Skipper Profile:

I come from strong sailing stock; my grandfather built yachts for the family in the front yard and my father sailed short-handed halfway around the world before meeting my mother and again taking to the seas for years on end.

After graduating from university I wanted to pursue ocean racing instead of economics and set off for Europe with a bag of sailing gear and a dream. After working in England as a sailing instructor, sail maker and preparateur I made the leap to France after preparing an IMOCA 60 for the 2008 Vendée Globe.

My introduction to solo sailing came in 2009 when I completed the Mini 6.50 warm up races and season highlight, the Charente Maritime-Bahia Mini Transat from France to Brazil. I secured a number of top results in my rookie year but was pushed down to a mid-fleet finish in the Transat due to equipment failure.

For 2010, I am again racing in the Mini series, the highlight of which is the solo Les Sables-Les Acores- Les Sables race.

Born:

New Zealand

Education:

Bachelors degree in Economics and Political Science.

RYA Commercial Ocean Yachtmaster, RYA Cruising Instructor

Accomplishments:

Cycling team manager, sponsorship co-ordinator

Former business owner- Custom titanium bike fabrication

Semi-pro mountain biker