I really enjoy being on the water and sailing in strong winds, especially downwind. The feeling you get when a boat is locked and loaded on a plane is hard to compare to anything else. The social part of sailing is also very enjoyable, the majority of my friends are sailors or people who are involved in water sports in some form. And of course the racing part, having a great competitive team and boat is always good fun. You also get a chance to travel the world and meet new people. Now sailing is not only a hobby and passion for me but a job as well.
How did you get started in the marine industry? What do you enjoy most about it?
I grew up sailing from a young age and continued racing into adulthood. When I moved to Vancouver I took all my sailing experience and knowledge and transferred it into my first job in the marine industry. Over the years I continued to learn more about different areas of the sailboat industry such as spars, running and standing rigging, electronic systems and sails. I'm excited to continue that journey with North sails.I love the technical side of things. Selection of the right sails and rigging package can make your time on the water very enjoyable no matter if you're cruising with your family and friends or racing at the highest level. You also never stop learning, the industry always comes up with new materials and technologies and you have to stay on top of the things in order to be at the leading edge of it.
What boats/classes do you sail in?
I began racing Optis and Lasers then made a switch to keelboat racing at the age of 16. For the past 12 years I have raced a wide range of keelboats from J24 to TP 52s. At the moment I am focusing on classes such as Melges 24, Melges 32, Martin 242 and Farr 30. Recently wing foiling caught my attention, I’ve enjoyed getting into it over the past year.
What is your favourite cruising spot and why?
To be honest I don’t cruise that much but I know that the Pacific Northwest is a one big cruising spot in itself. When I do go cruising it is in the area near Vancouver island, which is relatively easy to access and super sheltered. You get to go to a place with few people around and enjoy nature at its best form.
What is your most memorable race and/or regatta?
That’s a hard one. I really enjoyed all the match racing events I've done, especially ISAF Nations Cup Finals. We sailed with a very young team back then and got a ton of experience racing against some tough teams. Also events with the Melges 24 team Sunnyvale. A few of my buddies and I owned a boat and we sailed all sorts of different events starting from PHRF club racing up to North Americans and Worlds.
What are you most looking forward to about joining North Sails?
North Sails is a company with a long history and incredibly talented team behind it. I’m looking forward to learning from the best in the industry and beginning a new chapter in my career. I’m very excited to help our clients to achieve their goals and set them up for success in any type of sailing they are involved in.
The 104-foot (32 meter) Gitana 18 Maxi Edmond de Rothschild was officially unveiled to the public. Innovation abounds in this next generation maxi trimaran pushing boundaries to the next level.
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OLYMPIAN AND WORLD CHAMPION RETURNS TO NORTH SAILS TO SPEARHEAD ONE DESIGN GROWTH ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
North Sails brings Dave Hughes onboard as the new North American One Design Manager. A multi-time Olympian, World Champion, and longtime North Sails collaborator, Hughes brings unmatched experience and passion to the role. His journey with North began at the San Diego loft over 20 years ago, and now, after decades of racing and coaching at the highest levels, he’s back to help shape the future of One Design sailing.
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