Boatwright Donnie Brennan

Donnie Brennan had just wrapped up his boat work in Athens and was about to go sightseeing on his way to the airport. He had been brought to the Olympics as boatwright for Tornado team Johnny Lovell and Charlie Ogletree and his work was done. So he thought. Czech Europe sailor Lenka Smidova ran over to Donnie in tears. He explains, “She had just taken delivery of her new Europe and the centerboard trunk was split. She was pretty upset.” Donnie banged out a repair in three hours and was able to still catch his flight home. He said, “I had been in Athens for twelve days and had wanted to go tour the city before I left, but knowing she got a silver medal made it worth it.” Knowing Johnny and Charlie also got a silver medal makes one wonder if Donnie may have a magic touch.

Donnie will tell you his touch is actually a little more like that of Fred Flintstone, as he prefers hand tools over power. Before Johnny and Charlie returned to their fourth Olympics, Donnie could be seen in the Qingdao boat park knocking at their Tornado hulls with an old fashioned hammer and chisel. He said, “They probably wouldn’t want to see this!” But everyone trusts Donnie when it comes to boatwork, and his Alabama business has clients from one design to big boats—all coming to Donnie for his secret weapon expertise.

Donnie was lucky enough to join the Olympic Sailing Team to march in the Opening Ceremonies in Beijing. This is his third Olympics, but his first as the all-team boatwright. He has been working nonstop and is always the first person to the boatpark and the last person to leave. Donnie is the kind of guy to wait out Hurricane Katrina and try to defend his house against the elements, but that’s another story for another day. For this week, Donnie is 100% dedicated to team USA and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.