Mark Rushall - a madforsailing profile

What job do you do?
Currently I'm Proctor Brand Manager for Seldén Masts, next month (November 2000) I start managing Hyde Sails new Hamble loft.

If you weren’t doing the job you are, what would you be doing instead?
Sailing or writing. Or sailing and writing.

What other sports do you do outside sailing?
Mountain biking and skiing.

Any other hobbies or interests?
Listening to the cricket. And the Archers of course.

Favourite method of relaxing?
Sailing our wooden cruising boat.

Favourite bar or pub?
The Sussex Brewery. The best sausages in the world.

What inspired you to take up sailing?
My Dad - his sport was cycling, he wanted to give us something we could love for life (he returned to cycling when he retired and still competes on wheels and in his Laser at the age of 72).

Where was your first sailing club?
Lockheed Sailing Club, a 14 acre canal feeder near Napton Junction.

Which class did you first race in?
Cadet.

How did you buy your first boat?
Dad said we could build a canoe if I learnt to swim. I never did so we built a Mirror instead.

Have you ever used a coach?
Only to get to the airport.

Do you have any professional links to the sport?
Only through making and selling sailing equipment.

What’s your most memorable moment in sailing?
Finishing second in the Fireball Worlds crewing for my wife, Liz. What would she have done with a proper crew?

What’s your biggest remaining goal in sailing?
To continue having fun.

How much time do you spend on the water each week?
Between two and ten hours.

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

Who are your Sailing heroes - and why?
Paul Elvstrom and Uffa Fox - read their books and you can only agree how privileged we are to be able to enjoy this fantastic sport.

What is the best excuse you’ve ever made for a poor performance in a race?
Had to go to a friend’s wedding. If it had blown harder the race would have been cancelled.

What is the best excuse you’ve ever heard for a poor performance in a race, and from who?
Don’t know, I've never listened.

What’s your favourite sailing venue?
San Francisco.

What’s the single thing that could most improve the running of championship regattas?
Get rid of the pro/am scams and everyone a chance to sail against the best, and learn from the professionals (we might occasionally give them a run for their money!).

What’s your greatest strength in sailing?
Focus.

What’s your greatest weakness in sailing?
Would it be arrogant to say I’m too modest?

What’s the single most important piece of advice you could give to younger sailors?
Enjoy. If you're not enjoying it, do something else.

Would you rather sail with your friends - or with Russell Coutts?
I only sail with my friends. If Russell wants to be my friend I would love to sail with him.

Who’s the best sailor in Britain?
Ian Walker, but don’t tell him I said so.

Who’s the best sailor in the world?
Paul Elvstrom.

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