10 April 2025 – The ICSA announced the organization’s new Executive Director: Retired Rear Adm. Peter J. Fanta.
Fanta is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy (‘83), where he sailed on the varsity offshore team and was a member of the US Sailing Offshore Champion winning team. In his 37-year Naval career Fanta worked in senior levels of the military at sea in command of a multitude of forces, ashore on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in civilian government, and in the corporate shipbuilding industry. While commissioned, he earned a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University as a Moreau Scholar, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
“I believe in the value of college sailing,” said Fanta. “I am a product of the sport and attribute much of my professional success to the lessons learned and the skills I acquired in competition on the water. I want to give back to the sport that has given me so much.”
Fanta’s professional experience most recently includes serving as the assistant coach for the Georgetown Sailing Team. He is also a US Sailing National Judge, Umpire, Race Officer, as well as dinghy and keelboat instructor.
As Executive Director of ICSA Fanta will work closely with the ICSA President to oversee the day-to-day operations of College Sailing and demonstrate the significant value of college sailing in preparing student-athletes for positions as future global leaders.
“Working with student athletes as individuals and as a team has been a privilege, and it has allowed me to participate in the sport I love,” said Fanta. “Taking that to the next level, I believe I can maximize my contribution to the sport as the Executive Director at ICSA.”
Fanta, who will assume the role full-time on June 1, 2025, will be the second-ever ICSA executive director, and the only full-time employee of the volunteer-driven governing body.
Author: Delaney Brown (ICSA Communications Committee)
The ICSA sponsors and partners for the 2025 season are:
Zim, West Coast Sailing and Dwyer, Official Suppliers of College Sailing
Dermatone, Official Skin Care Sponsor and Supplier of College Sailing
Quantum Sail, Official sponsor of the “Quantum Women’s College Sailor of the Year.”
Marlow Ropes, Official Supplier of College Sailing
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