About The skipper
CAN
Nationality
Lives: Toronto, Canada
Miles sailed: 80.000+
Group: TBA
Status: Full Entry
Where does your passion for sailing come from?
From my father, a career Navy Carrier Pilot and 1964 Olympic sailor in the Dragon Class who also navigated for Ted Hood. He also created a boat building company, making 40ft cruising boats. From a young age I sailed with him and was surrounded by yachts and sailing.
What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
I have learned a huge respect for the sea and the weather and the importance of good planning and seamanship. At the age of 17 I was thrust into the Watch Officer position aboard a 72′ square-rigged Brigantine, learning about leadership whilst revelling in sailing a ship from the true age of sail.
What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
It suits my character – I am happy in my own company. More than that though, it is the complete challenge that it represents. However, it takes a dedicated support team to realise this challenge. The team element of this project is essential and hugely rewarding.
I am very fortunate to have built a solid, talented team around me to take on the challenge of the GSC. The risk management of this challenge is like no other, but my skydiving career has equipped me well for this side of things.
What prompted you to sign up for this event?
Sailing solo around the world has been a lifelong dream and during the pandemic lockdown I had the opportunity to really apply myself to making it a reality. The loss of some close family members (non-Covid) also made me realise the fragility of life and how I needed to stop dreaming and start doing!
How do you plan to prepare for this event?
Train, train then train some more and become totally familiar with the boat and its range of systems. I have an extensive training programme planned, most of it with a highly experienced coach. Winter training will be in the Caribbean, Spring and early Summer will be in the North Atlantic, including my 2,000 mile solo qualifier. Late Summer we will refit the boat in France, Autumn will be more training and testing and then it will be to A Coruna for the start!
What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
For me personally, I am not looking forward to the food. I have never heard anyone say anything good about any freeze dried food!
Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.
We are buying an “experienced” carbon fibre Open50 that has a proven round the world racing record. She was purpose-built for solo oceanic racing and I am truly excited to understand and realise her potential. More details soon! The name of the boat will be “Phoenix”.
Do you intend to link this personal challenge with a social message?
Most definitely! Phoenix Ocean Racing will be promoting the importance of good mental health. This subject is a true driver for myself, and each member of my team. There are few families unaffected by mental health issues. The partners we expect to secure for the project will also have a focus on good mental health and our messaging from the boat will all relate to this. We will seek to inspire others to care about the mental health of themselves and those around them by following my daily challenges and how I deal with them aboard “Phoenix”.
Sailing experience
I raced at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club: lasers, sprites, Optimists. Some time in 8 metres, some time in Hobie Cats and finally lots of windsurfing. Multiple yacht deliveries for some years. Then skydiving took over and I became an instructor, a coach and won numerous Golds in the 8-man team division. I am a Canadian record holder x 2, with over 3,000 jumps.
About The Boat
Sail Number: TBA
Boat design: TBA
Year built: TBA
Group: TBA
LOA: TBA
Upwind sail area: TBA
Downwind sail area: TBA
Displacement: TBA