James Stagg - a madforsailing profile

What’s your biggest championship win?
It's a relatively small event, but winning the Australia Cup (Match Racing) in 1997, meant a lot to me.

Any other notable regatta wins you’d like to mention?
First in the Mumm 36 class at the 1997 Admiral's Cup (Bradamante) and winning the Tour Voile 2000 (Barlo Plastics).

Where did you grow up?
Hamble.

What job do you do?
Up until ten months ago, I was a full-time sailor, I now work at Farr International UK.

If you weren’t doing the job you are, what would you be doing instead?
God knows!

What other sports do you do outside sailing?
None competitively.

Any other hobbies or interests?
A bad version of golf (on the John Merricks Trust Day).

Favourite method of relaxing?
Hot bath.

Favourite pub or bar?
The Turf Cutters in Boldre, New Forest.

What inspired you to take up sailing?
Initially I was pushed into sailing lessons with a friend of my parents, I lost interest immediately - but a year later I took it up again of my own free will!

Where was your first sailing club?
Hamble River Sailing Club.

Which class did you first race in?
Mirror.

How did you buy your first boat?
I used my Dad's, and then bought my own with paper round , birthday and Christmas money.

Have you ever used a coach?
Yes, more so for the match racing.

Do you have any professional links to the sport?
Yes, I work for Farr International UK.

What’s your most memorable moment in sailing?
A very hard question as there are loads - however, it was good beating the French at the Tour Voile.

What’s your biggest remaining goal in sailing?
To still be young enough to be in the winning crew of a British America's Cup Challenge.

How much time do you spend on the water each week?
Since working at Farr - very little. Before that, the Match Racing Circuit would mean 15 events a year, plus other sailing and training, it would easily amount to 30 weeks of the year competing.

Do you have a sponsor, and if so, who?
No.

Who are your Sailing heroes and why?
I don’t really have one, however I remember being in awe of Peter Blake's successes with Steinlager 1 and then later with Steinlager 2’s victory in the Whitbread.

What is the best excuse you’ve ever made for a poor performance in a race?
Putting a hole in the Committee Boat.

What is the best excuse you’ve ever heard for a poor performance in a race, and from who?
Go to the King and Queen in Hamble - you’ll hear loads there.

What’s your favorite sailing venue?
Fremantle/Perth.

What’s the single thing that could most improve the running of championship regattas?
Keep them short and sweet.

What’s your greatest strength in sailing?
Preparation and wanting to win.

What’s your greatest weakness in sailing?
Probably trying to concentrate on a light air offshore race.

What’s the single most important piece of advice you could give to younger sailors?
Remember your mistakes and try to make them your strengths - but above all, enjoy it.

Would you rather sail with your friends - or with Russell Coutts?
It's got to be with your mates.

Who’s the best sailor in Britain?
Impossible - there is so much talent and the classes of boat and disciplines are too wide spread. Neal McDonald has a vast experience in everything from skiffs to America's Cup boats, I have a huge amount of respect for him.

Who’s the best sailor in the world?
Same again ... but Brad Butterworth knows a thing or two.

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