A distinguished name among America's Cup competitors, John Kolius started his illustrious sailing career - even before he started school three decades later - having already won various Junior, Senior and One Design North American Championships, two World Championships and an Olympic Silver Medal in Solings - Kolius entered the America's Cup ranks.

On his first America's Cup assignment, John skippered COURAGEOUS, sailing strongly against Tom Blackhaller and Dennis Conner in the 1983 America's Cup Trials. Continuing his 12 Meter racing, he placed second in the 1986 12 Meter World Championships

With the momentum and experience of a strong and well organized America's Cup campaign behind him, John was recruited for his second Cup effort, this time as skipper aboard America II in the 1987 America's Cup Trials

Shifting gears to IACC yachts for the 1992 America's Cup, Kolius sailed as part of the Italian team, Il Moro di Venezia, with Raul Gardini and Paul Cayard, placing 3rd at the IACC Worlds in 1991, and coaching the team to a 2nd place in the 1992 America's Cups.

Having gained valuable experience and strong coaching credentials from his Il Moro experience, Kolius was recruited as coach for the America3 team's 1995 America's Cup campaign.

Throughout his career, John has also been a regular competitor in the One-Design and Offshore racing classes. On the international One-Design circuit, Kolius has achieved two World Championship wins in the 50' Class, and is currently active in the OD48 Class, skippering Dr. Jim Andews' yacht ABRACADABRA.

Additional recent wins, including a 1st in Class 1/overall in the 1994 Kenwood Cup skippering the Andrews 40', EXCEL'S GROWLER, a 1st to Finish in the 1995 Transpac aboard the Andrews design ULDB "Turbo" 70', CHEVAL, and a 2nd place in the Soling North American Championships, underscore the extraordinary range of Kolius' racing abilities.

'Born and bred' in Houston Texas, and a long time member of the Houston Yacht Club, John with wife Libby, has made a personal commitment to enhance the sport of sailing. Together they opened Kolius Sailing Schools in 1995, providing adult sailing courses at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands and at the Indian River Plantation resort in Florida. In 1996 the pair launched KO Sailing Gear By Kolius Sailing - a line of performance oriented sailing gear and accessories

CONTACT:
Daisy Jean Cathcart
Aloha Racing
808-955-4405
Email: Waikiki YC