Acknowledgments

I've always believed that acknowledgments are one of the most important parts of any book—and especially so for a book on teamwork. This has been an extraordinary team experience, and I'm delighted to be able to thank the many people who have helped me “make it to Hobart.”

Working with Laura Gardner and Jillian Murphy transformed the daunting book race from impossible to simply challenging. With Laura in the “pit”—organizing our ropes, lines, bills, and permissions—I had no doubt that every assignment would be completed competently and with good cheer. And with Jillian on the bow as the forward hand, I was confident that she would fearlessly endure the cold waves that kept crashing into our literary vessel. Without Jillian and Laura, we would still be in the Bass Strait!

I also appreciate the many contributions made by Kathryn Fallon, the Editor's Editor, whose careful research and thoughtful editing were invaluable. With our Rock Star Book Team—one of the finest teams I have ever been a part of—I felt like the skipper of a winning boat.

I am grateful for the experience of getting to know, and learning from, the Ramblers. Their willingness to share the story of AFR Midnight Rambler, and their formula for Teamwork at The Edge, made the book possible. My thanks go to the ‘98 team—Mix Bencsik, Gordon Livingstone, Ed and Arthur Psaltis, Bob Thomas, Chris Rockell, and John Whitfeld—and to newer members, Tom Barker and Sammy Byron, who also shared valuable insights. And of course, the story would not have been complete without the perspectives shared by Bill Psaltis and Ed's wife Sue.

I learned much from other sailors who—though they compete against AFR Midnight Rambler in the Hobart—generously shared their insights about teamwork. In a folder marked “Sailing Greats,” I have pages of notes from interviews with Adrienne Cahalan, Neville Crichton, Roger Hickman, Malcolm Park, and Jim Slaughter, all of which guided my thinking. And I was inspired by Kristy McAlister, whose story stands out as a remarkable example of teamwork and courage.

I deeply appreciate those who helped me make it to Hobart when I did the 2006 race: Peter Beekman, James (“Jungle”) Craddock, Ben Feeney, Johno Fullerton, Brian Griffin, Scott Jug, Steve Kellaway, Pete Le Masurier, Robyn Lindley, Sam Price, Andy Pryor, Peter Tarimo, Matt Whitmell, and our skipper, Peter Goldsworthy. I am especially thankful for the hospitality shown by Brett McIntyre and his family, who made me feel so welcome over the holidays in Australia.

Special thanks go to Edgar (“Eddo”) Smith—a key partner in all aspects of the book race. Edgar accompanied me on the race as the official videographer, and he has skillfully edited numerous videos—including the promotional trailer for the book and the “We're No Rockstars” documentary of the AFR Midnight Rambler. Eddo's watchful eye was especially appreciated on the Sydney to Hobart Race, when I did an unexpected re-creation of Chris Rockell's flight through the air. After I cracked my head on the side of the boat, Eddo waited patiently while I recovered—making sure that my skull was still hard, not “squishy.”

Art Vasenius, of the Sailing Pro Shop in San Diego, and Martha Parker, of Team One Newport in Rhode Island, helped me get the right equipment for the Sydney to Hobart Race. Zach Leonard shared valuable insights about safety and endurance in ocean racing. Others who helped make the book possible include Mark Wolfe, CEO of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia; Richard Bennett, with his spectacular photography; and Lisa Ratcliff, who contributed her great photo of Ed Psaltis and Bob Thomas.

I appreciate the lessons in teamwork shared by fellow Marines. General John Arick's skillful recon extract in Vietnam has always been a source of pride for me, especially during the years when the service of combat veterans was little understood and largely unappreciated. And as General Rich Natonski recounted his more recent experiences, I realized that—though technology and tactics may have changed—Marines of all ranks and all generations have much in common. John Arick, James “Crash Kimo” Andrews, Rich Natonski, Aaron Jensen, and Brody Savoie have answered the call to defend freedom “in every clime and place,” and Marines will always continue that proud tradition.

The concept of this book has taken shape over a number of years, and I have been influenced by many thoughtful people. Mark Nadler wrote the first article to capture the story of the Ramblers. Chuck Raben helped me think about the role of the skipper. Michael Simon and Peter Economy shared their views on teamwork. Jillian (Caracciolo) Savoie and Brian Keady helped launch the book. And Diana Vienne made a number of helpful suggestions about the proposal.

There were times during which I wondered if I would ever make it to the finish line, and friends and colleagues made all the difference. Martha Miller read an initial draft of the book, and reassured me that I had a powerful message. Melanie Kirkpatrick, Molly Powell, and Micah Morrison all made helpful and timely suggestions.

