| Can you explain your role within the team? |
Coach for the 49er Performance squad |
| What’s your sailing background? |
A mix of competition and coaching |
| How did you get involved with the team? |
After I stopped racing myself in 2011 |
| How did you start coaching? |
My first coach was highly inspirational and I thought I had something to offer. |
| Can you explain what a normal day working/coaching for Skandia Team GBR involves? |
Gym with the lads 8 -9, quick brekky – brief sailors on the days focus, either a single 4 hour session or two 2 hour sessions on-the-water. Ashore to upload video and photos, gym with lads 4 – 5pm. Debrief from 5:30 to 6, dinner, then an evening project (sail measurement, boat work, analysis of some kind. Then come to bed about 22:00 (where I am now!) – do an hours admin that turns into two, then fall fast asleep – shattered. |
| What are the differences, if any, involved in your approach to coaching the Development squad to the Performance squad? |
Less leading required, more standing back and offering an alternate opinion if needed. |
| If someone has underperformed what’s the best way to get him or her back on track? |
No one way works, depends entirely on the person and the situation. I am never afraid to deliver harsh realities, the sailors who have performance at the centre of everything don’t care for fluff. |
| If you weren’t in this role what else would you be? |
Trouble |
| Best moment in your career so far? |
Watching Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson sail through the line of the last race of the Olympics in 2008 and bring an almost perfect 18 month campaign to a perfect conclusion. |
| What would you love to do but never have the time or money for it? |
Do work for the Downs Syndrome Charity. |
| Do you follow any other sports? |
Yes, near enough anything played in England. |
| Worst habit? |
Telling people what I really think. |
| What’s your greatest fear or phobia? |
Being late for an important race |
| Name 3 things that are always in your shopping trolley? |
Good – I mean really good Olive oil. Greens, the most expensive tomatoes in the shop |
| What was the last book you read? |
Shantaram |
| Dream holiday? |
With my wife in a campervan having adventures and doing stupid things. |
| What’s your favorite boat to sail? |
Tough decision. 49er or foiling Moth – 49er just shades it as you can share the joy. |