Greg Fisher has won 25 North American or national championships in seven different classes over his long career.  He has used his competitive sailing skills as a high-level coach and sailmaker to help his clients, and along the way improve his own sailing.  Greg’s versatility to excel in many different classes is unique in the sailing world.  He grew up in Columbus, Ohio and first started sailing at the age of six on a Lightning with his father and a few years later with his younger brother, Matt. When the Fisher boys turned 12, they both had their own Lightnings.  The early start gave them a solid foundation for racing, as Greg was named an All-American sailor in 1975 during his studies at Ohio Wesleyan University.

After graduating from college, Greg worked at Shore Sails before opening his own loft in Ohio, Fisher Sails. In 1986, North Sails purchased Fisher Sails and Greg became North’s liaison for several one design classes.  His duties included giving frequent seminars, preparing tuning guides and, of course, racing.

He has won an impressive list of major regattas that include the J/22 World Championship (2008), The J/22 North Americans three times (2001, 2007, 2010), the Lightning Class North Americans twice (1990, 2014), the Thistle Class National Championship five times (1983, 1987, 1988, 2006, 2008), the Flying Scot Class National Championship seven times (1984, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2001), the Highlander Class National Championship four times (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985) and placed second in national championships in the Y Flyer Class, Johnson 18 Class, International Snipe Class, US Sailing’s Championship of Champions and won the Yacht Club Team Race Championship (2016).  When asked if any one regatta stood out as being particularly special, Fisher says, “The 2010 J/22 North Americans was special.  My wife Jo Ann was on the boat along with my oldest daughter, Martha.  This was just before I went to coach at the College of Charleston.”

Fisher served as the head coach of the College of Charleston Sailing Team for eight years (2010-2018), winning the Intercollegiate Open National Championship in 2017.  He also served as a coach for the US Sailing Team for a few years.  In 2000, the future president of US Sailing and a long-time Thistle sailor, Dr. Thomas Hubble, authored a book titled, Sailboat Racing with Greg Fisher.  Hubble writes that Fisher’s message is that boat speed is “paramount” and that a conservative strategic philosophy on the racecourse will prevail. Fisher’s articles on racing technique frequently appear in Sailing World magazine and other publications.

Fisher has served on many boards and committees that promote sailing.  These include US Sailing, Chair of the US Sailing Championship of Champions committee, and Chair of US Sailing One Design Class Council.  Fisher has been a tireless promoter, event organizer and fundraiser on behalf of accessible sailing.  In 2024, Greg joined Charleston, SC-based Evolution Sails and continues to help sailors enjoy sailing efficiently.  He is the father of four children: Martha, Kurt, Bessie and Addyson and grandfather of eight.

~ Gary Jobson