Factfile
Name	Deneen Demourkas
Nation	United States of America
Date of Birth	5 August 1964
Place of Birth	Van Nuys, California, USA
Class sailed	Farr 30
Website	www.groovederci.com/	Twitter	@Groovederci	Click here for a photo gallery

Deneen Demourkas is a Farr 30 sailor through and through. As well as looking after the day-to-day running of the Class as President she is a force to be reckoned with on the race course. In a class dominated by men Demourkas is a talented helmswoman. At the 2013 Farr 30 Worlds in Rhode Island, USA she steered Groovederci to victory and in a nail-biting final race became the first triple Farr 30 World Champion.

Achievements between 31 September 2012 and 31 August 2013

Major achievements

Results
2013 Farr 30 World Champion - skipper of Groovederci
Third consecutive World Champion title in the Farr 30

Q&A

What inspired you to take up sailing?

After an early career in the alpine skiing industry, I moved to Santa Barbara, California where I worked as an outside sales representative for several sporting brand companies. Soon after arriving in Santa Barbara I was invited to go sailing, something I had never tried before. I was immediately enamored with the sport and it quickly became my passion. I haven't looked back since.

What was the first boat you ever sailed and how old were you?

An Andrews 70 at the age of 34

Name your first sailing club

The Santa Barbara Yacht Club

What was the first event you competed in and in what year?

Yachting Cup in San Diego, CA 2000

What are you personal sailing career highlights?

Being the first female helmsman in the Farr 40 Class and finishing 2nd at the 2002 Farr 40 World Championship. The Tour de France a la Voile 2004, we held the lead for seven of the ten stop cities through a month of big breeze, cold and rain. Ultimately finishing 3rd overall, this was a race I am very proud of and will never forget! The three World Championship titles I have won in the Farr 30 Class.

What are your future sailing goals?

To continue to race in One Design classes. To have the opportunity to race an Open 60 in a double handed ocean race. To sail the Transpac. To lead a winning team in the Volvo Ocean Race.

Who has had the greatest impact on your sailing and career and why?

My husband, for giving me the opportunity to compete at the highest level and for always believing in me.

Who is your sailing hero?

The late great Mark Rudiger

What other sports do you enjoy?

I enjoy golf, snow skiing and cycling.

What does being nominated for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards mean to you and how would you feel if you were voted the winner?

Being nominated for the most prestigious award in sailing is a tremendous and truly unexpected honor. To me, this nomination alone means that what I have been able to accomplish in sailing has been understood at the highest level. That is quite an acknowledgement and a tremendous compliment. This nomination, to win this award is not something I ever dreamed of, nor dreamed possible. I am a woman who fell in love with racing these magical boats, the adrenalin rush of competition and the strong camaraderie shared with my teammates and fellow competitors. To have earned their respect has been and is my biggest reward. If I were to win, I would feel very humbled to have my name amongst those of the distinguished past winners of this award.