J.J. Fetter
Sailor of the Week: Feb. 18 - 24
On Monday in Mission Valley, Calif., J.J. Fetter (formerly sailed under the name – J.J. Isler) was inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame, along with former Major League Pitcher, David Wells, and Olympic gold medalist diver, Greg Louganis, during the annual San Diego Awards Dinner at the Town & Country Hotel. She became the first female sailor to receive the honor.
This milestone is just one of many accomplishments in a long and distinguished sailing career. J.J. is a four-time recipient of US SAILING’s Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award (2000, 1997, 1991, 1986). She has collected two Olympic medals, including a silver in 2000 and a bronze in 1992, both in the 470 class. J.J. has also won four world championships, and competed at a high level internationally against men and women in match racing events. In 1995, J.J. served as a tactician and helms man on an all-female crew campaigning for the America’s Cup.
J.J. started sailing 40 years ago, and she represented the San Diego Yacht Club at junior racing events. She advanced her career as a member of Yale’s varsity team. In her senior year she became the third female sailor in the history of intercollegiate sailing to receive All-America honors.