It will be engraved on a plaque as this year,s recipient of the Bill Ellis Memorial, given in recognition of an outstanding woman sailor. The coveted plaque hangs at the URI Sailing Center in South Kingstown. Not only does Francis know something about sailing, she knows a great deal about leadership. She was voted captain of the team twice by her three dozen or so teammates. Francis also knows something about raising money.
Sailing is truly a team sport.
Members have to pay dues to help pay the coach. If the team wants to compete in international competition, they have to raise the money themselves. Members wrote friends, parents, relatives, local businesses, and yacht clubs. Francis has gained other land-based skills. As captain, she represented URI in the New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association and scheduled all races.