I'd like to recognize our Expedition Leaders, especially Ron Jungalwalla and Mike Boyle—who have been presenting the story of the Midnight Rambler in Australia for years. Ron thoughtfully reviewed the manuscript, and even came to meet us in Connecticut—all the way from Melbourne! A number of other Expedition Leaders have also played an important role in our journey, including David Ellis, Hazel Rosin, Piotr Wisoky, and all our colleagues at the Korea Syncretics Leadership Center.

Others who deserve credit include Deb Abildsoe, David Bliss, Jen Chobor, Andy Corea, Pete Dayman, Andy Errato, Paul Fedorko, John Michalak, Mike Kennedy, Rick Ketterer, Nick Lopergalo, Seth Meskin, Camille Murphy, Robert Ostroff, Mike Rubenstein, Carl Swope, and Dave Wygant. I also appreciate my friends at Sunset Limo who have helped me get to the airport at the start of almost every adventure, and the experts at TNS who have kept my technology afloat so I could write about my experiences at The Edge.

Dewitt Keith has also aided in my travels, and has helped me reach meetings in a number of disparate locations. These trips have frequently involved meetings with the men and women who work tirelessly to protect our national security. I am honored to be able to help with their critical mission.

I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the AMACOM team. Christina Parisi has been a longtime supporter of The Edge, endorsing both a second edition of Leading at The Edge and this book as well. Her editorial suggestions substantially improved the manuscript, and I know I have a better book because of her insights. Irene Majuk made great contributions in promoting both editions of Leading at The Edge. And the photo of her spunky dog, Spike—wearing a party hat while celebrating his eighteenth birthday—never fails to bring a smile to my face. He will always be a member of the expedition.

Others at AMACOM have also helped with the complex and often tedious work of publication. Erika Spelman's thoroughness, patience, and unflappable style made a tremendous difference. And thanks go to Jenny Wesselmann Schwartz, Cathleen Ouderkirk, James Bessent, Janet Pagano, and Kama Timbrell for their support and assistance.

The folks at North Market Street Graphics brought the book over the finish line. I deeply appreciate the work of the NMSG Team, including Ginny Carroll, Dennis Bicksler, Mike Dunnick, Ginny Landis, Sue Miller, Rhonda Stough, and Stewart Smith. Ginny Carroll served as copy editor and “point person” for the mission, and her genuine enthusiasm for the story provided much needed encouragement when we were becalmed in the Derwent.

As always, I am grateful for the support of my family. My daughter, Holly, fearlessly ventured out to sail on cold winter days, and a photo of granddaughters Juliana and Liya provided constant inspiration. I appreciate the support of my son, Jonathan, his wife Karla, and their children. Hearing Alicia, Joshie, and Samuel talk about their Abuelo Don Dennis is a never-ending source of joy. The Oregon Perkins Clan—my brother Bob, his son Rob and wife Melissa, and grandson Ryan—all deserve recognition for their help.

Once again, I express my deepest appreciation for the support, love, and encouragement of my wife, Susan, and her son, Ryan. Although writing a book requires extraordinary commitment, and discipline, other family members make sacrifices as well. And I know full well that being the spouse of an author is “no picnic either”! I appreciate Susan's encouragement, her faith in my ability, her New York wit, and her smile. I am so thankful that I found her.

Toward the end of the book, there were difficult days when it seemed as if the task would be never ending. But I kept inspired with two photos next to my computer monitor. The first was my friend Reggie Higgins, who was photographed in a ferocious pose. Reggie is a Mixed Martial Arts, heavyweight fighter—and his ferocity is real. I have seen him in action. The second photo was of my grandson, Joshie. It shows him swinging a croquet mallet at a piñata—a green dinosaur created with papier-mâché.

The piñata was part of Joshie's fourth birthday party, and it was filled with candy. Though much smaller than Reggie, Joshie went after the piñata with equal ferocity. Again and again, Joshie bashed the piñata—but to no avail. The piñata seemed to be made of steel, or possibly concrete.

It was quite a show. Joshie attacked the piñata with the determination of an MMA fighter. At times I felt as if I were watching Reggie at Foxwoods Casino. I often expected Joshie to put a submission hold on the dinosaur. Sometimes Joshie missed and swung round in a complete circle, falling down with his mallet. But he didn't stop. He was relentless.

Finally, the piñata fell to the ground. It was still intact, but Joshie pounced. He was not to be denied. After a final, furious series of attacks, the piñata cracked. After all that, Joshie had his candy. His determination was inspirational.

With the help of Joshie and Reggie, and the support of all those included in the acknowledgments, I finished the book, made it to Hobart, and cracked the piñata. I know that I would never have made it without your help.