December 1997

Bill Cahill-leader in information technology, champion among sailors

By Annie Morris, '98, Intern in the Office of Publications

After a busy day at work, you may hear Loyola's Assistant Provost for Information Technology, Bill Cahill, exclaim, "I'd rather be sailing." Who could blame him for wishing to enjoy a weekend excursion on his sailboat, sailing under the sun, allowing the wind and waves to control his direction; a seemingly perfect day. However, with 30 years of sailing experience, Cahill serves as testament that floating through the water, while relaxing, is not a mindless experience. In fact, Cahill uses his sailing knowledge and expertise to compete in amateur regattas throughout the year. Most recently, he placed fifth in this year's annual amateur Rhodes National 19 Championship. The race was held in Chicago in August. Consisting of a three-day competition, 20 teams participated for a total of 60 individuals. Each team had the goal of mastering two courses per day, a task which Cahill described as "exhausting."

As a member of the Rhodes 19 Class Association for the last seven years, Cahill, his two-member crew, and 1400-pound, 19-foot-long boat, ExCel, have sailed through numerous bodies of water throughout the United States. He lists New Orleans as one of the finest metropolitan venues for sailing due to its smooth waters, wind speed, and lengthy season.

With races every other weekend, Cahill spends a sufficient amount of time each year competing in regattas, practicing on Lake Pontchartrian, or working to keep his boat in top condition. So, while sailing serves as a tranquil escape, it is not a sport for those who avoid challenges. Rather, sailing appeals to individuals who can prepare the most precise balance of physical strength and mental discipline, and who thrive on the intensity of competition, as well as enjoy the rigors of the elements. Since Cahill possesses all of these attributes, he has acted as skipper to his crew for several competitions. "To win a sailing competition, more than speed is required. You have to be in tune with the water and understand how the sails and boat interact with the wind and water. Also, judgment is very important. You have to know the various maneuvers that allow a boat to sail smoothly and quickly around a race course," Cahill explains.

Precision is the key and mistakes should be nonexistent, he notes. For example, misjudging the wind speed, using the wrong sail or using it for too long or short of a time, sailing off course, and hitting a mark or another boat could be costly. While a fast, clean race is ideal, it is the boat which makes the fewest mistakes that wins. "It is like playing a game of chess, but all of the pieces are moving at the same time," he describes. But, with winds sometimes up to 60 miles per hour, sailing can be a dangerous sport even for an experienced sailor. Cahill once found himself in the water with the steering tiller in hand. Luckily, sailing is a "gentlemen's sport" and it is an understood rule that each boat must finish with the same number of crew members as it began. "So the crew had to return to fish me out."

Yet despite all mishaps, Cahill remains a dedicated participant and continually returns to the water to experience its rejuvenating benefits. So as he continues with his efforts to help Loyola rise to the top in information technology, he also strives to meet his goal of eventually winning the sailing national championship.