Ever wonder what it’s like to refit an older sailboat? Or sail over 2,000 miles from California to Hawaii? Or sail in a premier yachting race with 120 years of history? How about doing all three *and* breaking a glass ceiling at the same time? If so, (and even if you haven’t), you won’t want to miss our February speaker, Alli Bell!
Alli is the first female skipper to win the King Kalakaua Trophy for First Overall Corrected Time in the storied Transpacific Yacht Race (aka the “Transpac”). Bell did so in an almost 60-year-old Cal 40. She will discuss Restless’ journey to victory, including the refit, team preparation, and her experience since the win.Â
Make sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, February 10 at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for socializing and dinner. Guests are welcome! We expect this meeting to be well-attended, so come early to ensure a good seat!
Location: Dave and Busters, Tempe Marketplace (in the Showroom)
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy / Suite 1100 / Tempe AZ 85281
Allison Bell is a third-generation sailor and a fixture in the Southern California boating and racing community. She currently serves as Commodore of the San Diego Yacht Club and of the Transpacific Yacht Club. In 2025 she made history as the first female skipper to win the Transpacific Yacht Race (Los Angeles to Honolulu) overall, aboard the Cal 40 Restless.
Professionally, Alli is an independent consultant specializing in strategic planning, project management, facilitation, and research & evaluation. Previously, she served as Vice President of Policy Research at the Campaign for College Opportunity, Director at HCM Strategists, and associate research scientist at the National Center for Education Statistics. Alli earned her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, and her masters in education and Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Michigan.