Can you explain your role within the team?

I am the Team Manager, ultimately responsible for all aspects of the team’s operation.

What’s your sailing background?

From Scottish Schools Champion in Mirror dinghies, through the UK You th Squad in 420’s and then Olympic Campaigns in the 470 (’92) & Tornado (‘96), to now sailing in the occasional IRC regatta that has seen me winning the Commodores Cup and Cowes Week in the last couple of years.

How did you get involved with the team?

I began work full-time on the RYA Olympic Programme in 1997

Can you explain what a normal day as Olympic Manager involves?

Well, not many days are normal! It can involve a lot of different tasks, from spending time with our sailors, coaches and support staff discussing different aspects of their programmes, to consulting on sponsorship contracts & branding guidelines. Depending on the year of the Olympic cycle this can result in around 200 days a year overseas.

If you weren’t in this role what else would you be?

Presuming I wasn’t an F1 driver, then I would like to be working in F1 or other professional sport.

Best moment in your career so far?

The moment when Percy & Simpson won Skandia Team GBR’s 6th medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

What’s your greatest fear or phobia?

Other than losing, which clearly I am not a great fan of, I am not that keen on snakes.

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

Race cars.

What’s your worst habit?

Not switching off from work to the detriment of my family time.

Name 3 things that are always in your shopping trolley?

DVD’s – I enjoy watching movies. Flowers – to show appreciation to my wife for her continued support. Malt Whisky – you can’t beat a wee dram, and it reminds me of Scotland.

What was the last book you read?

“Winning at all costs!, sporting gods & their demons”, Paul Gogarty & Ian Williams

What’s your favourite boat to sail?

Tornado, although I do quite fancy the VX40!