First boat sailed and where?

On the Salterns which is a pond in Lymington about 5ft deep, the parents used to stand in the middle wearing a drysuit whilst the kids sailed Oppies

Who got you into sailing?

My dad, he is also a professional sailor and although he didn’t force me in, he never had a problem driving my miles around the country for open meeting when I was young (it was a very happy day for my parents when I got my drivers licence!).

Favourite boat?

Probably a Melges32, good all around boats but an incredible fleet and racing in great locations.

Biggest influence in your career to date?

I wouldn’t say that there is just one person. Obviously my dad is a big influence, but then so are all of my other coaches, most noteably Mark Rushall, Chris Draper, Nick Rogers and Joe Glanfield

My worst moment (sailing)?

Sail For Gold 2010, I broke my arm whilst racing on the fourth day. The RIB ride in was excruciating, but luckily because it was a big event I was taken to Dorchester Hospital in no time and was back down to Weymouth that evening with a cast.

My best moment (sailing)?

Winning the 49er Under 21 European championships in Palma 2009

Best sailing venue in the UK?

Falmouth, Lymington, Hayling island, Weymouth

Best sailing venue in the World?

Gran Canaria in Spain or Lake Garda in Italy

If you weren’t a professional sailor what else would you be?

I did a degree in Industrial Design, so I might be involved in that, but I expect if I wasn’t a professional dingy sailor I would be involved in the sport in some other way, in big boats or sail making etc.

How do you progress from a club sailor to an Olympic class sailor?

Being involved with the RYA junior and youth teams when you are young. It is not easy then to progress, you have to remember when you get into an Olympic class that there will be sailors who have been full time for up to 20 years, it takes a lot of hard work and patience to get to the top

What are your greatest passions outside of sailing?

I love all water sports, especially surfing, I’m in the water as much as I can be

Has injury ever prevented you from sailing?

Only a broken arm which put me out for 5 weeks, it was the dullest 5 weeks of my life.

Most expensive sailing accident?

Probably a days training out of Stokes bay in 2010, it was 25kts when we launched but blew up to 50kts for about 30mins. In that time we wrecked all 3 sails and spent a lot of time swimming.

Do you follow any other sports?

Not especially, although I’m watching Wimbledon whilst writing this.

What other sports do you play?

Like I said I love surfing, I also like to play squash, it’s great for fitness, but I don’t really that much time outside sailing

What would you love to do but never have the time or money for it?

Go to the moon

What word or phrase most depicts your personality?

Easy going

Do you have any lucky charms or rituals?

My sailing boats have to be done up properly.

What’s your greatest fear or phobia?

Being bored

Name 3 things that are always in your shopping trolley?

A fresh loaf of bread, Basil, lots of milk.

What was the last book you read? 

E=mc2 by Bryan Roberts

What makes you angry?

Being bored, sitting at home etc.

Dream holiday?

A weeks surfing in the Maldives (before they sink)