October 30, 2011
Capt. Jody Hill, former skipper of S/Y Flicka, sat at a press conference during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, beaming from ear-to-ear because someone just made it possible for him to go sailing.
Paralyzed from the chest down in a car accident on Tortola in 2006, Hill had no insurance. The years since have been financially hard, but sailing has kept him going. That, and his friends in the yachting industry.
“I want to thank the yachting community for supporting me financially and looking after me for the past five years,” he said after an announcement at the show on Friday.
Moore Stephens Isle of Man will be his primary sponsor in his bid to represent the United States in the 2012 Paralympics in London.
“Everything I have is because the yachting community has come out,” he said. “It’s the only way I would have survived.”
Moore Stephens is offering Hill logistical support for his Team Positive, a Web site (www.jodyhill2012.com) and social media support, repairs and equipment for his boat, and personal coaching.
“Moore Stephens is honored to become part of Team Positive,” said Charlotte Easton, marketing supervisor, in making the announcement. “You are truly an inspiration.”
At the time of his accident, Hill had been in the yachting industry 13 years. Just two weeks before, his mother sent him $500 to secure health insurance, but he didn’t.
“I have nothing to show for working 13 years for some of the wealthiest people in the world,” he said, his electric smile fading briefly. “I urge anyone working in the yacht industry today to protect yourself. Think about your future.”
Since his accident, Hill has been given a boat that he’s refurbished and races. He also uses it to take others with physical handicaps out on the water.
“I wanted to share the freedom, independence and serenity you get from sailing,” he said. “I feel lucky. A lot of people are a lot worse off than I was.
“I just love taking people out sailing,” he said, his smile returning. “The wind catches the sail and the boat heels over and their eyes light up and they ask, ‘are we going to tip over?’ I love that question.”
Now he’s going for the gold in London. And Moore Stephens is helping him get there.
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