Update
John Bertrand (right) pitches President Bill Clinton in 1996 on the idea of joining the ID48 one-design fleet, which he managed for the DeVos family who created the class with designers Reichel/Pugh. Big carbon rigs and water ballast… was it a bit too soon perhaps?
Coupled with a sailing team who can push makes it a great joint exercise for keeping Bella reliable and working. The descent into Ft Lauderdale is a bumpy one – as always, I
prefer the Gulf Stream! Standing by, Jet Blue 2649, 12,000ft
MENTOR, FRIEND AND FATHER FIGURE – John Bertrand It is with a heavy heart that I write of my longtime mentor, dear friend and father figure Bill Monti (opposite), who passed away over Christmas. Writing these words is one of the hardest tasks I have ever faced, as Bill was not just a sailing coach or athletic trainer – he was the guiding force behind many of my greatest personal and professional successes and a constant source of wisdom and encouragement. A meeting that changed my life… I first met Bill in the mid-1970s,
when I was seeking a new direction in my sailing career. Although I had plenty of passion, drive and enthusiasm I didn’t yet have the kind of structured and holistic approach that would elevate me from being a good sailor to being a world-class competitor. Bill saw beyond my immediate needs. He recognised the potential and need to develop a comprehensive programme for me that honed body, mind and spirit which would propel me to the next level. He did not just teach me to sail better; he taught me
to be a better athlete, a better thinker and, in many ways, a better person. Bill took an active interest in my family life, extending his kindness and support to my father, Julius Bertrand, which ensured that my father and I both felt the sense of confidence and camaraderie Bill seemed to radiate. In his holistic vision of training Bill believed that the
boundaries between different sports and disciplines were artificial. He insisted on borrowing ideas from dance, martial arts, running, swimming – any field that demanded excellence and precision. He taught me that to excel in sailing I needed more than just hours on the water: I needed core strength, agility, mental stamina
16 SEAHORSE
and self-awareness. A surprising addition to my routine was ballet classes – a method
to hone balance, flexibility and precise control of body movements. It was unconventional for a sailor at the time, but Bill had a knack for blending the unexpected into a cohesive training programme. His open-mindedness and refusal to be constrained by tradition set him – and those he coached – apart. Lifelong mentor and a family connection… Bill was more than
a coach and trainer; he became a trusted confidant and, for me, a father figure. His bond with my father, Julius, was a testament to his genuine desire to see entire families succeed, both on and off the water. Whether they were discussing training philosophies or simply sharing stories, Bill provided a supportive presence that helped us stay unified and motivated. This mentorship extended into my academic life as well. Through-
out four years of high school I served as Bill’s teacher’s assistant, an experience that offered a behind-the-scenes look at his teaching approach. From organising workout schedules to analysing training data, I witnessed first-hand how passionately he invested in every individual’s growth. The programme he established during those years continues, benefiting countless students who are intro- duced to the same principles of holistic training and personal develop- ment.
Heartfelt memories and lifelong lessons 1. Discipline and dedication Bill instilled in me a deep sense of discipline. If we agreed to meet at 6am for a run, he’d be there by 5:45, ready to go. His mantra was simple: ‘Respect the com- mitments you make to yourself.’ This principle has guided me through countless regattas and life decisions. 2. Humility and hard work
Despite his formidable knowledge Bill never made it about him-
self. He led by example, with quiet confidence and humility. His work ethic was second to none, and he never asked from others what he wouldn’t do himself.
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