When my wife Michaele and I began
planning the America’s Cup of
Polo three years ago, we set out to plan the
Superbowl of Polo. It was huge undertaking,
but given our penchant for party planning,
we were up to it. We eventually found a home
for the cup in fall 2006 at Morven Park – but
the greater challenge was that the berms and
the polo fi eld weren’t complete. Through the
greatest team work imaginable – and 20,000
truck loads of dirt – the Americas Polo Cup
fi eld and viewing berms came to be thanks
to great partners and friends at Morven
Park, Charlie Muldoon and Mike Skinner at
Shiffl et & Associates.
It took roughly six months to create the
berms, but the behind-the-scenes planning
took nearly three years. At the same time,
we were busy securing a number of ninegoal
Polo players – which is one the highest
rankings a polo player can have. I captained
the U.S. team, which eventually lost in a hard
fought and entertaining match. However, I’m
sure if I had been spending more time in
the saddle practicing instead of on the phone
organizing, the score would have favored
the U.S. team. I’m sure the British captian,
Debbie Nash would agree, right Debbie?
The day wasn’t about competition. It
was about celebrating America’s diversity,
and giving polo fans, fashion lovers and top
polo supporters from around the world a
chance to enjoy a perfect day in the Virginia
countryside while supporting the Journey
for the Cure Foundation. Italian Ambassador
Castellaneta Giovanni has already told me to
prepare for a tough Italian team to challenge
the U.S. next May. We’ll be ready!.
