How long have you been sailing and what classes do you compete in?
I currently own and race a Viper 830 - a 27’ sportboat. I started sailing at the age of 6 when my father, who had no sailing experience whatsoever, purchased a brand new, bright orange (!) Contessa 26. So, 44 years and counting.
What boats/classes do you sail?
I grew up racing dinghy classes such as Laser, International 14 and Snipe and progressed to one-design keelboats such as the Melges 24 and Star. Over the years I’ve raced a variety of one-design, IOR, MORC, IRC and PHRF boats of all sizes and types.
What got you into the marine industry?
I was exposed to business by my father who dabbled in the marine business as a foul weather gear distributor and later as a yacht broker. I enjoy representing a product that provides joy and happiness!
What’s your favourite thing about sailing?
It’s such a varied sport that cam be enjoyed for a lifetime on so many different levels. From high performance sport boats, to long distance racing on larger boats to peaceful evening sails with the family… There is really something for everyone.
The Rikki programme feels like a blueprint for re-energising the sport of sailing. It’s a programme built on the belief that sailing should prioritise fun and camaraderie, whilst giving young sailors a pathway to offshore experience on bigger, faster boats.
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