers, ensures the grounds of our Fort Adams State Park facility are in top condition, and provides crucial support to all of our events and programs. His dedication and hard work are evident in every aspect of his job,” adds Read.
When Tom started working at Sail Newport in 1995, Sail Newport had about 25 sailboats and six powerboats. Only a state trailer and a couple of maintenance containers were on site and the Sail Newport offices were actually located across the harbor on Bowen’s Wharf.
Since then, the Sail Newport fleet has grown exponentially.
Today, with an expanded staff, he maintains 15 keelboats, over 100 dinghies, and 30 powerboats that provide safety support to the many youth and adult public sailing programs on the bay.
Still, after thirty years, Tom says, “I could sell this job.”
He enjoys the outdoor work immensely, but he values the daily interaction with children and adult sailors above all else.
“I love seeing the kids and everyone experience the joy of sailing, it’s awesome,” he says.
Anyone who visits or uses the sailing center—children, adults, racers, coaches, instructors, and fellow staff members—recognizes Tom’s boundless optimism and jovial personality.
“He is the heart and soul of the sailing center, and no one is prouder to wear the blue and yellow of the uniform of Sail Newport staff than Tom. He’s the type of person who brightens everyone’s day with his overflowing joy,” says Read.
Sail Newport hosts many local, national, and world championship regattas each busy sailing season. Also, Tom directed operations at Sail Newport during many noteworthy marine events, including the Olympic Trials, America’s Cup World Series, and three (Volvo) Ocean Races.
In addition, Tom’s operations work supports the organization’s many programs including sailing for children from age five up to 18 years old, and the adult sailing center programs are also robust during spring, summer, and fall.
When Tom is not in the center of the action at Sail Newport, he enthusiastically follows New England sports and NASCAR racing.
Contact: [email protected].