GROWING UP IN WALTHAMSTOW

It’s 3am on a bitterly cold night. The wind and rain are lashing my face until it is red raw. Under my waterproofs, the sweat is making my base layer soaking wet, my swollen hands are stinging and my muscles are burning from the exertion of work. Despite all this, it still seems like fun and the feeling when it stops leaves an excited glow.

Who would have thought that the memories of a 15 year old who put out stalls in Walthamstow market would sound like a night in the Southern Ocean?

Q&A

Earliest sporting memory?

Standing on the terraces of Leyton Orient FC with my grandfather. He loved his sport and would watch it for hours. Also the evenings at grandad’s would always be spent playing darts, although I could never beat him or add up the scores faster than him!

Who got you into sailing?

My brother introduced me to the sport after his experiences with the Ocean Youth Club. My passion for sailing grew because of the RYA Crewsearch Trials.

Why a life in sport and if not, what would you have done?

I decided at an early age that I wanted to make my living doing something I was passionate about. I’ve never considered any other career.

The best thing about ocean racing?

No matter what Mother Nature throws at you, you have to get on and deal with it.

Fastest you have ever sailed?

39.86 knots on Kingfisher during the 2003 Jules Verne record attempt. I was gutted we didn’t break 40 knots!

Longest you have been at sea?

40 days: 26 days trying to break the Jules Verne record and 14 days as a delivery crew after the mast broke in the Southern Ocean.

Biggest fear when sailing?

The thought that I might let the other members of my crew down.

Most memorable moment on a boat?

Averaging 25.2 knots over 6 hours in the pitch black on Mike Golding’s Ecover with only 1 other person on deck.

Worst memory?

Having to pull out of the Volvo Ocean Race 2005 with a shoulder injury.

Greatest triumph?

Getting into sailing in the first place, having been brought up in the east end of London.

Sports watched?

I love watching any sport played to the highest level, because I appreciate how much commitment and effort goes into it.

Sports played?

Football, rugby, cricket and kayaking at school. I also boxed for a few years. Since then, I love cycling and swimming and have competed in a couple of triathlons, which I really enjoyed.

Sporting heroes?

Steve Redgrave; staying on top for one year is hard enough, but to do it for 20 + years is just unbelievable. Lance Armstrong for showing that anything is possible.

And sailing icon?

Jasper Bank, who coached us in the Soling. His professionalism and commitment were amazing.

What would you like to achieve before you die?

To continue to follow my passions.