Youth America’s Cup Profile: Mackenzie Cooper
In the latest of a series of profiles of members of Bermuda’s team in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, we spotlight Mackenzie Cooper, who provided insight into the dedication and training that it takes to represent one’s country at the very highest of levels.
A former Warwick Academy student, Mr. Cooper says “it means everything to be racing in front of Bermuda” and that “the goal is to win.”
Q: Tell Bernews something about yourself.
A: I’m 21-years-old, a junior studying Sociology at St. Marys College of Maryland. I went to Warwick Academy in Bermuda up until high school and then I attended Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass. for four years.
Q: What made you try out for Team BDA in the first place?
A: I have been sailing for a long time and have always had a passion for it. I saw bits of the last Red Bull Youth America’s Cup [RBYAC] and actually had a couple teammates from school compete in it. That was more than enough to sell me on what an amazing opportunity it would be to represent Bermuda in this prestigious competition.
Q: Now that you are in Team BDA what do you hope to achieve – you want to win, but do you think you will take sailing even more seriously and look for a career in it, or at least to get more involved in it?
A: The goal is to win, undoubtedly. That is how I feel about going into any competition, I love winning. However, there is a lot more to being on this team than winning. Being on Team BDA is going to be a process and a journey.
Our learning curve is going to be immensely steep but I think the team they have assembled is up for this challenge. I am hoping that I can use this experience and use it to help get a job somewhere in the industry of sailing in the future.
Q: Do you think that taking part in an event like this is something that will stand you in good stead for the rest of your lives?
A: I touched on it a little before, but being on Team BDA and taking part in this event will be something none of us forget for the rest of our lives. Not only will we face challenges that right now may seem impossible but we will be doing it on our home waters.
The sense of pride and accomplishment that could come from this is amazing. This will also be the hardest thing we have ever done and I think we will learn a lot about who we are as individuals and as a team in the process.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Bermudian, racing in Bermuda for Bermuda in such a prestigious event?
A: It means everything to be racing in front of Bermuda. Although it may seem like a bit of added pressure, it just makes me want to do that much better to give them a team they can really be proud of.
Q: What excites you most the time leading up to race time?
A: I am really excited to learn to sail new boats especially foiling ones. I have been sailing small mono hull dinghies most of my life so this transition is going to be a hard but fun one. It will also be cool to see how we grow as team having so many different backgrounds and athletic experiences. It could be quite special.
Q: Do you think the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup has the potential to leave a lasting legacy for Bermuda?
A: This absolutely has the potential to leave a legacy. Younger Bermudians regardless of what sport they play or background should look at this as an opportunity they can’t pass up in the future. If I were younger, I know I would be looking at this and figuring out how I could be the next generation to compete.
Q: What sailing experience do you have?
A: I Started sailing Optis around the age of seven at the RBYC. I moved on to the Opti National Team competing at the continental championships [North Americans, South Americans and Worlds]. I took part in the Byte program trying to qualify for the Youth Olympics.
I sailed in high school at Tabor Academy and won the Team Race National Championship as a sophomore and the New England’s a couple times. Now I sail at St. Mary’s. Last year I sailed in the College Nationals finishing 7th and just qualified for this year’s Nationals in San Diego.
Team BDA is Bermuda’s entry into the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup that will take place in the Great Sound in June 2017. They are mentored by Oracle Team USA and will race on the same high-speed AC45F catamarans seen during last October’s Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in Bermuda.
The team comprises of 15 young Bermudians who will form the crew, the back-up crew and shore crew. Team BDA is being funded entirely by donations.
Team members are Connor Astwood, Mackenzie Cooper, Peter Dill, Preston Farrow, Na’eem Griffith, Philip Hagen, Kalin Hillier, Mustafa Ingham, Emily Nagel, Daniel Pell, Nicholas Pell, Owen Siese, Dimitri Stevens, Shomari Warner and Cecilia Wollmann.
Thanks – these are really great to read and see, GO TEAM BDA!!!!!
Yes, without these I would never have known the depth of serious talent there is out in Bermuda. These guys are not just incredible sailors or athletes there are great role models for everyone