David Howlett
- Date of birth:
- 24 November 1951
- Star sign:
- Scorpio
- Place of birth:
- Wellingborough
- Current Hometown:
- Titchfield
- Nickname:
- Sid
David Howlett has a glorious record in coaching sailors to Olympic success.
Howlett raced the Finn at Montreal 1976 Olympics, but, after missing out on selection for Los Angeles 1984, coached McIntyre and Vaile in 1988 in Seoul. He was back at the Star helm at Barcelona in 1992 with Phil Lawrence. Outside of the Olympics, Howlett raced, coached and won in J24s, Etchells, Melges 32’s, IRC, IOR, IMS, Admirals Cups, Commodores’ and Sardinia cups. He continues to coach Ben Ainslie in what will be their third Olympic cycle together.
David's Q&A Session
| Can you explain your role within the team? |
Coach to Ben Ainslie |
| What’s your sailing background? |
Since 13 in many types of boat |
| How did you get involved with the team? |
Finished 3rd in the 1972 Olympic Games trials in the Finn class |
| How did you start coaching? |
I started in1988 as tune up went on to coach Mike McIntyre and Bryn Vaile to an Olympic gold medal in the Starr class. |
| Can you explain what a normal day working/coaching for Skandia Team GBR involves? |
Total Immersion |
| What are the differences, if any, involved in your approach to coaching the Development squad to the Performance squad? |
I am not involved with the Development Squad, my focus is Ben Ainslie. |
| If you weren’t in this role what else would you be? |
Retired Naval Officer |
| Do you follow any other sports? |
Football (Arsenal FC) and Leicester Tigers Rugby |
| What was the last book you read? |
Engage The Fall and Rise of Matt Hampson |
| Dream holiday? |
DN sailing |
| What’s your favorite boat to sail? |
DN Ice boat |